Welcome to Old Albanian RFC 1st XV
2023/24 sees Old Albanian RFC 1st XV celebrating it’s 14th straight season in the “National Leagues”, having been promoted to National League Two South in 2009/10.
The intervening years has seen the club’s senior most side spend several years in National League One and establish itself as a regular at level.
We’ve also had a wide range of players and coaches grace the Woollams turf during that time, ranging from home-grown talent through to world class internationals thanks to our links to Saracens RFC’s Academy.
As we approach our centenary year we look forward to tackling another challenging and rewarding season. If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch today at [email protected]
2023/24 Season Preview
It feels like we’ve blinked and we’re no longer at the end of 22/23 season but the start of the 23/24 edition! Despite what feels like an all too short break, a huge amount of work has been going on behind the scenes while we’ve been away from Woollams and thanks must go to all those that have worked tirelessly to ensure we’re in the best shape possible this September.
The 1st XV return to life in National League Two East, the Romans to a newly formed largely Herts-based Merit league that is trying to provide stiffer competition than in recent years and the Grizzlies compete in HMMT’s Merit South West league.
Within the 1st XV the coaching group has seen some changes. Dan George enters his third season as Head Coach and now has Paddy Gill, Sam Townsend, Josh Drauiniu and Eddie Panting. Alongside his role as Romans Head Coach, Eddie will continue as Youth Director of Rugby working alongside the Minis & Juniors to support the coaches and players as they develop through the club.
From the playing side we’ve said goodbye to a number who’ve moved on or retired but are delighted that the majority of the squad have committed to us for the 23/24 season. We’ve also worked hard to add to and strengthen the squad and are excited to see how the team comes together through the season.
We kick off our campaign this year with a trip to Bury St Edmunds, followed by hosting old rivals Henley on the 2nd and 9th September respectively. Both the Romans and Grizzlies also have full fixture lists too, so get down to the club and support the boys!
First home team game this coming Saturday 9th playing against Henley Hawks, it is going to be hot and dry so we can expect to see some fast flowing rugby and it should be great to watch.
Get your tickets from the club shop now.
Season Preview
We're back! Although it feels like we never left with preseason starting back in June, the league campaign is now upon us.
This season sees a major change to National League Two. Following a lengthy review process into the structure of the game in England, player welfare and competition a range of changes have been made this season. The main impact for Old Albanians is that National League Two has been split into three regions with 14 teams in each. Old Albanians has been placed into National League 2 East and will face; Barnes, Blackheath, Bury St Edmunds, Canterbury, Dorking, Guernsey, Henley, North Walsham, Rochford, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge Juddians, Westcliff, Worthing.
The coaching and management team has also had a shake up during the off season. The team for 2022/23 is as follows:
Director of Rugby - James Osborn
Head Coach - Dan George
Attack Coach - Gareth Hatherley-Hurford
Skills Coach - Greg Lound
Defence Coach - Mike Smith
Assistant Forwards Coach / Joint Romans Head Coach - Justin Coleman
Joint Romans Head Coach - Eddie Panting
1st XV Managers - Paul Adams & Simon Atkinson
Head of Medical - Jordan Harris
Lead Physiotherapist - Lucy Day
Sports Therapist - Zoe Burrows-Smith
Sports Therapist Intern - Megan De-Fransz
We've also been busy with player recruitment and retention and although a small number of players have retired or moved on, we're delighted that the majority of the squad has re-signed. We also welcome a number of new faces to the squad who will add a mixture of depth, quality and experience.
We're thrilled to announce that Ashley Illston has been made 1st XV Captain, with Elliot McPhun as Vice Captain. The full squad list is below:
Alex Noot
Alex Ricci
Andrew Nurse
Ash Willing
Ashley Illston (C)
Bailey Thomas
Ben Alexander
Caswell Sparks
Chris Napier
Connor Morris
Elliot McPhun (VC)
George Kingswell-Watts
George Middleton
Greg Lound
Harry Legg
Harry Samuel
Harvey Crighton
Jacob Knibbs Jacques-Edouard Prax
James McCallum
Jarryd Sage
Jeff Fisher
Jesse Benson
Joe Terry-Brown
John Kenward
Jordan Butcher
Jordan Evans
Kadeem Collins
Kaleem Niazi
Kay Minkiewicz
Kaz Henderson
Kemp Price
Kev Raqio
Lewis Melton
Matt Harris
Matt Ramzan Mattea Mengotti
Michael Hogan
Mike Bond
Mthulisi Mvubu
Nathan Mitchelow
Ollie Brown
Ollie Critchley
Rhys Verley
Sam Jones
Samson Adejimi
Sean Aherne Smith
Tobias Elliot
Toby Evans
Tom Stileman
Will Curtis
Zaki Chamnaoui
Re-signed players / New Players
We open our campaign with the longest away trip of the season, Guernsey, before welcoming Henley to Woollams. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
Management
Paddy Gill
Attack Coach
Sam Townsend
Coach
Josh Drauniniu
Coach
Eddie Panting
Coach
Max Moores
Coach
Paul Adams
Team Manager
Zoe Burrows-Smith
Physio
Squad
Alex Ricci
Back
Ali Gibbs
Forward
Andrew Nurse
Back
Ashley Illston
Forward
Bailey Thomas
Back
Ben Alexander
Forward
Charlie Fleckney
Forward
Elliot McPhun
Back
George Kingswell-Watts
Forward
Greg Lound
Back
Harry Legg
Back
Harry Samuel
Forward
Haydn Barnes
Forward
Jacob Knibbs
Forward
Jarryd Sage
Back
Jon Hill
Forward
Jordan Butcher
Forward
Jordan Evans
Back
Josh Drauniniu
Back
Kaz Henderson
Back
Kennedy Sylvester
Forward
Kemp Price
Forward
Matt Harris
Forward
Mike Bond
Forward
Mike Hogan
Back
Ned Hawker
Forward
Ollie Brown
Back
Rhys Verley
Forward
Sam Jones
Back
Sam Stirling
Forward
Sean Bundy
Forward
Seb Mummery
Forward
Seyi Ajeigbe
Back
Stan Giani
Back
Stef North
Forward
Stephen Hihetah
Back
Tony Ponsford
Forward
Will Curtis
Forward
Zaki Chamnaoui
Forward
There are no fixtures currently available for this team.
First XV
Tonbridge Juddians
Esher
First XV
Dings Crusaders
First XV
First XV
Henley Hawks
Hinckley RFC
First XV
First XV
Dings Crusaders
Westcliff
First XV
First XV
Barnstaple
Esher
First XV
First XV
Leicester Lions
Guernsey
First XV
First XV
Barnes
Canterbury
First XV
First XV
Hinckley RFC
Worthing Radiers
First XV
First XV
Redruth
Bury St Edmunds
First XV
Rochford Hundred RFC
First XV
First XV
Clifton
Dings Crusaders
First XV
First XV
Westcliff
Barnstaple
First XV
First XV
Esher
Leicester Lions
First XV
First XV
Guernsey
Barnes
First XV
Canterbury
First XV
First XV
North Walsham
Rochford Hundred RFC
First XV
First XV
Henley Hawks
First XV
Wimbledon RFC
Worthing Radiers
First XV
First XV
Dorking
First XV
Sevenoaks
First XV
Guernsey
20 May 2024
Centenary Charity Summer Ball
Click to buy your tickets today!
25 Apr 2024
Old Albanian RFC Centenary Launch
In 1924, a group of former pupils united by their love for rugby and established the OARFC.
25 Mar 2024
Saints 2nds book their place at Twickenham
Saints 2nds book their place at in the final of the Women's Intermediate Cup Twickenham (12th May)
02 Dec 2023
1st XV vs Guernsey POSTPONED
Unfortunately following an RFU pitch inspection today’s match against Guernsey has been postponed.
The scheduled Chris
06 Sep 2023
1st Home Match - 23/24
This weekend sees the 1st XV kick their season off against Henley Hawks in our first home match of the new season in National Leagu
02 Sep 2023
1st XV 2023/24 Update
It feels like we’ve blinked and we’re no longer at the end of 22/23 season but the start of the 23/24 edition! Despite what fee
19 Aug 2023
OAs vs Bishop's Stortford
OA's Mens' launch the 23/24 season!
09 Aug 2023
OA Centenary Ball
OARFC Centenary Ball, 29th June 2024
At Woollams, watch this
20 Jan 2023
Westcliff Postponed, Lunch Still ON
** 1st vs Westcliff postponed, pre-match lunch STILL ON. **
21 Dec 2022
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to everyone at Old Albanian RFC!
09 Sep 2022
Fixtures following the Queen's passing
Following the sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we have received guidance from England Rugby that fixtures this weeken
26 Aug 2022
2022 Ali Mills Cup
1st XV vs Harpenden, KO 7.45pm @ Harpenden.
Romans fixture at home to Hemel has been CANCELLED.
24 Jun 2022
Adrian Tominey
It’s with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of our former President Adrian Tominey.
Adrian was a long
17 May 2022
OA's host 1st Herts Youth Cups since Lockdown
OA’s are delighted to confirm that they were able to organize and host the Herts Youth Cup finals and it was great that after 2 d
05 Apr 2022
Leicester Lions 35 Old Albanian 14
Statistics, as we know, can be made to prove anything. But one of the more interesting numbers emerging from this match was the num
Car Parking at Woollams 3rd to 14th April
The main car park at Woollams is being used by Netflix as a base location whilst they film at Chidwickbury during the above period.
04 Apr 2022
Early Kick Off for Guernsey Match
The match at home to Guernsey on Saturday 9th April will kick off at 2:00pm to fit in with their travel arrangements.
The pr
28 Mar 2022
Old Albanian 31 Esher 40
Old Albanian Head Coach Dan George, a participant for much of the second half, pronounced himself disappointed that the result had
15 Mar 2022
Barnstaple 12 Old Albanian 36
A five hour drive does not well prepare one for possibly the worst first half of rugby in recent memory. But the vicious wind which
06 Mar 2022
Old Albanian 14 Westcliff 18
Westcliff will probably say they have underperformed many times this season and this may account for their lowly league status. Thi
28 Feb 2022
Dings Crusaders 46 Old Albanian 41
Lets get the grumpy stuff out of the way first.
Too often Albanians approach a situation in a game with a certain amount of
21 Feb 2022
Old Albanian 7 Clifton 52
When a tight head prop scores a hattrick these days he receives congratulation rather than the opprobrium he would have encountered
15 Feb 2022
Rochford 27 Old Albanian 31
There is, these days, normally a surprise in store when watching OAs. This week onlookers watched a demonstration of, ultimately, w
08 Feb 2022
Bury St Edmunds 44 Old Albanian 43
There should be another statistic in the headline: namely the number of needless mistakes perpetrated by both sides last Saturday.
05 Feb 2022
Three Former Old Albanians Start for England
Former OAs Maro Itoje, Nick Isiekwe and Max Malins are all in the starting lineup for England in the Calcutta Cup match at Murrayfi
31 Jan 2022
Old Albanian 21 Redruth 28
Were it not for stubborn Albanian defence throughout Redruth would have amassed a cricket score at Woollams.
Were it not for
25 Jan 2022
Worthing 31 Old Albanian 7
The writing was probably on the wall in the first 5 minutes when the visitors butchered a credible attacking chance in the hosts’
23 Jan 2022
Herts Youth Cup - Results and Fixtures
All results and fixtures are on the Hertfordshire Web Site – https://hertsrugby.co.uk/herts-comps/#JBC
16 Jan 2022
Old Albanian 26 Hinckley 28
It was said at the prematch lunch that Hinckley like to give their opponents a handy lead before taking command; the match transpir
11 Jan 2022
M&J Lunch is Sold Out
With 140 tickets sold, Saturday’s lunch before the Hinckley game has sold out.
Well done to all the M&J age groups
Canterbury 3 Old Albanian 12
Neither side took the obvious option of using the wind and slope to advantage in a match which should have been dominated by both e
06 Jan 2022
Herts Youth Cup Draw
Under 14 Cup
Chess Valley v Hemel
BS A v Harpenden A
Tring v OAs A
Hertford v Barnet A
Under 14
17 Dec 2021
Bury Match Postponed
Old Albanian’s game at Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 18th December has been postponed. It is yet another casualty of the covid
13 Dec 2021
Old Albanian 19 Barnes 35
As is often the case in OA’s roller-coaster season a good performance (as last week) is followed by something which leaves mu
06 Dec 2021
Guernsey 7 Old Albanian 38
Elliott McPhun scored two tries for the second week running as Old Albanian romped to a bonus point win in the Channel Islands. Unl
29 Nov 2021
Old Albanian 14 Leicester Lions 16
The wind blew straight from the Ural Mountains during this furiously contested match and both sides will wonder why they didn’
23 Nov 2021
Saints Double Header
Sunday at Woollams was certainly a day to remember. A day to both make and celebrate history, as OA Saints new and old came togethe
Esher 41 Old Albanian 21
Recent results, media reports and conversations with mutual opponents have indicated that the men from Surrey are, to say the least
14 Nov 2021
Old Albanian 45 Barnstaple 21
This was a match which put Albanians in a stronger position than they had enjoyed before. Yet it took a full hour of intense acti
01 Nov 2021
Westcliff 0 Old Albanian 89
Probably nobody likes to preside over a mismatch but the truth is you can only play what’s in front of you and most of what f
26 Oct 2021
Dings Match Report
Neither side seemed to have any particular game plan to take this pulsating match by the throat so
17 Oct 2021
Clifton 32 Old Albanian 33
Morgan Thompson’s one handed chargedown of Jack Lloyd’s third conversion attempt of the afternoon ultimately settled matters in
10 Oct 2021
Old Albanian 21 Rochford 22
A worthwhile journey from Essex for Rochford Hundred as fly half Sam Cappaert kicked a penalty in injury time from OAs’ thirty me
06 Oct 2021
Early Start for Memorial Lunch
Memorial Lunch (1215hrs for 1245hrs sit-down)
On Saturday It will be 565 days since the 23rd March 2020
04 Oct 2021
Redruth 22 Old Albanian 21
It’s a very long way to go only to return with a solitary bonus point but Albanians were just three minutes away from a famous vi
27 Sep 2021
Worthing Match Report
It does not do to be over confident or complacent in a sporting situation. It also does not help matters, when you are under the co
20 Sep 2021
Hinckley 26 Old Albanian 32
It would be kindest to the selection team to say there were several changes to the side this week as Albanians continued their succ
12 Sep 2021
Old Albanian 29 Canterbury 21
Naturally, after the sad events at Dry Leas last week, proceedings started with a minutes silence in memory of Henley’s David Hyd
06 Sep 2021
Buddy an OA player season 2021/22
BUDDY AN OA PLAYER 2021/22
The new season is just around the corner and, with the help of our loyal support
Henly Hawks 19 Old Albanian 25
It should have been a joyous occasion for Old Albanian, the visitors to Dry Leas on a day perfect for the League re
03 Sep 2021
11/09/21 Canterbury & Bruce Millar Lunch
Bruce Millar will be the guest of honour at the lunch preceding our first home match of the season against Canterbury on Saturday 1
03/09/2021 - 2021/22 Squad Announcement
After 18 long months we’re delighted to be back to competitive matches, starting with a trip to Henley. Behind the scenes the
01 Sep 2021
Away to Henley
Our first league match of the season is on Saturday 4th September away to Henley. The kick off is 3pm.
Old Albanian 38pts Harpenden 14pts
A pleasant Autumn evening attended rugby’s return to Woollams after an absence of a season and a half and the two sides attended
13 Aug 2021
Harpenden match at Woollams on Friday August 27
Our final friendly before the season starts is at home to near neighbours Harpenden with the kick off at 7.30pm.
There is no
12 Aug 2021
Rosslyn Park Cancelled
The friendly match at Rosslyn Park on Saturday 14th August has been cancelled due to an outbreak of covid in the OAs squad. Five pl
09 Aug 2021
OAs away to Rosslyn Park 14/8/21
OAs first XV continue their preparations for the new season with a trip to National 1 side Rosslyn Park on Saturday.
The Kick
02 Aug 2021
Watch the Lions Series Decider
The deciding test in the series will be shown in the clubhouse on Saturday 7th August. The kick-off is at 5.00 pm but the bar and f
02/08/2021 - TJs Game Cancelled
Unfortunately the preseason game against Tonbridge Juddians, due to have been held on the 7th August has been cancelled.
16 Jul 2021
16/07/21 - Return of Rugby to Woollams
The first weekend of league action for the 2021/22 season will be 4th September with the 1st XV taking a trip to Henley, to see the
05 Jul 2021
2021/22 - Pre-Season Underway
With all the caution and apprehension of stepping on a zebra crossing on a busy road, knowing it should be safe for us to move full
01 Jul 2021
01/07/2021 - TJs Up First in Preseason
OAs 1st XV will kick off the preseason fixtures for the 21-22 season with a match away at Tonbridge Juddians on 7th August.
19 Oct 2020
2020/21 Season Preview
By mid-October in most seasons we’d be 6 weeks into league campaigns, seeing the benefit of pre-season and getting ready for
01 Jul 2020
01/07/2020 - Calorie Challenge
In mid-June what started out as being a few members of the Men’s 1st XV having a bit of friendly competition snowballed into
14 May 2020
14/05/2020 - Ali Mills
It is with great sadness that the Club announces the passing of Ali Mills, a man whose stature belied a great heart and a giant per
17 Apr 2020
THANK YOU!
At this testing time we’d just like to add a THANK YOU from all of us at Old Albanian RFC to all
16 Mar 2020
16/03/2020 - CORONAVIRUS STATMENT
With the situation relating to Coronavirus worsening by the day, we wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the situation at OAs.
07 Feb 2020
Match Programme Online Now
Our Online Match Programme is now live.
30 Jan 2020
OA players recognised by England and NCA Rugby
It has been a very positive January for the men’s first XV, with three victories and only a narrow defeat against Taunton pre
20 Dec 2019
21/12/2019 - 1st XV vs Leicester Lions POSTPONED
Unfortunately due to the recent heavy rain the 1st XV match vs Leicester Lions on Saturday 21st December has been postponed until t
16 Aug 2019
16/08/2019 - And we're off!!
The season starts this weekend with our first game against Bishop's Stortford!
19 Jun 2019
19/06/19 - Socious Sports
Club statement on OAs link to Socious Sport and Out of Season Training Courses
08 Jun 2019
Trevor Hickey
The club sadly has to announce the passing of Trevor Hickey.
10 May 2019
10/05/2019 - AGM Update
Many thanks to those of you that attended this year's AGM last night. Here's a quick update from the meeting...
01 May 2019
Join OAs for 2019/20
Are you looking for a Rugby Club for 2019/20 and beyond? Join OAs today!
22 Apr 2019
22/04/2019 - Thank You
As we reach the end of a fantastic season that for some started way back in July of last year we wanted
10 Apr 2019
10/04/2019 - Nigel Seale
With great sadness, OARFC has to advise that Nigel Seale died at his home in Henley early this morning with Jenny & his Family
02 Feb 2019
02/02/2019 - Matches Postponed
Unfortunately, matches today have been postponed, but the Former Players Lunch and 6 Nations Games are still on at Woollams.
03 Jan 2019
05/01/2019 - VPs Lunch
Details for our VPs lunch this weekend ahead of the match vs Barnes
26 Oct 2018
03/11/2018 - OA Sport Fireworks
On the 3rd November, Woollams will host the annual OA Sport Fireworks!
18 Oct 2018
18/10/2018 IHS Markit Sponsorship Renewed
Old Albanian RFC are delighted to confirm the extension of our relationship with IHS Markit as the club's main sponsor.
05 Sep 2018
Old Albanians Launch the OAs Academy
Over the last 10-15 years, OAs has risen up to the National Leagues, grown the junior section of the club to nearly 1,000 players a
04 Sep 2018
Join us for lunch ahead of Bury St Edmunds
After a 59-5 victory over newly promoted Guernsey, alongside a good showing in a tough triple-header vs Hemel Hempstead, we now mo
28 Aug 2018
Join us for the first league match of the season
Saturday 1st September sees Old Albanian’s 1st XV kick off their bid for an immediate return to National League One with a ho
03 Aug 2018
1st XV Pre-Season Update
We have been delighted with how the first few weeks of pre-season have gone, with excellent quality and application in what we are
15 Jun 2018
1st XV Squad for 2018/19
As we get ready for the start of pre-season we can now confirm the make up of our 1st XV Squad for 2018/19.
05 Jun 2018
OAs Squad prepared for National 2 Campaign
A tough year sees us starting the 2018/19 season in National League Two South, hoping to bounce straight back up...
04 May 2018
Congratulations to OAs 1st XV players
Six OA 1st XV players have been provisionally selected for Herts RFU squad for 2018 County Championship campaign matches v Kent 5th