Falmouth: Future bright as rugby family come together

Despite not having the same level of glamour as some other Cornish clubs in recent years, Falmouth takes pride in its legacy and looks forward to a promising future.

The club's reputation for sportsmanship and hospitality continues to earn it respect throughout the West Country rugby community.

Falmouth's popularity extends beyond the camaraderie found in its clubhouse after matches.

The team has faced some of the best sides in the UK, often leaving the field with their heads held high, even if not always as victors.

The club boasts an impressive roster of talent, including two British Lions—John Jackett and Bundee Aki—along with four internationals (John Jackett, Raphael Jago, Jim George for England and Bundee Aki for Ireland), several international trialists (Dick Jackett, Graham Bate, Barry Trevaskis), and numerous county players (eight of them in the U20 in the last few seasons alone), as well as a Women's County Championship Winner in Lydia Hawkins in 2022 (current captain for Eagles Women).

The recent achievements of former Youth Academy players, such as Jack Innard and Will Becconsall, now competing at the premiership level with Exeter Chiefs, and others like Jack King, Matt Pritchard both at Redruth on the verge of Championship with Cornish Pirates, Ollie Andrews at National Two level having played at Cornish Pirates and Coventry and the likes of Sam Walker at Exeter University, highlight the club's commitment to player development.

The success of the Colts team this season further indicates a bright future for Falmouth Rugby.

(Image: Neal-Johnston) This season has seen a surge in membership applications, reflecting the club's determination to create a cohesive "one Club Eagles squad," which is yielding positive results under the guidance of head of Rugby Tom Spiller.

Currently, the 1XV is positioned in the top four of the Counties Two Tribute Cornwall league.

Falmouth Rugby Club's journey began in 1873, with its first game played near Gyllyngvase Beach.

After relocating several times, the club settled at the Recreation Ground at the turn of the 1900s, where it has remained ever since.

On November 16, 2024, more than 250 attendees gathered for the third 'Falmouth Rugby Family Reunion' since its inception in 2022, celebrating the club's storied history.

Chairman John Bullock kicked off the festivities in the Clubhouse following a resounding victory against Hayle by unveiling a new Women's Honour Board alongside President Mike Tregidgo and Vice Chairman James Instance.

Bullock acknowledged Co-Vice Chair Danny Trick’s efforts in restoring the club's history, notably by recovering over twenty lost Falmouth Caps from 1889 to 1938.

The 'Falmouth Rugby Family Reunion' event brought together past and present members to honour those who have and continue to shape the club's legacy.

This year, the well-established 1873 Ambassador Caps were awarded to Mark Adkins, Huw Thomas, Terry Hunt, Andy Palmer, Alex Bullock, Scott Dunstan, and Georgia Sanders for their contributions on and off the field.

The prestigious Falmouth Rugby Legend status was conferred upon Graham Bate.

Reflecting on his past, former team mate and Club official Stuart Martin recalled playing alongside the legend Bate, who captained the successful Falmouth team of the 1970s.

Bate’s impressive career included representing Cornwall 64 times and trialling for England, making him a highly respected figure in Cornish rugby.

"There comes a time in your rugby playing career that you play in a team with a legend or two or three or even four.

"I was fortunate to have played with Bateser as he was affectionately known, a legend in his time.

"Graham, a highly skilled Shipwright by trade, played for Penryn and Falmouth and Graham represented Cornwall on 64 occasions, he was an England trialist.

"In those days full backs assumed all goal kicking duties.

"Graham was a prolific goal kicker.

"Many in rugby circles felt that Graham should have been selected to play for the full England side.

"At the time he was up against the likes of the then current England fullbacks Roger Hosen and Bob Hiller.

"I am pleased to be able to present you with a Falmouth Rugby Club Ambassador Cap in recognition of your legendary contribution to Cornish Rugby and in particular Falmouth Rugby Football Club.

"This cap can be added to the many other accolades gained from an illustrious rugby playing career."

(Image: Falmouth Rugby) In conclusion, the Falmouth committee extended their congratulations to Graham for his significant contributions to both the club and the county.

"Not since the early 1900s when Dick Jackett, who held 71 County caps and who had probably played in more International country trials without being recognised, have we seen a more worthy player to be recognised with an 1873 Ambassador cap for services to not only Falmouth Rugby but the County.

"Many wouldn't be aware that your grandfather was W Peterson who sits proudly on our life members board also served our Club as player and later official for over two decades from the 1920s," said co-vice chair Danny Trick who curates the club history.

With more rugby to play across all areas of the Club to come, this year's next highlight will be the Boxing Day Derby against Penryn.

A draw last year at The Memorial Ground, saw the Boxing Day Cup come to Falmouth and with the Derby being at the Rec this year, inevitably the Falmouth Rugby Family will gather again to cheer the Eagles on.

The warmth of Eagles hospitality awaits.