Shortly after its’ inaugural meeting, the Club would gain sponsorship from Harlequins as in those days, every new club needed to be sponsored by an established National club. However, the most important milestone was our very first match which was played in October 1950 at the Haslemere Recreational Ground, Scotland Lane.

Senior Rugby
Originally established as a Senior club to play in a local league and friendly matches, Haslemere has constantly undergone significant change and reinvented itself over the decades. Starting with just one team, it has grown as a Club catering for all age groups from micros (5 years) to veterans (35+). As a Senior section, we fielded at least five sides at its’ peak during the 80’s and 90’s and even played International fixtures against Sweden and Finland. Although overall interest in playing rugby has changed since then, the Seniors are enjoying a bit of a renaissance through the development of a young adult squad, supported by a committed coaching team. The great news is that Haslemere continues to thrive and participate in a National league (i.e. Surrey 4) and cup competitions with a healthy pipeline of young players stepping up to play Senior rugby.

Micro, Mini & Junior Rugby
In 1962, Haslemere formed a Colts side involving local school boys to play seasonal matches, especially around Christmas time. In order to forge even deeper links with the community, Haslemere started a mini and junior rugby section in 1977, initially run by John Wright. It has since developed into one of the largest mini and junior clubs in the region catering for young people from 5 to 18 years with over 400 active players. Furthermore, age groups have enjoyed plenty of success enabling children to play rugby, hosting a variety of tournaments (e.g. 3 Counties), winning major trophies, producing talented players representing various counties and academies and above all, having fun doing it.

Girl’s & Women’s Rugby
Haslemere has yet to field a complete girl’s or women’s team in a recognised fixture, however, girl’s have been playing in mini and junior age groups for some years and there’s now an enthusiastic ‘rugby touch’ section that continues to grow for players 12 years and above. Also, Haslemere has hosted the England U20 Women’s squad for their training camps which is fantastic recognition of the Club’s intention to promote and develop girl’s and women’s rugby in the region.

Location, Clubhouse & Social
In the early days, the Club played its’ fixtures at the Haslemere Recreational Ground, Scotland Lane until moving to the Woolmer Hill Sports Ground where it still plays today. Just like the playing profile of the Club, facilities at Woolmer Hill have undergone major change and development. The original Clubhouse was first erected in 1978 and comprised wooden changing rooms partitioned by folding doors which could be extended to form a Club room. The overall site was shared by local football, hockey and running clubs and in due course, these would combine to form the Woolmer Hill Sports Club and gain lottery funding for a new Clubhouse.

Socially, Haslemere has always been a very active Club through post-match frivolity, tours, dinners and age group gatherings involving players, coaches, volunteers and alumni alike. The Club has a proud tradition of touring across all age groups and has welcomed many teams from around the World.

The Town & Club Motto (Vita Musis Gratior)
Haslemere is an attractive old country town nestling between wooded hills in the south-west corner of Surrey where it borders onto West Sussex and Hampshire. The town’s name describes hazel trees standing beside a mere (lake). Although the lake does not exist today, there is a natural spring in West Street which could have provided its source. The Club’s motto Vita Musis Gratior (life is more satisfying through the muses or arts) reflects the many cultural activities of the town and its many links with famous artists, authors, poets and musicians. The coat of arms is also used by the town council as well as other local sports clubs.