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Clifton RFC one game away from Twickenham

Bristol’s Clifton RFC are just one game away from realising their dream of playing at the home of England Rugby, but for that dream to come true they must first defeat Sheffield Tigers in the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup semi-finals on Saturday.

Clifton is the oldest club in Bristol and, in fact, one of the world's oldest clubs formed in 1872, but never before in their 137 year history have they graced the hallowed turf of Twickenham.

Now, however, with the likes of former England internationals Mark Regan and David Rees spearheading their cup campaign, their dream appears to be getting closer and closer.

Regan, a former world cup winner and British & Irish Lion, is forwards coach at the club, while Rees, who gained 11 caps for England and was part of the world cup squad in 1999, has joined the club’s playing personnel.

John Barnes, Clifton’s Player/Coach, said: “It’s great having Mark and David on board. Both have so much experience and knowledge they can pass on to the lads, and they have really made an impression.

“Mark joined us last season and is coaching the forwards twice a week as well as attending match days when he’s not busy with Bristol. He’s a very unique character and there’s no doubt that he’s improved our forwards no end while David has been instrumental in us doing so well. I have no doubt that both of them will be doing their utmost in getting us into that final.

“Getting to Twickenham would be a real dream come true for this club, the supporters and players alike, and knowing we are only just one game from that is a really exciting thought.”

Clifton can certainly head into Saturday’s semi-final, kick-off 230pm at Station Road, with confidence.

The club hold the record for most consecutive league wins, with 15 so far under their belt, while they are also undefeated at home since February 2008.

Barnes added: “This has been a standout season for us, unquestionably. At the start of the season our main objective was to get back into the national league. Things have been going well in the league, and we are top of the table but with the cup run going so well that has become a priority too.

“In the cup we’ve had some good games, most recently against Sandal RFC in the quarter-finals, winning 17-31, and we are hoping for more of the same this weekend.

“Cleary our opponents this Saturday are a very good side though and they’ll certainly give us a run for our money. We have never played them before, but we’ve had people watch them and they are impressive. With the likes of Dave Scully and a couple of ex Rotherham players in their squad they’ll certainly come down here with confidence.”

Clifton are not the only South West side in action this weekend in the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup with Hartpury College taking on Portsmouth at home in the other semi-final.

EDF Energy

EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies. We provide power to a quarter of the UK’s population via our electricity distribution networks in London, the South East and the East of England. We supply gas and electricity to over 5 million customers and generate about 5GW of energy from our coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms.

Through Our Climate and Social Commitments we have launched the biggest environmental and social packages of any UK energy company. The company is also a key player in national infrastructure projects including management of private electricity networks serving four London airports and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the country’s first major new railway in 100 years.

EDF Energy employs nearly 13,000 people at locations across the UK and is a core part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest power companies. EDF is the official energy utilities partner and sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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