1960 – 1980
History 5 of 9

5. 1960 – 1980


The twenty year period from the start of the 1960 season to the end of the 1979 season had seen tremendous change at Coalville RFC. Firstly, a purpose designed and built clubhouse had come to fruition giving Coalville, at the start of the 1960s, probably the best rugby facilities in Leicestershire. Unfortunately, the same time brought to an end the playing career of many of those who had joined the club just after end of the Second World War. The old hierarchy retired from the administrative side of the club and to fill the vacuum a group of players in their early twenties took over both the playing and administrative side of the club. Simultaneously the ability to compete effectively against the strong clubs on the fixture list diminished, and several poor seasons, in terms of playing record, came from the mid-1960s until the early 1970s. Some of the more gifted players left to compound matters. However, as the 1970s progressed and an influx of players who were teachers at local schools began to have influence both at the club and school then the playing situation improved. Another key factor was the growth in popularity of rugby football in the 1970s, typified by Coalville RFC being able to put six teams out on a Saturday.

There were two probably more significant factors. The first, the formation of a Colts team. And the second, a group of gifted players who came forward together at the same time and, in general, remained at Coalville to the benefit of the club for what in the end would prove to be a twenty year period. A series of committed captains and more competent coaching also fed into the improvement cycle. The 1970s ended in
similar fashion to the 1930s, with a very good team taking the field in Coalville colours every week. Only this time a world war would not intervene and there was a Colts set-up to provide, what at the time seemed like, an inexhaustible supply of players. The future prospects looked rosy.