Athletic Ground, Richmond

Built in 1886, and located in Richmond upon Thames, London, the Athletic Ground is a rugby ground, managed by Richmond Athletic Association, home to Green King IPA Championship sides Richmond and London Scottish.[1][2][3] The first team pitch has a stand capable of seating around 1,000 people, though in the past temporary stands have been erected in the considerable space around the pitch to boost the seated capacity. Lower league side, Old Tonbridgians RFC, also play home games at the Athletic Ground.[4] As well as rugby, a small football team by the name of Mortlake FC play at this ground.

Athletic Ground
The one and only stand at Athletic Ground, Richmond
LocationThe Athletic Ground,
Twickenham Road,
Richmond,
London TW9 2SF
OwnerRichmond Athletic Association
Capacity4,500 (1,000 seats)
Construction
Built1886 (1886)
Tenants
Richmond (1889—1998, 2000–)
London Scottish (1894—2021)
Old Tonbridgians (2009)

The original facilities include six other pitches and two bars which are available for hire, a canteen, changing rooms, a physio room, a shop and offices. Part of Old Deer Park, a huge continuous leisure area, the Athletic Ground was bordered by Richmond Swimming Pool, Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club, a gym and health centre, and also a driving range. Three pitches have been marked out on the driving range which closed down in the 1990s as did Richmond Bowls Club which is now used as a play area for neighbouring Falcons School.

The Athletic Ground is also host to the National Surveyor 7s, Lloyds Insurance 7s, Neptune City 7s, Law Society 7s, Middlesex Club 7s, NABs Media 7s and Rugby Rocks.

The complex has considerable parking facilities for its size, and is often used as a stop-off for fans on their way to Twickenham Stadium.

International rugby union

England played ten Test matches at the Athletic Ground between 1891 and 1909. In five of those matches against Scotland (listed below), England failed to win:

Date Competition Home team Away team
7 March 1891 1891 Home Nations Championship England 3 Scotland 9
9 March 1895 1895 Home Nations Championship England 3 Scotland 6
5 February 1898 1898 Home Nations Championship England 6 Ireland 9
3 February 1900 1900 Home Nations Championship England 15 Ireland 4
21 March 1903 1903 Home Nations Championship England 6 Scotland 10
18 March 1905 1905 Home Nations Championship England 0 Scotland 8
13 January 1906 1906 Home Nations Championship England 6 Wales 16
5 January 1907 Friendly England 41 France 13
8 February 1908 1908 Home Nations Championship England 13 Ireland 3
20 March 1909 1909 Home Nations Championship England 8 Scotland 18

Football

In the association football code England enjoyed more success against Scotland, playing one match here in 1893 as part of the 1893 British Home Championship and winning 5-2.[5]

The FA Amateur Cup final was also played here in 1894, with Old Carthusians F.C. beating Casuals F.C. 2–1.

References
  1. Historic England. "PAVILION AT RICHMOND ATHLETIC GROUND (1031522)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  2. "HISTORY". London Scottish F.C. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  3. "THE RICHMOND STORY". Richmond F.C. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  4. "BOUT". OLD TONBRIDGIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  5. "England's Matches 1891-1900". England Football Online. Retrieved 21 October 2012.

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