THE OLD ALBANIAN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB (‘OA’s’)

Running at least six senior teams each week, with one of the largest mini and junior sections in the country, and a thriving social membership, all enjoying the finest of facilities both on and off the pitch, things have never been better for the Old Albanian Rugby Football Club (OA’s).

The mens’ first XV are enjoying their fourth, consecutive season in the prestigious, and hugely competitive Powergen London One. Only two other teams in the league have maintained a similar uninterrupted presence over this period.

Meanwhile the first Womens’ XV (‘the Saints’), are consolidating their status in National League 2 after being promoted with a perfect record in 2004/5 and a record points scored differential of 439 points.

For three years now we have been settled into Woollams, our state of the art sporting complex in St Albans, acknowledged as the largest sporting development in Europe during its construction. Regarded by many as the finest amateur sporting venue in the land, Woollams is the choice of Saracens for their ‘A’ team’s home fixtures and has hosted both England u/16 and England RFUW International matches. Indeed the World Cup runners – up are due to return for 6 Nations fixtures against Scotland and France in the New Year.

This is a far cry from the timber WW1 Barrack Hut, our first pavilion acquired in 1924, after a group of far sighted Old Boys of the school with a mutual love of the game (and doubtless an ale or two as well!) got together to form Old Albanian Rugby Club and organized rugby was established in St Albans. OA’s become an open club in 1937 and thereafter go from strength to strength.

Geoff Probyn, an illustrious ‘OA’, goes on to play for England. In 1987 we are selected, with only 2 other Hertfordshire clubs, to form part of the London League Division 2 and in 1998 we celebrate winning the Herts. President’s Cup. In the following year the Old Albanian Sports Association (‘OA Sport’) finally gains planning permission to develop Cheapside Farm and a match against a star studded international XV led by Peter Winterbottom forms the centre-piece of the opening ceremony at Woollams in September 2002.

The move proves to be a great omen for the Club as, in our first season at our new HQ, and in front of a huge home crowd, we win promotion to the London League Division One.

After consolidating our new found status, under a new, experienced coaching team led by Bruce Millar, ex Saracens chief and including Kiwi Barry George and Barbarian Gregg Botterman, player-coach, we are beginning to show our true potential.

This is true for all our teams, whether within an established league structure or not and consistent with the club’s mission; ‘To promote the game of rugby at all levels of ability, across all age groups and for both sexes.’

We continue to recruit both players and social members. For more details on how to join us visit the Club’s website at www.oarugby.com.

November 2006

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Mini & Juniors History