News | We Welcome the Future England RFU President

Written : Saturday 19th Feb 22

On Saturday 29 January, Guildfordians RFC welcomed back ex-player and the next President of the English RFU, Nigel Gillingham, to a packed lunch at their clubhouse on Stoke Park.

Nigel played at the club in the 1970’s before going on to play for Leicester where he played in the second row alongside famous names in rugby such as (the now) Sir Clive Woodward, Peter Wheeler and many other internationals in that famous Leicester Team that dominated the 70’s.
That Leicester team won the John Player Cup in the 1980s and Nigel won the Middlesex sevens with Loughborough. He also played for England Schools.

Nigel’s term as President of the RFU will commence in the summer.
Nigel spoke of his plans for his term to continue to develop the game and of his time playing at Guildfordians and remembered fondly some of the ex-players at that time.
Trevor Greenwood, Guildfordians’ Chairman, said “It was really great to be able to welcome Nigel back to Guildfordians rugby, and to see so many supporters here. A good day was had by all.”
The only cloud of the day was that, despite the backing of a good home crowd, Guildfordians 1st XV were unable to score a victory over old rivals, and top of Surrey League 3, Old Caterhamians in a closely fought game.

We wish Nigel all the best as President of the RFU.

David Knight

Guildfordians Chairman Trevor Greenwood welcomes Nigel Gillingham