7 Oct 2019
Loughborough Rugby reveals plans for centenary year
Loughborough Rugby has outlined a series of celebratory events to mark its centenary during the 2019/2020 academic year.
As part of the anniversary, Loughborough University will play host to Exeter University at Richmond FC’s Athletic Ground in Round 5 of British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Super Rugby, with kick off at 7pm.
The showpiece match takes place on Wednesday 30th October, with entry priced at £5 per person. Pre-booking is required and can be accessed by visiting here.
In addition to the live game in London, several reunion lunches will also be hosted on campus, providing former players and staff the opportunity to reconnect and reminisce about their rugby days at Loughborough University.
Each lunch will be split into the relevant decade, starting with the 1960s through to the 2010s. This will include a two-course pre-match lunch at Martin Hall, followed by tickets to watch the National 2 North fixture scheduled for that day, kicking off at 2pm.
The dates have been confirmed as follows:
- 60s Reunion Lunch - Saturday 19th October 2019
- 70s Reunion Lunch - Saturday 16th November 2019
- 80s Reunion Lunch - Saturday 30th November 2019
- 90s Reunion Lunch - Saturday 25th January 2020
- 00s Reunion Lunch - Saturday 29th February 2020
- 10s Reunion Lunch - Saturday 4th April 2020
Those looking to register their interest for the lunches can do so by visiting here.
John Steele, Executive Director of Sport, Loughborough University, said:
“It is with great pride and excitement that we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of Loughborough Students Rugby. The club occupies a unique and special place in the history of the game in this country and it has produced world-class players and performances through the decades, and its name is synonymous with fast, attacking rugby.
“The club has had to adapt and evolve as the landscape of rugby has changed, but it has preserved its strong values and passion for our great game. We owe a debt to the generations of players, coaches, support staff and volunteers for their tireless commitment that has made Loughborough Students Rugby what it is today.”
The celebrations will be focussed around the Men’s centenary which also coincides with the Women’s 40th season. Loughborough Rugby welcomes engagement from both Men and Women's teams from yesteryear.
Loughborough University has also produced a limited-edition commemorative rugby shirt for the occasion, made with the support of Loughborough Sport kit supplier, Kukri.
Based on the iconic maroon shirt worn throughout the 1970s and 1980s the cotton shirt includes the Centenary logo embossed on the sleeve. Buyers can also choose their preferred number to be printed on the back. Only 100 shirts have been produced and they can be purchased here.