Durham School's rugby club marks 175th anniversary

The trio will return to Durham School to celebrate the milestone of Durham School Football Club, the world’s fifth oldest rugby club, with matches and a gala dinner on Saturday, October 18.

Generations of players, coaches, and supporters will gather for the event, which will include a double-header of rugby on The Playground, the school's historic pitch in continuous use since 1850.

Alumni Mike Weston went on to represent England(Image: Supplied)

Mark Bedworth, director of sport at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation and a former England Counties player, said: "For over 175 years, Durham School has been at the heart of rugby in the North East, earning the distinction of being the cradle of the game in the region.

"From the late Victorian era to the present day, the School has produced a remarkable number of international players and has been instrumental in helping to found many of the region’s clubs — including Gosforth, which evolved into the first 100% professional rugby club in the world – recently renamed as Newcastle Red Bulls.

An image of a game involving Durham School in 1917(Image: Supplied)

"Rugby at Durham has always been about more than the game itself.

"For generations, the School has helped young people from across the region develop their talent, character and ambition — many have gone on to represent England at schoolboy and full international level.

"It’s a proud tradition that continues to inspire pupils today."

The Durham School team from 1876(Image: Supplied)

The afternoon kicks off at 1pm with a match between Old Dunelmians and Clems Pirates.

The Old Dunelmians side will include Chris Thorp, who last played on The Playground in 1964.

This match will be followed at 2.45pm by a fixture between the school’s 1st XV and a specially selected side of pupils from schools across the UK with whom Durham enjoys long-standing rugby ties.

Durham School versus Northern in 1954(Image: Supplied)

The 1st XV will be captained by Ajay Edwards, a Newcastle Red Bulls and England U18 player.

Several other Academy and county U18 players for both sides mean the game will be of the highest of standards.

Among the guests will be long-serving coach Nick Willings, who was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the RFU at Twickenham.

Headmaster Michael Vallance (left) at the rugby club's 125th anniversary with George Tarn(Image: Supplied)

Mr Willings has coached at Durham School, Durham City RFC, and Durham University, and played a key role in organising the club’s 125th and 150th anniversary events.

Several Old Dunelmians who attended the club’s centenary in 1950 will also be present.

The celebrations will conclude with a gala dinner at Ramside Hall, attended by more than 380 guests, including former RFU president Chris Kelly.

The Durham School XV in 2024(Image: Supplied)

Founded in 1850, Durham School Football Club has played a central role in the development of rugby in the North East and beyond.

The 175th anniversary events are expected to draw crowds of more than 500 and will serve as a tribute to the club’s legacy of teamwork, resilience, and community.

The Durham School rugby XV of 1897(Image: Supplied)