At February 2024's Richmond Rugby Former Players' Lunch, a packed crowd of 220 club members celebrated the gift of a painting to Richmond Rugby by Deborah Griffin, former Richmond player, Richmond Rugby Vice President and Junior Vice President of the RFU.

The painting was commissioned by Tom Ilube, RFU Chair. Richmond Rugby was chosen to receive the print to recognise not only the part the club has played in establishing women and girls rugby in England but also throughout the world. Richmond Athletic Ground was the venue for the first women’s international in England between a GB side and France on April 19th 1986. Subsequently the Richmond Women's team was formed and at one point was running three teams in the RFUW leagues. Not only did the club attract players from around the world but was renowned for ambitious tours to New Zealand, USA, South Africa and Argentina, as well as touring and attending tournaments in Europe.

We are particularly proud to have Deborah within our ranks here at Richmond. Along with Sue Dorrington, Alice Cooper and Mary Forsyth, the idea for the first Women's Rugby World Cup was conceived by them at Richmond and the 'mighty four' delivered the very first tournament in 1991. They were all inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2022. You can read more about their story and the Women's World Cup here.

Deborah will be the RFU President during 2025 as England hosts the Rugby World Cup. Read more about her appointment here.

You can see the picture in the Murray Judd Room where it sits pride of place behind the bar.