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Devonport Services R.F.C.

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Devonport Services Rugby Football Club is an English rugby union team based in Plymouth, Devon. The club was originally called United Services Devonport and had their first recorded match back in 1904.[2] Devonport Services play their homes games at the Rectory Field and their strip and club colours are dark blue and red. They are currently competing in National League 2 West, a tier 4 league of the English rugby union league system, following their promotion from Regional 1 South West at the end of the 2023–24 season.

Devonport Services R.F.C.
Full nameDevonport Services R.F.C
UnionRoyal Navy Rugby Union
Nickname(s)The Sporting Blues. Given in 1909.
Founded1904; 120 years ago (1904)
LocationPlymouth, Devon, England
Ground(s)The Rectory Field (Capacity: 2,000[a])
ChairmanCaptain Ben Stafford RN
PresidentCdr Peter Coulson CBE.RN retd
Coach(es)Ben Russell, Rikki Bentham
Captain(s)Mr Matt Gregory Esq
League(s)National League 2 West
2023–24Promoted from Regional 1 South West (champions)
Team kit
Official website
www.pitchero.com/clubs/devonportservices

Current club

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Once open to the members of the British Armed Forces only, the rules were relaxed in 1994 when the youth teams joined the club, therefore allowing civilians to play alongside serving armed forces players. However, the club rules stipulate that at least 50% of the club's senior squad playing must be members of the Armed Forces - mainly from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.[3] As well as first team the club runs 2nd and 3rd teams, colts, and the occasional Vets team. There are also multiple youth teams for boys (7-16) and girls (15-18).

 
Inside Rectory Field, home of Devonport Services RFC.
 
View of Rectory Field taken from outside of the ground.

History

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Early beginnings

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Although the beginnings of the club are hazy they were certainly established during the first decade of the 20th century. The team, then known as United Services Devonport, was initially open to officers of the British Armed Forces, with the first recorded match being on 1 October 1904 when Services played out a 2–2 draw against Plymouth RFC (a parent club of Plymouth Albion) in front of a crowd of 6,000. During the early stages of the club the team did not perform particularly well until 1912 when the club opened its playing membership to other ranks in the military and results improved dramatically.[2]

The first mention of the club using the current name of Devonport Services with any regularity was around 1910/1911, although occasionally the press covering games would call them United Services leading to a degree of confusion. In 1912 the club got given its nickname "The Sporting Blues" by the South Wales Echo who used this name as part of their headline when covering the Services game away to Swansea.[2] The Services initially played home games at Keyham, owned by the RNEC but during 1920s they moved to the Rectory Field in Devonport. The Rectory Field had previously been occupied by Devonport Albion, who were the strongest side in Devon during the early 20th century, but the ground was sold for £6,500 to the Navy in 1920. In the same year Devonport Albion merged with Plymouth RFC to form Plymouth Albion and subsequently moved to Beacon Park. In 1928 the Rectory Field was procured by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Sports Control Board who rented it out to Devonport Services who have remained there ever since.

Postwar years

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During World War II the Rectory Field was destroyed by fire due to Luftwaffe bombing raids, leaving only a small section of stand considered safe enough for spectators. The post war years would see the Rectory Field rebuilt, leaving Devonport Services without a home ground for several years. By 1948 the damaged main stand was rebuilt and space for around 1,200 supporters, while additional facilities such as separate changing rooms and a bar were added and a second stand was also added - leading to the ground becoming known as the “Twickenham of the West”.[4] After being rebuilt the Rectory Field had a capacity of around 7,000 - which was the largest recorded attendance when the Combined Services played the All Blacks on the 30 November 1993.[5]

Up to present day

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As well as hosting the All Blacks, the early 1990s were a successful time for the club as they won back to back league titles by winning Devon League 1 in 1992, followed by Tribute Cornwall/Devon in 1993.[6] They spent four seasons in Western Counties West before being relegated in 1999.[7] In 2003 Devonport Services won promotion by winning the Tribute Cornwall/Devon for the second time.[8] Once again they enjoyed a number of seasons in Western Counties West until 2005 when a torrid season saw the go down in last place which just one league win all season.[9] This relegation was short-lived as Services came second in Tribute Devon/Cornwall to earn promotion back to Western Counties West.[10]

Since 2005 the main stand (south stand) of the Rectory Field was closed due to safety concerns (it is made of wood and a fire hazard), leaving the current capacity at around 2,000 which includes the (still open) Luddington north stand and standing areas.[1] The stand was named after MAA Bill Luddington who won 13 England caps while with the club.

In 2020–21 the South stand was demolished.

The Chairman. Captain Ben Stafford RN.

Secretary. Lt Fraser Pearson RN.

Club captain; Charlie Rowlands-Stewart Esq.

Season 2021–22.

Ended the season in 2nd place to gain promotion to Regional 1 Tribute South West.

Season summary

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Season League National Cup(s) County Cup(s)
Competition/Level Position Points Competition Performance Competition Performance
1987–88 South West 2 (6) (relegated)[11] John Player Cup 1st round
1988–89 Western Counties (7) (relegated)
1989–90 Cornwall/Devon (8)
1990–91 Cornwall/Devon (8) (relegated)
1991–92 Devon 1 (9) 1st (promoted)[12]
1992–93 Cornwall/Devon (8) 1st (promoted)
1993–94 Western Counties (7)[13]
1994–95 Western Counties (7)[14] 2nd
1995–96 Western Counties (7)[15] 4th (promoted)[b] 14
1996–97 South West 2 West (6) 11th (relegated)[16] 8
1997–98 Western Counties West (7) 8th[17] 16
1998–99 Western Counties West (7) 9th (relegated)[18] 15
1999–00 Cornwall/Devon (8) 2nd (promoted)[19] 26
2000–01 Western Counties West (7) 8th (relegated)[20][c] 15
2001–02 Cornwall/Devon (8) 4th[21] 21
2002–03 Cornwall/Devon (8) 1st (promoted)[22] 30 Withdrawn[d]
2003–04 Western Counties West (7) 7th[24] 17 Powergen Intermediate Cup 2nd round[25][26]
2004–05 Western Counties West (7) 12th (relegated)[27] 3
2005–06 Cornwall/Devon (8) 2nd (promoted)[28] 34 Powergen Junior Vase Quarter-finals[29]
2006–07 Western Counties West (7) 5th[30] 22 EDF Energy Senior Vase 2nd round[31]
2007–08 Western Counties West (7) 7th[32] 20 EDF Energy Senior Vase 5th round[33]
2008–09 Western Counties West (7) 5th[34] 25 EDF Energy Senior Vase 2nd round[35]
2009–10 Western Counties West (7) 8th[36] 21
2010–11 Western Counties West (7) 9th[37] 62[e]
2011–12 Western Counties West (7) 11th[38] 39
2012–13 Western Counties West (7) 3rd[39] 81
2013–14 Western Counties West (7) 8th[40] 56
2014–15 Western Counties West (7) 6th[41] 70
2015–16 Western Counties West (7) 9th[42] 55 Devon Intermediate Cup 1st round[43]
2016–17 Western Counties West (7) 3rd[44] 82 Devon Senior Cup 1st round[45]
2017–18 Western Counties West (7) 2nd (promoted via playoff)[46] 90 SW Intermediate Cup Quarter-finals[47][f] Devon Intermediate Cup Semi-finals[48]
2018–19 South West 1 West (6) 8th[49] 70 Devon Senior Shield Runners up
2019–20 South West 1 West (6) 4th 80.53[g] Devon Senior Shield
2020–21 South West 1 West (6) Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2021–22 South West 1 West (6) 2nd (promoted) 91
2022–23 Regional 1 South West (5) 4th 61 Devon Senior Cup Champions
2023–24 Regional 1 South West (5) 1st (promoted) 94 Devon Senior Cup Champions
2024–25 National 2 West (4)
Green background stands for either league champions (with promotion) or cup winners. Blue background stands for promotion without winning league or losing cup finalists. Pink background stands for relegation.

Honours

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Representative honours

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International

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37 players have gained men's senior international caps whilst at Devonport Services including 97 caps for England.[52]

  • England (14 players): Clarke.S, Eyres.W.C.T, Faithful.C.K.T, Gardener.E.R, Gilbert.F.G, Gilbert.R, Harding.E.H, Hosking.D'Arcy, Luddington.W.G.E, Moore.W.K.T, Sharp.R, Vaughan.D.B, Webb.C.S.H, Woods.T
  • Wales (14): D. Bebb, G. Bevan, J. Collins, T. Davies, C. James, B. Jones, L. Jones, D. Main, H. Mainwaring, A. Meredith, B. Meredith, M.C. Thomas, L. Williams, W. Williams
  • Ireland (3): W.F. Horsey-Brown, H.W.V. Stephenson, M. Sugden
  • Scotland (5): J. Aitkin, T. Rodd, K. Ross, G. Waddell, P. Waklastow
  • The Philippines: Liam 'Rufio' Williams.
  • Barbarians (7): M.C. Thomas, B. Gray, J. Highton, E. Hosking, SA. Lewis Jones, G. Waddell, J.K. Watkins

Youth internationals

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Twelve players have gained youth international caps while at Devonport Services.[52]

Men's county/representative

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95 players have gained county or representative caps while at Devonport Services.[52]

  • Devon (71): B. Badcock., C.A. Baker, S. Bennett, F.W. Bristow., Broome. Leading seaman, D. Brown, A.E. Carter, S. Clarke, M. Connolly., W.L. Copley, J.H. Dalyrymple, T.E. Davies, W. Davies, W.CT. Eyres, G. Fabian, E.J. Gardener, ERA. George, B.M. Gray., Sub-Lieut Hargrave, R. Hart., M. Hewitt, J. Highton., A. Higginson., R.M. Holgate.R.M., G.R. Hoskin, J. Husson, B. Jones, S. Jones, L. Kenny, J. Lane, K.A. Lavelle, T.S. Lee, Midshipman, W.M. Lowery, J. Martin, Meadows, A. Meredith, C. Miller, Lieutenant Middleditch, G. Morgan., J.K. Morrison., M.A. Pearey, B. Penfold, N. Penny, A. Pond, G. Price, F.A. Prosser, D. Pulford, G.D.O. Randel, Lieutenant Robotham, T.L. Scott, J. Shone, D.H. Smaldon, C.S. Stafford, L.S. Stovell, J.H. Tarr, D.G. Wixon
  • Devon 7's: Ben Ashford
  • Cornwall: Campbell, Lieutenant Carter, E.J. Gardener, F.G. Gilbert, Instructor Lieutenant B. Glastonbury, B.C. Gosling., S.J. Kealey, Lieutenant Kelly, Ldg Shiells, Instructor Lieutenant Thomas, Midshipman Walsham
  • Somerset: G. Criddle, H.W. Hoar
  • Surrey: J. Lion
  • Hampshire: M.J. Brosnan, T.G.P. Crick, B.G. Gosling, Lieutenant Mares
  • Dorset & Wilts: T. Hodgins
  • Berkshire: Lieutenant Fenner
  • Oxfordshire: Lieutenant Elvy
  • Kent (1): Coyte
  • Cumberland (1): Sub-Lieutenant Webster

Youth county/representative

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11 players have gained youth county or representative caps while at Devonport Services.[52]

  • Devon Under 18's, Richard Goldsby-West, Jordan Patey.
  • South West under 20s: Charlie Attis, Richard Baylis.
  • South West under 16s: Richard Bayliss, Dan Pullinger-Ham, Tom Mumford, Chalie Attis, Mike Lewis, Richard Goldsby-West.

Ladies international/representative

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2 players have gained international or representative caps while at Devonport Services.[52]

Current standings

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2024–25 National League 2 West table
Pos Team
 Pld W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts Qualification
1 Camborne 13 11 0 2 556 321 +235 12 0 56 Promotion place
2 Cinderford 14 10 1 3 412 330 +82 7 2 51
3 Clifton 13 9 1 3 454 307 +147 11 2 51
4 Taunton Titans 14 9 1 4 438 351 +87 9 1 48
5 Luctonians 13 8 1 4 380 254 +126 6 2 42
6 Hornets 14 6 1 7 407 417 −10 9 4 39
7 Redruth 14 6 1 7 410 391 +19 9 3 38
8 Old Redcliffians 14 6 1 7 418 460 −42 9 2 37
9 Loughborough Students 14 5 1 8 405 427 −22 12 3 37
10 Hinckley 14 6 0 8 420 426 −6 6 1 31
11 Exeter University 13 5 1 7 392 397 −5 7 1 30
12 Bournville 14 4 0 10 319 380 −61 5 6 27
13 Macclesfield 14 4 1 9 346 551 −205 7 1 26 Relegation place
14 Devonport Services 14 2 0 12 262 607 −345 6 0 14
Updated to match(es) played on 21 December 2024. Source: National League Rugby [53]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled

Notes

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  1. ^ Rectory Field ground capacity was originally 7,000 until the main stand was closed in 2005.[1]
  2. ^ RFU restructuring due to the forthcoming cancellation of Courage League Division 5 lead to a shuffling of the leagues in the south-west region. This meant that 4th place Devonport were promote up into South West 2 West.
  3. ^ Despite finishing 8th (out of 12 teams) Devonport Services would be relegated at the end of the 2000–01 season.
  4. ^ From 2002 Devonport Services would be withdrawn from county cup competitions by the Devon RFU due to the clubs re-affiliation with the RNFU. This ban was lifted for the 2015–16 season when Devonport Services were allowed back into county cup competitions once more.[23]
  5. ^ The 2010–11 season would see the introduction of bonus points into lower league English rugby union (tier 6 and below).
  6. ^ Devonport exited the competition during the South West Counties semi-final, which was equivalent to the quarter-finals of the overall South West Intermediate Cup.
  7. ^ The season was postponed and ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom with Devonport Services sitting in 3rd, having played 19 games and gained 65 points. The remaining games were calculated on a 'best playing record formula', with Devonport Services dropping one place to 4th with 80.53 points.[50]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Plymouth sporting landmark due to be demolished". Plymouth Herald. 23 February 2015. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "History Devonport Services RFC". Devonport Services RFC. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  3. ^ "Introduction To The Club". Devonport Services RFC. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  4. ^ "History of The Rectory Field - to 1950". Devonport Online. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  5. ^ "Rugby Union: Insipid All Blacks appear homesick: Unheralded Services show their worth". The Independent. 1 December 1993.
  6. ^ Devon Rugby Football Union Ltd Official Handbook 2012 – 2013 (PDF). Devon RFU. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  7. ^ "Final League Tables 1998–99". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  8. ^ "Final League Tables 2002–03". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  9. ^ "Final League Tables, 2004–2005". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  10. ^ "Final League Tables, 2005–2006". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  11. ^ Stephen Jones, ed. (1988). Courage Leagues 1988–89. London: Queen Anne Press. ISBN 0356158845.
  12. ^ Devon Rugby Football Union Ltd Official Handbook 2012 – 2013 (PDF). Devon RFU. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  13. ^ Jones, Stephen (1994). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1994–95. London: Headline Bookline Publishing. p. 448. ISBN 0-7472-7850-4.
  14. ^ Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John, eds. (1995). Rothmans Rugby Yearbook 1995–96 (24th ed.). London: Headline Book Publishing. pp. 179–195. ISBN 0-7472-7816-4.
  15. ^ Cornwall Rugby Football Union 1996–7
  16. ^ "Final League Tables, 1996–97". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  17. ^ "Final League Tables 1997–98". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  18. ^ "Final League Tables 1998–99". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  19. ^ "Final League Tables 1999–2000". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  20. ^ "Final League Tables 2000–2001". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  21. ^ "Final League Tables 2001–2002". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  22. ^ "Final League Tables 2002–2003". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  23. ^ "Devonport Services Rugby Club make welcome return to Devon Cup". Royal Navy Rugby Union. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  24. ^ "Final League Tables 2003–2004". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  25. ^ "Swindon shuffle for Bradford trip". The Wiltshire Gazette & Herald. 17 October 2003.
  26. ^ "Brave effort, but cup run over for Camborne". South West Farmer. 22 January 2004.
  27. ^ "Final League Tables 2004–2005". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  28. ^ "Final League Tables 2005–2006". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  29. ^ "Exiles just 80 minutes from Twickenham". Your Local Guardian. 24 February 2006.
  30. ^ "Final League Tables 2006–2007". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  31. ^ "THE SENIOR LEAGUES 2006-2007". Trelawny's Army. 18 November 2006.
  32. ^ "Final League Tables 2007–2008". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  33. ^ "EDF Senior Vase". Old Brodleians RUFC. 12 January 2008. Archived from the original on 28 October 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  34. ^ "Final League Tables 2008–2009". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  35. ^ "Kaminski kick seals win for superb victory at Services". Princetown Times Gazette. 27 November 2008.
  36. ^ "Final League Tables 2009–2010". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  37. ^ "Final League Tables, 2010–2011". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  38. ^ "Final League Tables 2011–2012". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  39. ^ "Final League Tables 2012–2013". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  40. ^ "Final League Tables, 2013–2014". Trelawny's Army. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  41. ^ "Tribute Western Counties West 2014–2015". England Rugby. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  42. ^ "Tribute Western Counties West 2015–2016". England Rugby. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
  43. ^ "Devon Intermediate Cup 2015/16 results". Devon RFU. 3 October 2015.
  44. ^ "Tribute Western Counties West 2016–2017". England Rugby. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  45. ^ "DEVON RFU SENIOR CUP 2016/17". Devon RFU. 15 October 2016. Archived from the original on 6 November 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  46. ^ "Tribute Western Counties West 2017–2018". England Rugby. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  47. ^ "South West Division Cups". England Rugby. 24 February 2018.
  48. ^ "2017/18 Devon Senior & Intermediate Cup/Shield draws". Devon RFU. 10 February 2018. Archived from the original on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  49. ^ "Tribute South West 1 West 2018–2019". England Rugby. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  50. ^ "RFU confirms league positions". England Rugby. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  51. ^ "RUGBY REPORTS: Devonport Services dig deep to secure the Regional One South West title at Lydney". Plymouth Gazette. 24 March 2024.
  52. ^ a b c d e "Honours Devonport Services RFC". Devonport Services RFC. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
  53. ^ "National League 2 West". NCA Rugby.
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