Rugby Club Issue 63 | Page 94

Richmond FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS BrightSterling your one stop for all your accounting needs. We provide a full range of Taxation, bookkeeping and other accounting andbusiness consulting services. Telephone: 020 8392 1099 Website: www.brightsterling.com | Email: [email protected] Address: 53 Sheen Lane, LONDON SW14 8AB the 1st XV to its current success, improving the league position each year of his tenure. Hill said: “Although the boys are well looked after in terms of coaches, medical and physio support, and the rest, they all have day jobs. So the move up a level is a major step for them, but an opportunity to test themselves in Championship rugby. “But each and every one of them wants it, so I’ve challenged them to give it everything for a period of ten months to see what a squad of part-time rugby players can achieve in a full-time professional league. Peter Moore added: “We’re realistic about our chances and we know it will be tough both mentally and physically, but we genuinely have a great side which will give a good account of itself, and in the true Richmond way, that’s all we ask. “Always remembering that for the players, rugby has to be enjoyed not endured.” Richmond’s History Formed in 1861 and a founder member of both the RFU and the FA, Richmond became one of the first clubs of the professional era in 1996 but were obliged to call in the administrators in 1999 following the withdrawal of the main backer and losses of £5 million. From playing in the Heineken Cup the year previously, a harsh penalty was imposed for the financial 94 Issue 63 collapse which meant the club was removed from the RFU leagues in 1999-2000 and readmitted the following season only at Level 9 – Herts and Middlesex 1. However, four stalwart members banded together and rescued the club by injecting their own money and guaranteeing debt. On the field RFC won 83 consecutive games, and the many bad mismatches proved the absurdity of the punishment, but also propelled the club rapidly up the leagues. In 2002, administration ended and a continuing period of sensible financial control and careful management has meant that Richmond Rugby is today on a firm footing, with major development plans under consideration.