Reading Rugby Football Club, one of Berkshire’s oldest and most inclusive rugby institutions, officially reopened its refurbished clubhouse, marking a major milestone in its 125-year history after a dramatic campaign to save the facility from closure.
Earlier this year, urgent repairs and the discovery of asbestos in the clubhouse roof placed the future of the club in jeopardy. In a matter of weeks, Reading RFC raised an additional £150,000, allowing the vital works to proceed. The total refurbishment cost reached £500,000, covering a complete roof replacement, modernised changing rooms, a new kitchen, and essential accessibility and safety upgrades.
The grand reopening at Holme Park welcomed MP Yuan Yang, who officially cut the ribbon and spoke passionately about the role of community sport and the power of inspiring the next generation of athletes. The event also saw attendance from representatives of Reading Blue Coat School, sponsors Select Car Leasing and Lantec, as well as local parish and borough councillors.
Speaking at the event, Club Chair John Kelly said: “After a number of months of uncertainty, Reading RFC welcomed back its family to the newly refurbished Holme Park. We were delighted to host Yuan Yang MP, who spoke powerfully about the value of community sport and the inspiration it offers to young people.
“Our partners, sponsors and local councillors all remarked on the bright, modern and welcoming facilities that will now serve our members, the school and the wider Reading community.
“We could not have reached this point without the support, help and sense of family shown by our members and neighbours. I would like to thank everyone who helped us get to today. We are now ready to embark on the next phase of our journey to safeguard rugby for boys and girls alike, and to look forward to the next 125 years at Holme Park.”
With a history dating back to 1898, Reading RFC has long been at the heart of Berkshire’s rugby landscape. The club launched one of the county’s first women’s teams in 1990, and now supports over 1,000 members, from under-6 minis through to senior squads, veterans, and the mixed-ability Berkshire Brigands team.
The project has been powered by a combined effort of club volunteers, local tradespeople, partner schools, and a groundswell of community support. BBC South Today covered the reopening, where club member and fundraiser, Ali told reporters: “We turned around a really catastrophic, worrying situation in a very short period of time. It’s been a true community effort, which reflects the heart of this club.”
Among the celebrations were members of the Brigands team, who described the turnaround as “amazing”, adding: “You had this black cloud over you that it was going to close… and now it’s gone and we’re here again — it’s just brilliant.”
With fresh investment, bright new facilities, and a revitalised spirit, Reading RFC stands stronger than ever — ready to continue its mission of delivering accessible, inclusive and inspiring sport for all.
