Home of the Herons.

From Leytonstone to Roding Lane

Wanstead Rugby Club was founded in 1892 as Leytonstone RFC making it the second oldest rugby club in Essex next to Southend. The club took the Heron as its symbol, those being the most historically associated to Wanstead after being brought to the area by Sir John Heron in the 16th Century to mark his name and thus figuring in the borough's arms. Soon after being established the club adopted the team colours of blue and white which are still in use today.

In the early 1900s Wanstead won the Eastern Counties Cup 3 years running, and right up to the Second World War had regular fixtures with the likes of Wasps and Saracens. In 1933 we had RF Davey playing for England twice only for him then to be told to move to a more fashionable club (!). He refused which gives a clue to the Wanstead culture even then.