A thrilling match. The roar of the crowd. That’s the Barking Rugby Football Club for you. Founded in 1930 as Park Modern Old Boys this club has a rich history. It began as a team for alumni of Park Modern School. The headmaster was a visionary. He introduced rugby despite football’s popularity. The Old Boys dominated their inaugural season. They won an impressive 16 out of 19 games.
After World War II the team continued to thrive. In 1974 they dropped the “Old Boys” moniker becoming Barking Park RFC. A year later the name shortened to the now familiar Barking RFC. The club steadily climbed the rugby ladder. It is notable for launching the career of Jason Leonard a rugby legend. His 119 caps as a prop held the world record from 2004 to 2006.
1989 marked a pivotal moment. Barking RFC opened its current ground at Goresbrook in Dagenham. This location has been their home ever since. The club reached the National Leagues in 1994 a significant achievement. Their success continued. They won National Division Three South in the 2004-05 season. Two seasons in National Division Two followed. Then a relegation battle tested the team’s mettle.
The 2006-07 season started disastrously. A crushing 63-10 defeat against Mounts Bay foreshadowed a tough season. Barking fought hard to avoid relegation. The club faced an intense battle for survival. The final match against Mounts Bay was dramatic. A 16-14 victory at Goresbrook secured their place in the National League. This win relegated Clifton and kept Barking in the league.
Barking RFC boasts a remarkable legacy. It nurtured exceptional talent like Jason Leonard. It also counts comedian Nick Frost among its former players. The club’s history is a testament to resilience determination and sporting excellence. The club continues its legacy at Goresbrook. It’s a place of sporting spirit and community pride.