Approximate Population: 51,063

Kettering, Northamptonshire, is home to Kettering Rugby Football Club (KRFC), located in Waverley Road on the south side of the town. The earliest available records indicate that the playing of Rugby Football in Kettering was initiated by the Rector of Barton Seagrave village in 1871. After a period of playing under Uppingham Public School Rules the club formally adopted RFU rules in 1875 and quickly became a significant participant in both the local community and the fast-developing Rugby scene in the East Midlands.

In the early days games were played on a number of sites including farmers’ fields and council-owned grounds. It was during this period, prior to adopting a home of their own, that the club developed its high profile in the town. Social occasions and players “meetings” were held traditionally at the Royal Hotel, later moving to the George, with more formal occasions such as the Annual Ball becoming the highlight of the local function calendar.

Dougie Bridgeman, a local man, but proud Welshman, has in recent years had a similar profound effect on the club’s fortunes. Returning to Kettering after a period of playing 1st Class Rugby this talented centre led the 1st XV successfully for years and now mixes playing duties with those of Club Coach. His skills and knowledge contributing greatly to the 1st XV’s successes in recent years.

Kettering is home to Kettering Town F.C. Current Chairman Imraan Ladak installed former Tamworth manager Mark Cooper as the new Kettering Town supremo for the 2007-08 season. After a record breaking start to the season (7 consecutive wins), the club held pole position virtually all season, winning the Blue Square North with 5 games in hand. The Poppies broke their win record of 28 games, now 30 and registered a record points tally for the Division of 96 points.

Chartered Surveyors Kettering Northamptonshire

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