The first records date back to 1880 when Wimborne played Christchurch
in a game that ended in a draw. The second game is believed to have
been against Salisbury, where Wimborne won 4 goals to nil.
The Modern Club
The seeds were sown back in 1934/5 when East Dorset Rugby
Football Club was formed. Unfortunately this club was rudely curtailed
by the onset of World War II. It was not until 1948 that a reforming
of the club took place under the Old Wimbornians supported by
the Old Wimborne Grammar School.
In 1950, after a meeting at the Griffin Hotel (now a block of
flats) next to Wimborne Station (now a market), opposite Andys’
Café (now houses) it was decided to form Wimborne Rugby Football
Club (incorporating the Old Wimbornians). This meeting was
attended by a number of famous ‘old boys’ including
Maurice Herridge,
Ivor Hilliam, Bill
Williams, Gunner Holman , Douggie Harrison (who went on to
be the 59th President of the RFU) and others. The original
minutes of this meeting showed that the club colours would be
‘all black’ with white collars and sock tops –
this was done primarily because it was cheap. The logo depicted
Wimborne Minster. Early fixtures were held at Merley Camp (now
Flight Refuelling Social Club) and at the Hanhams ground (now
the town cricket pitch).
In 1963 the club moved lock, stock and barrels (!) to Leigh Park
where the club remains to date.
The club includes two bars plus a large function hall. The Harrison
room is dedicated to Douggie Harrison 1911-1989.
Below is one of the first teams to play for Wimborne in 1951 -
52 season.
. 
And some twenty-five years later, saw the gentlemen pictured below,
representing Wimborne RFC
On Saturday 13th May 2000, WRFC celebrated fifty years of Rugby
with a 50th Anniversary Ball.
Click here
to see photos from the Ball.
