Ray Stephenson, a Rochford Hundred RFC player, was driving past Rochford Primary School a quarter of a century ago and persuaded
rugby coach Chris Richardson to let his son Ryan join the schoolboys’ training. Soon Chris and Ray, joined by Pip Wright and his son Mark, had moved the set up to the club.

At the end of their first season they went on tour to Cornwall, the visitors beating Penryn, Cambourne and St Ives. Many of that team
went on to play senior rugby for the Rochford Hundred first team and 11 of those 12 ‘originals’ were guests of honour at a recent League Lunch before Rochford’s 1st XV played. They also helped to coach some of the 200 strong mini section, assisted by the U15s.

Their legacy is that Rochford have one of the best youth setups in Essex, with many youth players following in their footsteps and playing not only for the club but for also for others, as well and playing representative rugby at various levels.

Youngsters wishing to join are very welcome, with a FREE three week taster of offer. For more information www.rochfordrugby.com

You can read Touchline magazine here.