Following the introduction of Leagues in Rugby Union in 1987, the RFU had to find a new format for the County Championship which saw a tiered regional format introduced instead of a National Championship, and Durham have played at various levels since then. They reached the County Championship Plate Final against one of our oldest rivals, Kent, who were defeated on Darlington’s, Blackwell Meadows ground by 29 – 14.
The Captain that season was Andrew Dixon from West Hartlepool, seen here holding the Plate presented by Phil Horrocks-Taylor, who had a distinguished playing career at fly half, with Halifax, Leicester, Wasps and Middlesbrough. In addition he appeared for Yorkshire, Cambridge University, England and the 1959 British Lions.
Date (of image) : 2009
Donor : Ian Fletcher
Creator : Ian Fletcher
Part of the "Hartlepool BBOB RFC" collection
Location
The rugby changes since the 1990s heralded a new phase for the Durham County XV which has witnessed them still bringing success to the County albeit at Plate and Division II levels of the Championship.
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