"TODAY'S VISITORS"
"LONDON WELSH celebrated their Centenary in 1985 but it seems certain that there was a side playing before the club's official foundation date of 1885. The founder of the club was Dr. T. J. Pryce-Jenkins who, before helping to establish London Welsh, had played for Blackheath and, before the London Club, started his career at Llandovery College. Dr. Jenkins won two Welsh caps in 1888 against Scotland and France. Co-founder of the Exiles with him was Dr. Rowley Thomas who was capped in 1890 against Scotland and Ireland, and then gained five more when he returned to Llanelli."
"The first golden era was post-1900 and several internationals appeared for the Welsh including Rhys Gabe, but although there was increased recruitment the club found difficulty in finding a permanent home. After 1919 London Welsh played at Herne Hill before moving to Old Deer Park, Richmond in 1957. The club's fortunes improved after the First World War when Captain Geoffrey Crawshay became President and several young players, including Harry Bowcott, Willie Roberts and Wick Powell donned the red jersey of the Welsh, before the outbreak of World War Two Arthur Rees, Vivian Jenkins, Wilf Wooler and Hayden Tanner appeared for the club."
"Although the immediate post-war years were not exceptional, the 1960s produced Brian Rees, Tony Gray, John Dawes, Bill Raybould, Jeff Young, J.P.R. Williams, John Taylor, Mervyn Davies and Gerald Davies. They were followed by Jim Shanklin, Keith Hughes, Geoff Evans, Mike Roberts and Clive Rees into Welsh teams. Neil Bennett was capped by England! In 1971-72 London Welsh won the unofficial championship and under Dawes' leadership (he captained the side for six successive seasons) the Exiles drew large crowds wherever they played."
"However, by 1974 the stars had scattered and the club now began to struggle. The capital city no longer lures young teachers from Wales and other London clubs are in the ascendancy. The Welsh first played at Rodney Parade on 26th December 1885 - they were welcome then and Easter would not be the same without them. Both our clubs have seen better times. May we both return to the halcyon days soon!"