About the team

After securing promotion in 2018 via a second place league finish and subsequent play off final victory, the 2018-19 season will see Kilburn Cosmos’ second XV make their debut in the Middlesex Merit Table Premier Division.

The fixture list is out, and it’s already clear that there is a huge challenge in front of coach Aidan Quinn’s men, as the team will be taking on well renowned clubs such as Rosslyn Park and Hampstead. This group of players have never shirked a challenge yet though, and the boys have been putting in the hard work during pre-season training at Gladstone Park on Wednesday evenings at 19:00 and Saturday mornings at 11:00. New players are always welcome, just come along with boots and a gum shield.

Certainly not the biggest rugby team in London, the pack is largely made up of fit, mobile forwards who’s aggression and intensity make up for lack of height and weight. There are a couple of exceptions in two big ball carriers; lovingly nicknamed Barbell and Hole Punch.

The team saw great success playing expansive running rugby last season, with the backs proving almost unstoppable when given space out wide. There were some highlight reel ‘Holywood’ tries scored towards the end of the season, and most teams in Division 1 were probably glad to see the back of the Cosmos.

There is a strong social element throughout the club, and particularly in the second XV. The highlight of the 2017-18 season was the end of year tour to Mayo in Ireland, but that’s all that can be said about that. What goes on tour stays on tour!

Events throughout the season include barbecues, a pub quiz night and weekly post match drinks. The team is made up of players from all over the world; New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Wales and Spain to name just a few. All have been welcomed into the Kilburn Cosmos family, whether they are experienced rugby players or not. Being part of the club is as much about having fun off the pitch as it is on the pitch.