A Brief History

The Clubs first game, was in March 1966, 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 Godlaming 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 it's money where it's mouth was and immediately won promotion to Surrey Division I.

1991 saw the 25^th 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 now boasts four senior sides and a vets side, at junior level we are represented at every age group from under 13 to under 18, at mini level we are represented at every level from under 6 to under 12. The mini section is currently 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 1^st 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 it's name to "Effingham & Leatherhead RFC" and we intend to promote the club under the nick-name "The Eagles"

The 1998/99 season was Effingham & Leatherhead's most succesful 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.  However, it was a struggle to remain in that division and for the 2003/4 season the "Eagles" reverted to London 3 South West.

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