Esher Rugby

The Esher RFC Walking Rugby legends — better known as The Bishops — took their talents (and their sense of humour) across the Channel to Calais for a two-day tour… and came back undefeated and proudly holding the Shield!

Esher finished top of the table with 8 points after three wins and two draws, edging out local rivals Guildfordians and Reigate & Reigatians, who both finished just a point behind. Not that anyone’s competitive, of course…

Teams from across Surrey, Calais, and Belgium joined the fun, as walking rugby continues to spread its gospel across Europe — with the Bishops clearly doing their part to convert the continent.

On the pitch, Esher were rock-solid: 10 scored, 6 conceded, and a defence tighter than Spud’s wallet on tour. Nigel led the way with 3 tries, proving that experience (and perhaps stubbornness) still counts. Spud, Barry, Stuart and Adrian also found their way onto the scoresheet, each celebrating as if they’d just won the World Cup.

Tour Highlights — or “What Happens in Calais…”

 As ever, the real stories of the weekend came off the pitch:

•  Sarah made a triumphant return after three years away — and slotted back in as if she’d never been gone. Her comeback was smoother than the ferry crossing (and that’s saying something).
• Spud’s driving and his “creative” use of the sat-nav became instant tour folklore. He ensured the trip ended with a bonus two-hour scenic tour of Calais while searching for a mythical wine warehouse that apparently doesn’t exist.
• Meanwhile, poor John riding shotgun in the trailing car, was treated to a white-knuckle masterclass in “advanced motoring” — complete with draft gear changes, lane swerves, missed indicators, and questionable braking.
• Adrian, affectionately known as Uncle Albert, entertained everyone with tales of his naval glory days — which, according to witnesses, got significantly more heroic with each pint consumed.
• Tyrone somehow managed to referee eight matches with a damaged knee on crutches, offered training tips to French and Belgian teams, and still find time to remind everyone of his many roles — Chair of Surrey, Hon. Secretary of the Club, RFU Game Development Committee member.  The tour kitty whip was topped up nicely thanks to the fines he paid every time he mentioned one of them!

A few knocks and bruises meant Esher borrowed the odd player, but the team’s spirit — and defensive steel — held firm. The borrowed players slotted in nicely and adapted to the Esher style of play and avoiding the Oppo’s intention of bashing the bishops.

Celebrations carried on long into the night, with plenty of cross-border camaraderie, storytelling, and putting the world to right.  The weekend was rounded off with a celebration meal, where everyone agreed they’d “never drink again” … until next tour, of course. 

The Calais victory follows their memorable trip to Ireland, where Esher edged out Terenure in another classic.

Next up: a March tour to Wales, where the Bishops will take on local Welsh sides — and enjoy the Bristol v Harlequins clash at the Millennium Stadium.

The Bishops are always on the lookout for new players to join their friendly, inclusive, and occasionally chaotic squad. Walking rugby is for everyone — whether you’ve never picked up a ball before or last played when mullets were still in fashion.

Training times:

• Friday mornings
• Monday evenings

 So if you fancy some laughs, light exercise, and the occasional European adventure — come join The Bishops!  Contact walkingrugby@esherrugby.com