Celebrating a Centenary of Rugby at Loughborough Grammar School
For years it has been believed that Rugby has been played at Loughborough Grammar School since 1948, meaning that only a few years ago we celebrated its 70th anniversary. LGS Archivist, John Weitzel recently came across an excerpt in the ‘Loughburian’ from February 1922, which proves that Rugby has in fact been played at LGS since 1922, making this year its 100th anniversary.
The Loughburian of February 1922 reports the following: –
“An innovation has been made this term in the sporting activities of the School. The ‘Soccer’ fixture list having been completed, Hockey and Rugby football practices have been held. Great enthusiasm was shown for both games, and, though the rules of ‘Rugger’ presented many difficulties to those who had not played before, and, indeed, had in some cases never witnessed a match, the games have been keenly contested, and a considerable amount of talent has been discovered in both games. Indeed, with further practice, it should be possible to build up teams which will uphold the reputation of the School in these directions as well as in ‘Soccer’ and Cricket.”
As the article above suggests, with practice the Schools reputation in Rugby has certainly grown and is a sport that is fondly remembered by many. However, it wasn’t a quick progression as it was 26 years later when LGS finally had its first Rugby team. In spring of 1948 a small band of enthusiasts marked out a rugby pitch with cricket stumps on the 1st XI soccer field and rugby was re-introduced at the School. Unfortunately, the first match they played in that Autumn against Barrow G.S resulted in a loss of 17-3.
However, Rugby has been successful ever since and over the following years, LGS has seen the sport progress with the times. There have been two significant events in that time. Firstly, when the 1st XV was invited to Sri Lanka to celebrate their rugby centenary in 1978, as this was to be the first major oversees tour.
Secondly, when in 1994 the School sold ‘Ten Acre’ with its three muddy pitches – two on a slope – and wooden pavilion and moved to the purpose-built playing fields at Quorn, with six top quality pitches and an imposing pavilion.
It’s exciting to see the progression of Rugby and what it is like today. You can read more about rugby at LGS today here: Rugby (lsf.org)
Rugby has been such an integral part of so many Loughburians experiences at school. We want to celebrate this anniversary by hearing about your Rugby memories and stories from your time at LGS. Please send us your memories to alumni@lsf.org
