Over 600 spectators and 100 players gathered on The Playground, Durham School on Saturday 18 October to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Durham School Football Club which is recognised as the world’s fifth oldest rugby club, founded in 1850.
The afternoon began with a match between the Old Dunelmians and local touring side Clem’s Pirates. This veterans game featured many excellent players from Durham’s past including current Director of Sport, Mark Bedworth.
At 2.30pm, the Durham School 1st XV took on a “Schools Barbarians” side made up of players from schools with whom Durham has enjoyed long-standing rugby ties. The School edged a thrilling encounter 27–22 in front of a lively home crowd of over 600 spectators.
Coaching for the sides involved all four of the School’s current and former directors of sport, reaching back to 1967 through to the present day. Nick Willings, Paul Gerrard, Ben Mason and Mark Bedworth They were assisted by school coaching staff and a number of Old Dunelmians England stars including Garath Archer, Michael Young and Michael Stephenson.
The day of sporting celebration was followed by a capacity anniversary dinner at Ramside Hall Hotel, where 390 guests came together to honour one of the region’s proudest sporting traditions. The oldest guests were playing for Durham School in the 1950/51 100th anniversary season, with the youngest playing in this year’s 1st XV. It was quite an occasion.
Addressing the dinner, former RFU President Chris Kelly reflected on Durham’s remarkable rugby heritage, recalling meetings with some of Durham School’s most distinguished players including Sir Carl Aarvold (England 1928–33), Mike Weston (England 1960–68), and more recent England internationals including Garath Archer (England 1996–2000) and Geoff Parling (England 2012–2015).
Former OD Society President Richie Salkeld paid a heartfelt tribute to much-loved Bow rugby coach Charlie Adamson, while former Directors of Sport Nick Willings (1967–93) and Paul Gerrard (1993–2025) each received standing ovations for their immense contributions to the life of Durham School.
At the end of the dinner, current 1st XV Captain Ajay E delivered the speech of the night, talking passionately about his coaches, the difference they have made to him, and the difference generations of coaches have made to the thousands of players that have enjoyed the game at Durham School at all levels over the years. He also spoke warmly about his teammates and the enduring spirit of Durham School rugby, and how he is looking forward to celebrating the 200th anniversary with them in 25 years’ time.
Thanks to the generosity of players, supporters and sponsors, the day raised over £4,000 towards a new electronic scoreboard for The Playground which will be a fitting legacy for the next generation of Durham players. A huge thank you goes to everyone at Durham School, the Old Dunelmian Society, the RFU, ESRU, Ramside Hall, A690 Motors, and all other supporters and sponsors for helping make the day such a memorable success.
It was a day that perfectly captured 175 years of teamwork, resilience and community that has helped shape Durham School and that continue to define Durham School Football Club today.
