East Grinstead Rugby Football Club

East Grinstead RFC is a rugby union club based in East Grinstead, West Sussex. The first XV (G-Force) played in National League 3 London & SE for three seasons, until 2015–16, a level five league in the English rugby union system. For season 2016–17 the club has voluntary dropped five leagues to Sussex Spitfire 1 following the resignation of the main sponsor.^[3] In addition to G-Force, East Grinstead run a second XV "Storm", a women's XV, and a range of junior and senior teams.

History

The club was founded in 1929 by Brian Desmond.^[1] The current clubhouse at Saint Hill was built in 1997.^[4] The club was incorporated as a company in 2009.

In the 2011–12 season, G-Force played in the London 2 South East division (a level 7 division), which they won,^[5] gaining promotion to London 1 South. In 2012–13 season they were undefeated and won promotion to the national leagues.^[6]

Honours

1st Team:

• London Division 3 South West champions: 2009–10
• London Division 2 East champions: 2011–12
• London Division 1 South champions: 2012–13

3rd Team:

• Sussex Asahi 2 East champions: 2012–13

Sunshine Sevens

Since the 1950s, East Grinstead have hosted an annual Rugby Sevens tournament, which raises money for children's charities.

References