A few weeks ago I was contacted and asked if I'd like to attend the 40th Anniversary of the Richmond Heavies XV. The Heavies have been almost a club within a club at the Richmond Athletic Ground and gave me when I was slightly younger immense fun.
They are part of Richmond FC whose recent history has been difficult but the community spirit within it has seen it climb back to the top having been demoted eight divisions when it went belly-up in 1999 following the advent of professional rugby in 1995.
Anyway, the Lunch yesterday was attended by so many famous and infamous players and the whole day was a joy to behold.
I played for the Heavies in 1983-4-5-6 before injuries to my knees took their toll. I then coached the 1st XV in 1986-87 when we finished Runners Up in Division 2 (as was) but only the top team was promoted. I absolutely loved my time at Richmond (having played against them for Bedford and Bath).
On 12th April, to celebrate their 150th Anniversary, they will be playing the Barbarians.