The poignant words of one rugby pioneer, “I used to have boots and shorts in my car, in case I saw another black person,” vividly capture a sense of isolation and the profound longing for community and representation in sport during a specific era. This powerful sentiment perfectly encapsulates the environment in which the Reading West Indians RUFC was founded. Established in the 1970s, this pioneering rugby club transcended the boundaries of a mere sports team. It rapidly evolved into a vital beacon of hope and inspiration, fostering a strong sense of belonging and unity among generations of black players, and laying a crucial foundation for the future development of rugby within their community.
