History

2022
The RFU restructure the league system to include 2nd teams in an effort to improve Rugby standards. Maidstone find themselves in the Counties leagues.

2021
MFC & The Mote Trustees finalise the new lease to keep Maidstone Rugby playing at the Mote for at least fifteen more years.

2020
The COVID-19 pandemic causes the season to be suspended & the following season to be cancelled.

2019
U16’s win the Kent Development Cup

2018
Mustangs win the league unbeaten and U18’s win the Kent Cup.

2017
Maidstone defend the Kent Plate, beating neighbours Aylesford in the final.

2016
Maidstone win the Kent Plate and finish min-table in London 1.

2015
Maidstone win LSE 2 unbeaten, lift the divisional title and Intermediate National title at Twickenham.

2013
Maidstone enjoy another unbeaten campaign, successfully defending their Divisional Senior Vase title.

2012
Maidstone win the London & SE divisional title and reach the national semi-final.

2009
The club invests in clearing the waste land behind the top pitch, to create tag pitches. Lighting is extended to cover this pitch.

2006
Maidstone agrees terms on a floodlight project to add lights to the training pitch.

2005
After relegation in 2003, Maidstone celebrate 125 years with the London South East 3 title, going the whole season unbeaten. They also tour the USA.

2000
Promotion was achieved within three seasons of appointing a DoR, as well as reaching the Kent Cup final, narrowly losing to National League side Westcombe Park.

1996
Following four successive relegations, Maidstone find themselves in London South East 3.

1987
League Rugby is introduced & Maidstone were unanimously voted by the seven counties of the London Division to go straight into National League Three.

1980
Maidstone invited to play in the London Senior Clubs Rugby Festival at Twickenham, losing in the Semi-Final.

1979
Maidstone head into their centenary year by defeating Blackheath in the Kent Cup Final, winning the Kent 7’s and appearing once more at Twickenham.

1977
Maidstone play at Twickenham in the Middlesex Sevens tournament. Despite several victories, Maidstone were felled by eventual winners Harlequins.

1976
Maidstone launches its Colts and Mini Youth sections.

1974
Maidstone avenge the loss against Sidcup in the Kent Cup final to win our first trophy. Captained by future President Jim Tinsley.

1972
Maidstone reach their first Kent Cup Final & host the Kent Sevens tournament.

1971
The Royal Engineers dig out areas on the grounds to form two additional pitches.

1969
Bernard Hinks, a true gentlemen who showed the best of what a club should be, loses his life during an ‘A’ team game. A team he successfully led for a decade.

1957
The new stand is opened at the Ground.

1957
Maidstone FC signs long term lease to share the Mote Cricket ground, where we reside today.

1954
Leading into the clubs 75th year, Maidstone FC loses just 2 of 31 games played under the Captaincy of Des Payne.

1945
Maidstone joins with Old Maidstonians from MGS to form one County Town side and begin the resurgence after the war.

1939
World War Two begins and suspends rugby on all fronts. Lest We Forget.

1937
Maidstone has its most successful season to date, winning 20 from 26 matches.

1931
Maidstone tour once again, this time with Thanet, to play triangular tournament with hosts Boulogne. Maidstone won the tournament.

1930
Maidstone celebrates its jubilee season with a Dinner & Dance at the Corn Exchange & Royal Star Hotel.

1926
The club toured for the very first time. Meeting the British Rugby team stationed in Paris.

1918
Following the Great War, many club members were fortunate to return and continue rugby.

1906
MFC begins a full friendlies calendar again, winning 7 out of 12, claiming the scalps of London Scottish & Wasps.

1900
A typhoid outbreak and a call to arms to the South African war meant little activity for rugby for 5 years.

1896
Following Dr. Monckton’s death, the land becomes possession of builders. MFC moves to the MGS grounds.

1887
Club adopts traditional red and white after first playing in dark blue to represent Borough Arms public house. The lion on the breast is retained.

1886
Club flourishes playing the likes of Middlesex Wanderers, Harlequins, Richmond, Eton House, London Scottish & Old Merchant Taylors

1881
Dr. Monckton allows his grounds near the town centre to be the base for the club.

1880
Maidstone FC is officially founded.

Maidstone Rugby Centenary Book
Read The Digital Book Here

By clicking the link above, you can read the first 100 years’ history, which was created to commemorate the centenary of the club. The book contained contributions by many, compiled by Roger Craske, designed by Norman Smith & illustrated by Martin Crumpton. The book was published in paperback in 1980.

The book covers a vast array of history from 1880 – 1980. There are team photographs, fixture cards, information on seven’s tournaments, as well as some anecdotes on tours as well as visiting teams.

Bernard Hinks also has a section dedicated, which is only fitting due to his vast contributions both on and off the field. His name is already etched in folklore and the Bernard Hinks awards for 1st XV player, Other XV player and Non-player are prestigious in themselves when handed out in his honour.

With names included that are fondly remembered, this book is a great read for anyone interested in our storied past.

From minis to senior, from humble beginnings to dizzy heights. It’s all here part of our first one hundred years.