Junior rugby: In the spotlight – Old Redcliffians

The Old Redcliffians club was founded at the end of World War I in 1918 by a group of pupils from St Mary Redcliffe School and their first game was played in 1919.

Initially, the club just consisted of senior sides until the mid 1950s when they launched an Under-17s side. A lot has changed since then and the club now run teams at every age group from Under-7s up to Under-19s age group and are in the process of obtaining the 'Seal of Approval'.

The majority of the players produced at Old Reds stay at the club, progressing into the senior section.

But Old Reds have also provided players for Bristol and Bath and there are currently former juniors playing in the National Leagues at Newbury, Clifton, Cleve and Weston.

The most famous former 'Red' is Gareth Chilcott, who went on to play for Bath, England and the British & Irish Lions.

The club still has strong links with St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School and uses their playing fields in Brislington.

Further evidence of the school's link can be seen on the club badge, which shows the cross of St Mary Redcliffe, the Somerset Griffin, the crest of Bristol and the rose of England Rugby.