Hundreds of people gathered to celebrated 175 years of rugby history at Durham School - one of the oldest clubs in the world.
Durham School Football Club, the fifth oldest rugby club in the world, marked the milestone with a day of festivities on Saturday, October 18.
More than 600 spectators and 100 players attended the school's Playground pitch to join the celebrations. Hundreds gathered at Durham School to celebrate 175 years of rugby heritage, honouring Durham School Football Club—the fifth oldest rugby club in the world.
The day began with a veterans’ match between the Old Dunelmians and touring side Clem’s Pirates, featuring former Durham School players including current director of sport Mark Bedworth.
The main event saw Durham School’s 1st XV take on a Schools Barbarians team made up of players from schools with long-standing rugby connections to Durham.
The home side edged a thrilling contest 27–22 in front of a lively crowd.
The teams were coached by all four of the school’s current and former directors of sport, covering a span from 1967 to the present day: Nick Willings, Paul Gerrard, Ben Mason, and Mark Bedworth.
They were supported by coaching staff and several Old Dunelmians who have represented England, including Garath Archer, Michael Young, and Michael Stephenson.
The sporting celebration continued into the evening with a sold-out anniversary dinner at Ramside Hall Hotel, attended by 390 guests.
Guests included former players dating back to the club’s 100th anniversary season in 1950–51 and the current 1st XV.
Former Rugby Football Union president Chris Kelly addressed the dinner, reflecting on Durham’s rich rugby legacy.
He recalled meetings with some of the school’s most distinguished players such as Sir Carl Aarvold (England 1928–33), Mike Weston (England 1960–68), and more recent internationals Garath Archer (England 1996–2000) and Geoff Parling (England 2012–15).
Richie Salkeld, former president of the Old Dunelmian Society, delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Bow rugby coach Charlie Adamson.
Former directors of sport Nick Willings (1967–96) and Paul Gerrard (1996–2025) were given standing ovations for their decades of service to the school.
The evening concluded with a speech from current 1st XV captain Ajay Edwards.
Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and supporters, the day raised more than £4,000 toward a new electronic scoreboard for The Playground.
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A spokesman for the event said: "A huge thank you goes to everyone at Durham School, the Old Dunelmian Society, the RFU, ESRU, Ramside Hall, A690 Motors, and all other supporters and sponsors for helping make the day such a memorable success."
Founded in 1850, Durham School Football Club began playing under rugby rules.
Durham School itself was founded in 1414 by Bishop Thomas Langley and moved to its current site in 1844.
The 1st XV is set to continue its season with a National Cup fixture at home on Wednesday, November 5.
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