Situated on the northern outskirts of St. Albans, central Hertfordshire, on the main A1081 (AL3 6BB), the club was founded in 1945 by the ‘Old Boys’ of St. Albans School and like DMPRFC and many others, the club has been located at several premises in its history, eventually settling at their current home in 2002.

Amongst its former players ranks former Bethnal Green born prop Jeffrey Alan Probyn, who spent some of his 1970’s formative years at Old Albanians RFC, before moving on to Wasps RFC and International recognition with England (37 caps, 3 tries), Barbarians (12 appearances, 1 try, 1 conversion !!!).

Old Albanians RFC have been in National One since their promotion at the start of the 2012/13 season and finished 5th in the league then and subsequently 9th last season.

Old Albanians RFC benefit from a strong partnership with English Premiership side Saracens RFC, for whom they provide training facilities and a venue for the sides ‘A’ League games. In return Old Albanians RFC receive assistance in the form of players and coaches for the various senior and junior teams.

They are currently occupying 13th position in National League One, with 25 points (including 3 try bonus points and 2 losing bonus points). They have joint top try scorers with 5 apiece from Michael Allan and Billy Johnson. Similarly, they have joint top points scorers with 42 points from Elliott Reeder (9 cons, 8 pens) and Richard Gregg (12 cons, 6 pens).

After a fairly disastrous start to the season, where they lost 8 games straight, they have revived themselves following that up with 5 straight wins, interrupted only last weekend by a narrow defeat in the mud away at Hartpury College RFC (15 – 10).

Ex DMPRFC player Rob Farenheim returned to Old Albanians RFC after his studies in Newcastle and a spell at DMPRFC and although playing some part with them for the last 2 seasons, has not featured this season.

The only history between the 2 clubs that DMPRFC players and supporters will recall is the in pre-season fixture in August 2012, when we travelled to Old Albanians RFC for a friendly and lost that game (36 – 19).

In their match report about the loss at Hartpury College RFC, the author writes :

‘The loss leaves Billy Johnson’s team just out of the relegation zone and they will have the opportunity to improve matters when Darlington visit Woollams next Saturday. But it will take a much more clinical approach to scoring from available chances to prepare the side for the trip to Ealing Trailfinders before the Xmas Break.’

From a DMPRFC perspective, the win at home last Saturday against Loughborough Students RFC (29 – 17) was vital from a league points perspective and sees us one place above Old Albanians RFC in 12th position with 27 points.

Tries from Adam NIXON, Callum MACKENZIE and Matty SHIELDS, together with a penalty try and 3 conversions and a penalty from the boot of Tom HODGSON saw off Loughborough Students RFC.

An altogether different prospect though on the road, but coaches John NEWTON and Danny BROWN will be hopeful of the same result as the team adjusts and settles to the requirements of this league and they will be buoyed by the return of lock Talite VAIOLETI and fly half Grant CONNON, who gained valuable game time on their return to the squad.

DMPRFC 1ST XV SQUAD

15. Henry ROBINSON
14. Jamie BARNARD
13. Cameron MITCHELL
12. Callum MACKENZIE
11. Chris McTURK
10. Tom HODGSON
9. Adam NIXON

1. Gareth NESBIT
2. Matt THOMPSON
3. Matty SHIELDS
4. Rob CONQUEST
5. Talite VAIOLETI
6. Joe MAUD
7. Jack ALLCOCK
8. Rory DUFF

16. Ralph APPLEBY
17. Charlie MADDISON
18. George HEDGLEY
19. Grant CONNON
20. Ben WRATH