SUSSEX POLICE RFC

After the amalgamation of 5 Sussex County and Borough Police Forces in 1968 (East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton, Eastbourne & Hastings) the Sussex Police Rugby team was formed.

Initially playing on a school pitch in Brighton (The Fitzherbert School) and socialising afterwards at the Eastern Public House on the Eastern Road - the team were invited by the then President of Brighton Rugby Club (Bill Holt - a Magistrate) to share their facilities at Horsdean.

Back Row: Pete Ryan, Pete Hornby, Ronnie Wilson, Graham Shipway, Phil Johnson, John Lowes, Frank Edmonds, Brian Sole
Front Row: Chris Sparkes, Andy Carter, Graham Wilson, Larry Culver, Malcolm (Cas) Castleton, Johnny Daniels, Cliff Gale

In its heyday were able to field a 1st and 2nd XV every Saturday and were one of the top 5 teams in Sussex. Under the formidable captaincy of Ronnie Wilson they progressed to make the semi-finals of the National Police Cup playing against the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) in Belfast in 1985 - the RUC team were able to field full Irish International players at that time.

In the early 90's the Brighton Rugby Club at Horsdean became part of the new A27 motorway system and their ground was moved to Waterhall Playing Fields with changing facilities at the Withdean Stadium. Sussex Police RFC were invited to share facilities with other clubs in Sussex during these lean times but decided to stick with Brighton Rugby Club - their loyalty was rewarded by becoming AFFILIATED members of the new Clubhouse at Waterhall, Patcham which is considered to be one of the best in Sussex.

After changed circumstances within the Police Service - the Sussex Police team are no longer the force they were in years gone by. However, the team still enjoy rugby in Sussex Div 3 (Central) every Saturday and have reached the Sussex Plate Finals on several occasions.

The team have enjoyed an Annual Tour at the end of each season for the past 25 years - playing, not only in the UK, but also Ireland, France, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Estonia, Majorca, Holland, Poland and the Channel Islands.