Bournemouth Rugby’s team names have been a long-standing tradition within the club for over half a century, and the club president, Doug Warren, has recently taken it upon himself to delve into the origins of these curious monikers.
It appears that the teams were originally named simply “A,” “B,” and “extra B” – a rather uninspired choice, to say the least. However, in the late 1960s, the first team became known as the 1st team, while the second, third, and fourth teams received more interesting titles. At this point, Bournemouth Rugby’s chairman, Wally Wright, stepped in to give the teams their now-familiar monikers.
“The Lions,” a nod to the club’s emblem, was bestowed upon the second team. The third team, meanwhile, became known as “The Nomads,” likely a reflection of their tendency to roam from pitch to pitch. Finally, the fourth team was dubbed “The Wanderers,” which again harks back to the team’s travel-heavy schedule.
As the club grew and eventually fielded five teams, the fifth team was christened “The Bedouins.” This was presumably a further nod to the team’s itinerant nature, as well as a cheeky play on the fact that the Bedouins were known for their nomadic lifestyle.
Fast-forward a few years, and the advent of rugby leagues necessitated a more consistent approach to team names. The first team was rebranded as “The Lions,” while the second team was renamed “The Nomads.” The third team, meanwhile, took on the moniker of “The Wanderers,” and the fourth team became known as “The Bedouins.”
Warren admits that these names might seem odd to outsiders, but for those within the club, they’re a source of pride and tradition. “We’re a quirky bunch, but that’s part of what makes us who we are,” he says.
Indeed, it’s hard not to appreciate the whimsical nature of these team names. While other rugby clubs might opt for more straightforward monikers (think “The Sharks” or “The Bulls”), Bournemouth Rugby has embraced the quirkiness of its history and created names that are uniquely its own.
Of course, it’s not just the names themselves that make Bournemouth Rugby stand out. The club has a rich history that dates back over a century, with plenty of memorable moments and characters along the way.
Perhaps it’s this sense of camaraderie that has led to the enduring popularity of the team names. After all, there’s something special about being part of a club that’s been around for so long and has such a unique identity.
As for the future of Bournemouth Rugby, Warren is confident that the club will continue to thrive. “Developing a strong sense of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and personal growth, as well as playing with heart, is what has made the club successful” he says.
And really, what more could you want from a rugby club than that? With their quirky team names and rich history, Bournemouth Rugby is a club that’s truly one of a kind.
