In 1956 rugby union was a little more class orientated that it is today. Back then, a group of 15- year old school leavers (yes, they did leave school at that age) from Players School and Cottesmore School had nowhere to play and so, they formed their own club. And so, Nottingham Moderns RFC was formed. The early matches were played on rented pitches, with players girlfriends, wives, and mothers all providing aftermatch refreshments. With the help of old school masters and the youth service, steady progress was made. However, financing the new club was a problem. On most occassions the players would make their way to away matches by public transport (which would be a real problem even today), resulting in all day adventures to all parts of the East Midlands. A good relationship was formed with the local colleges and sports teachers, and with the Welsh Exiles. This led to a period of rapid growth that resulted in sustained fixtures with all the leading local sides and also games against the 2nd XV teams from the Midlands senior teams. 1974/75 was probably the most successful in the clubs history, with the 1st XV, 2nd XV, and 3rd XV losing just three gameseach all season against high quality opposition. The 1st XV and 2nd XV also won the respective County Cup competitions - All of this was accomplished as a nomadic club, with no fixed home, playing on rented parks pitches, and drinking in numerous local public houses to entertain their opposition. 1975 was a momentous year. The club finally secured a home, at Wilford (where they remain today). In the same year they became the first club from Nottinghamshire to win the Three Counties Cup (Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire & lincolnshire). The 1st XV also reached the semi-final of the Midlands Clubs Championship. In 1979 the clubhouse was built (extended in 1981) due in no small way to Arthur Luff, then Club President, and a former international referee. During this successful period, the club produced players who went on the represent many senior rugby clubs and representative sides. Brian Hall captained Leicester (and is now their serving President) as well as representing the Barbarians and The Midlands. Barrington Pitt gained international honours as an international colt. However, the greatest individual achievement from one of the Moderns' players of the time, did not come on the rugby pitch. As, in 1975, Doug Scott, a founder member of the club, stood alongside Dougal Haston on the summit of Mount Everest - the first Briton to reach the top of the world !! Further County Cup triumphs followed in the 1980's and 1990's. The hard work pf the players was also rewarded with the inaugural Notts., lincs., and Derbys, divisional League title, together with three Nottinghamshire Shield victories, and success in the final County Cup Final. 1991 proved to be even more successful. The 1st XV lifted the first Three Counties Cup, playing every round away from home and only conceeding one try in the process !. Not to be outdone, the 2nd XV went the whole season undefeated. At the same time, the club's under-14 side won the Three Counties Cup without conceeding a try - a feat they repeated two years later as under-16's while winning the 'Rugby World' Team of the Month award. Hard work and determination from many members, most particularly David Hargreaves, resulted in increased sponsorship and finance. In 1996 the ground at Wilford was improved and the clubhouse extended. The opening ceremony was hosted by Dean Richards, Leicester Captain, who also brought a team of 'Old Tigers' (The Droglites) to play their first game outside of Leicestershire. In 1996, the 1st XV won the League and Cup (The Stag & Swan Cup) double; the 2nd XV won the County Shield; and the Veterans won the Skegness Trophy and Casuals Trophy. In 1997, the 1st XV won the Cup (The Stag & Swan Cup) and reached the Three Counties Cup Final; the 2nd Xv retained the County Shield; and the Veterans retained the Skegness Trophy. The 2007 season was the most successful recent event with the 1st XV winning both the County Cup and the Three Counties Shield. | 
