The 1970s were a defining chapter for Oakham RFC — a decade of resilience, rebuilding, memorable characters and moments that helped shape the club we know today. Results on the field were often tough, but the spirit that carried the club through the sixties continued into the new decade.

1972 – Rutland Takes the Field
The restored photo captures something special: the Rutland XV that faced Leicestershire on 24th September 1972 at the Showground.
They played under the county name, but every man wore an Oakham shirt & was connected to the club and lived in the county. The final score may not have gone Rutland’s way, but the image stands as a proud reminder of what Oakham RFC represented then — and still represents now:
Commitment
County pride
A club standing tall during a challenging era
It’s a snapshot of belonging. A moment where Oakham RFC didn’t just play for a town — it played for Rutland.

1973 – The Golden Jubilee
A year later, the club reached its 50th anniversary. The Golden Jubilee was marked with matches, celebrations, a special club tie and events that brought players, volunteers and supporters together at a time when on-field results were still hard-earned. Morale, however, remained strong — proof that Oakham RFC has always been about more than the scoreboard.
Growth Through the Mid-70s
As the decade progressed, momentum began to build:
A clubhouse extension
The rise of the Watchorn 7s
A growing fixture list
The creation of the 100 Club fundraiser
A 3rd XV formed through rising player numbers
Slowly, confidence returned. The club was rebuilding — not overnight, but step by step, season by season.
1978/79 – A Turning Point for the Future
Right at the end of the decade came one of the most important moments in Oakham RFC history- Mini rugby was introduced for the very first time.
From this spark grew the Minis & Juniors section — a pathway that has since produced generations of players, volunteers, parents, club captains, and lifelong members. What began in the late 70s is now one of the strongest pillars of Oakham RFC’s identity.
Through storms, break-ins, cancelled fixtures, blown-down posts, and a fair few off-field stories that have become club legend, one thing remained:
Oakham RFC stuck together. It survived. It adapted.
It laid foundations for the future. And it entered the 1980s stronger, prouder, and ready for the next chapter.