A double-decker bus as a clubhouse and four shipping containers as changing rooms prove no barrier as the club attracts converts from all cultures and religions
In these dark times there is a ray of light to be found in the heart of England. Just up the road from Spaghetti Junction to the north-east of Birmingham’s city centre sits the suburb of Erdington, officially rated the fifth-most deprived area in the UK. Less than three miles distant is Hodge Hill, which sits at No 3. Rugby is not normally high on many local agendas.
Which makes it all the more remarkable that Erdington RFC has just leapfrogged the rest of the nation to be crowned club of the year by Gallagher, sponsor of the Premiership. The shortlist was outstanding but the judging panel – which included this correspondent – ultimately could not sidestep Erdington’s vivid story.
Written by Robert Kitson
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2020/oct/13/club-of-the-year-erdington-show-how-rugby-can-be-part-of-the-community under the title “Club of the year Erdington show how rugby can be part of the community | Robert Kitson”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
