Richmond
Richmond Rugby Club is one of the historic names in English rugby, with a history stretching back to 1861. Based in the leafy surroundings of south-west London, Richmond Athletic Ground is a venue with plenty of traditional character. Unfortunately, some parts of the ground are perhaps a little too traditional for their own good!
Richmond has experienced some remarkable ups and downs over the years, including a spell in the top flight during the professional era before financial difficulties brought the club crashing back down to earth. The club has since rebuilt itself and continues to be an important part of the rugby landscape, although its ground is unlikely to be mistaken for one of the more luxurious venues in the sport.
Getting There and Admission Prices
Richmond Athletic Ground is reasonably accessible by public transport. Richmond railway and Underground station is around a 15–20-minute walk away, with connections to central London and destinations beyond. There are also local bus services, although anyone driving should investigate parking arrangements in advance, as spaces in the surrounding residential streets can be limited.
General admission is £20.00 in advance or £25.00 on the day, with students charged onl £8.00 and under 16's free
One advantage of a visit is the location. Richmond itself is an attractive part of London, with plenty of pubs, restaurants and riverside scenery if you fancy making a day of it rather than simply arriving for kick-off and heading straight home afterwards.
The Ground and Facilities
This is a traditional rugby ground, without the bells and whistles of the modern stadiums that have sprung up around the country. There is something appealing about that, particularly if you enjoy rugby in its more traditional surroundings.
However, the main stand has definitely seen better days. In fact, it looks decidedly tired in places, and the general state of repair leaves something to be desired. A lick of paint would certainly help, although one suspects that a little more than a decorating brush might be required to bring it properly up to scratch.There is a fine line between historic charm and simply looking neglected, and Richmond occasionally crosses it. While there is nothing wrong with retaining an old-fashioned ground, supporters should reasonably expect the basic facilities to be maintained to an acceptable standard.
That said, the setting has a certain appeal. This is a club with a genuine rugby heritage, and the ground feels like a place where the game has been played for generations rather than a modern sporting development that could belong to any club in the country.
Food, Drink and Atmosphere
Do not arrive expecting the extensive catering facilities of a major Premiership stadium. The match-day experience is more straightforward, with food and drink provision reflecting the traditional nature of the club.
It is worth arriving early if you want to enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere before kick-off. As always at rugby grounds, the quality of the occasion depends partly on the opposition, the importance of the fixture and how many supporters turn up.Richmond has the advantage of being a genuine rugby club with a long history, and that gives the experience a different feel from watching a match in a vast modern arena. You are there primarily for the rugby, rather than for an elaborate entertainment package.
The ground might not be the most polished in the country, but traditional rugby supporters will appreciate its straightforward approach. Just don't expect the facilities to compete with those of the better-equipped professional clubs.
The Old Moaner Verdict
Richmond Athletic Ground is a venue with history, character and a traditional rugby atmosphere. There is something to be said for visiting a club that has been part of the sport for so long, and the location makes it easy to combine a match with a wander around one of London's more attractive districts.
Unfortunately, the state of the main stand is a significant drawback. Traditional does not have to mean neglected, and the ground would benefit considerably from some much-needed attention to its ageing facilities.
Nevertheless, Richmond remains an interesting stop for anyone working their way around the country's rugby grounds. It may not offer the comforts of the modern stadium, but it does provide a glimpse of rugby's more traditional side.
Worth a visit for the history and the rugby, but don't expect luxury — and whatever you do, don't look too closely at the main stand!
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