Club History

The Club's first game, in March 1966, was against a Guildford and Godalming XV. Although leading at half time it was not to be a successful debut. This first Effingham team consisted of players who had never played before on the one hand, to a player who had represented the Royal Navy on the other. From the records it appears that the Clubs first victory was a 19-10 win against a Battersea Ironsides XV on the 29 October 1966.

From here, the Club gradually progressed. The Mini Rugby section was formed in 1975. In 1976, the new changing rooms were opened and a tenth anniversary game against Guildford and Godalming was played. Unfortunately victory yet again eluded the Club. In 1982 the junior section was formed.

By 1986 the Clubroom had been constructed and the occasion was marked by an official opening by the President of Surrey, and a game against a Surrey XV.

The introduction of Leagues into Rugby Union was well received by the Club. However, the decision by Surrey RFU to place Effingham in Surrey Division II was not. The Club, to coin a phrase, put its money where it's mouth was and immediately won promotion to Surrey Division I.

1991 saw the 25th anniversary of the Club and a tour to British Columbia. Although the Club has enjoyed many tours both at home and in Europe, this was the first tour to North America and it certainly lived up to expectations with many firm friendships being formed.

Effingham, in 1996, boasted four senior sides and a vets side. At junior level, the Club was represented at every age group from under 13 to under 18. At mini level the Club was represented at every level from under 6 to under 12. The mini section was the fifth largest group in the South East of England.

In 1996, Effingham reaches into cyberspace with one of the first rugby Club websites.

In the 1996/97 season the 1st XV won promotion from the Surrey 1 league to the London South West 3 league, a major milestone.

At the beginning of the 1997/98 season, the Club changed its name to "Effingham & Leatherhead RFC" and the Club adopted the nick-name "The Eagles".

The 1998/99 season was Effingham & Leatherhead's most successful ever, by winning "the double", of the London 3 South West league combined with the Surrey Cup.  The league win gained the Eagles promotion to London 2.  The Club won the Surrey 7s in 2001.

The Club suffered a set back off the field when a fire destroyed most of the Clubhouse in July 2004. The Club managed to rebuild the Clubhouse so that it was ready for use by the end of 2004/5 season. The Clubhouse is now available for hire to members of the Club and has hosted many events.

The Club found it was a struggle to remain in London 2 and from the 2003/4 season the "Eagles" reverted to London 3 South West where they play currently. This League was renumbered as London South West 2 from the 2009/10 season.

The Club were awarded the RFU's Seal of Approval in September 2007.

July 2009