One of the consequences of the coal-mining era in South Wales was the determination to educate the youth of the South Wales Valleys to achieve something better. As a result, a number of Welshmen, many of them teachers, arrived in the Wantage area around 1970. At first they were content to play for rugby clubs in the local area, such as Harwell RFC, Didcot RFC and Witney RFC.

However, they soon realised that a club was needed in the Grove/Wantage area. A meeting was called in "The Bell" in Grove which was attended by around 30 people and it was decided to play two trial games - against Oxford Marathons RFC and Oxford Old Boys, both of which were lost. However, it was obvious that there was a basis on which to build, and Grove RFC was born. With the help of Grove Parish Council who allowed us to use the Recreation Ground at Cane Lane, a Welsh family who owned a rugby ball and a local builder, an Irishman named John O'Hara who bought us a set of shirts, we were ready for our first season in September 1972. Playing in scarlet shirts, white shorts and red socks, and predominantly Welsh accents, we were known as Grove Welsh by most clubs. A second team was soon established, as was a Colts Team and a mini section.

Following the game the after-match hospitality was held at "The King Alfred's Head" in Wantage and then, a few years later, at "The Woolpack". Thanks to Oxford Instruments, we were given four old terrapin buildings which arrived on a crane, at midnight in a thunderstorm! This was soon converted into our first, very leaky, clubhouse and was our home for the next ten years. In 1990 we moved into our present purpose built, non-leaky, clubhouse thanks to help from the Vale of White Horse District Council, Bass Brewers and a very generous membership. A floodlit training pitch soon followed with the club now running three senior teams, a Vets side, and junior sides from under 6 to Under 18.

With the advent of leagues, Grove RFC soon climbed the divisions into Southern Counties where they remained for three years before tumbling down to the depths of Berks and Bucks Division 2. However, in recent years, due to an excellent youth structure, they have, again, climbed the divisions.

The club are now well established in the Counties 1 Tribute southern North League (Level 7) and are an essential part of life in Wantage and Grove and are respected for the type of rugby we play, the standards we set and the contributions we have made to the local community.

This is the first time the club have attended the London Irish International Festival and the club wish our U12 boys well in their games!