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Rugby at Memorial Park
With roots reaching back to London Welsh RFC in the early 1900s and the pivotal role of Bill Wallis in post-war school rugby, Memorial Park has long been a cornerstone of East London’s rugby culture. Today, it is home to East London RFC, the Kings Cross Steelers, and Newham Dockers RFL, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for union and league players alike.
Early Rugby Era
1904–1914
Following the departure of West Ham United FC in 1904, London Welsh RFC became the primary tenant of the Memorial Grounds, ushering in the park’s first rugby era.
The club played at the site until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, using the grandstand and pitch infrastructure originally built for football. This early chapter laid the groundwork for Memorial Park’s enduring rugby heritage.
The Grammar School Rugby Connection
1945–1980
In 1905, East Ham Grammar School was established in a building that remains part of the East Ham Town Hall complex today.
In 1944, Dr. Whiteley was appointed as the school’s new Headteacher. The following year, he asked Bill Wallis—a PE and physics teacher—to introduce rugby to the school. In 1945, the first 1st XV rugby team was formed, with a now-iconic photo showing Dr. Whiteley and Bill Wallis on either side of the squad.
This marked the beginning of a rugby tradition that would eventually reach far beyond the school walls.
Old Esthameians RFC
The school had an active Old Boys Association, and soon after, Old Esthameians RFC was formed by former pupils to continue playing rugby beyond graduation. In 1951–1952, the Grammar School relocated to new buildings. However, in 1972, the school was abolished and merged into what is now Langdon School. With its traditional player base gone, the club transitioned to an open community club, adopting the new name: East London RFC.
Modern Rugby Era
1980 – Present
In 1980, East London RFC secured the support of the London Borough of Newham to relocate from a prefabricated site at Langdon School to a new permanent home adjacent to Memorial Park.
To honour the man who started it all, the club named its new bar the Bill Wallis Bar—a lasting tribute to the teacher who introduced rugby to the school and, by extension, helped birth the club itself.
Since then, East London RFC has served as the anchor rugby club at Memorial Park, central to its sporting identity.