The Exiles have enjoyed three successive promotions since dropping down the league ladder in England after giving up their professional status and have lost only three times in 52 games since re-launching in the Hertfordshire & Middlesex 1 league
Having won that title in 2018, they were crowned champions of London 3 North West a year later. Then they were handed the London 2 North West crown after winning 17 of their 18 games in the 2019-20 campaign.
Now director of rugby Cai Griffiths is preparing for the next step-up the English pyramid in London North 1. It means they will be tackling clubs like Colchester, Old Haberdashers, Harpenden, Eton Manor, Southend Saxons, Sudbury, Brentwood, Shelford, Chingford and Amersham & Chesham.
Their latest promotion has taken them up to Level 6 in the league system, but next season only the winners of their new division are guaranteed promotion to the London & South East Premier, with the runners-up going into a play-off against the second placed team in London 1 South for the third and final promotion place.
From there it is on to the 16-strong National League 2 South, the National League 1 (16), the Championship (12) and finally the Premiership (12). It is only when you reach National League 1 status that you find any of London Welsh’s traditional rivals – Blackheath, Richmond and Birmingham Moseley.
“We cannot wait to get started again. The five year plan we created after the club’s project reset has been so important to everyone involved with the community around and within the club,” said director of rugby,” Cai Griffiths.
“To have had that put on hold for more than a year has been frustrating. We have an established squad with some very good talent in the performance group.
“Over the last year we have also made some eye catching additions. The four games we have arranged for our pre-season will be a real test for the squad. The two trips to Wales with be a real challenge, but also a great opportunity for the talent that we have to put their hands up and show what they can do. The ambition in this player group is limitless and that is matched only by the aspirations of the coaching team.
“It is a testimony to the size and renown of our great club that we can put together such a impressive line up for pre-season. The links that we have with the region and Premiership clubs in Wales is strong and one that continues to grow as we push on in our own journey.”
Their pre-season build-up begins at Sardis Road on 31 July with an entertaining double-header. The London Welsh Druids will meet Llantwit Fardre before the senior side faces Pontypridd.
They head to Bracknell, who were in the South West Premier League when COVID hit, on 14 August, and Brighton, of the London & South East Premier League, a week later. They will wrap things up with a visit to the Arms Park to face Cardiff on 28 August.
The first meeting of the clubs came in Cardiff on 30 December, 1885, with the home side winning. Their last meeting was a 64-15 win for Cardiff in February, 1996, at Old Deer Park.
