With the milestone of promotion to Midlands Premier now achieved for the Glasshouse Lane outfit, Kenilworth's Gareth Renowden will be adding a personal achievement to an outstanding season for Kenilworth's Mens first XV.

Second place in the Midlands One West was secured with a 43-17 home victory over Sutton Coldfield last time out - a game in which scrum-half Renowden made his 299th appearance in blue and gold.

And this coming Saturday's away tie against Whitchurch will mark his 300th first XV appearance in a senior rugby career that has spanned four decades and which shows no signs of finishing anytime soon.

Having started his minis career down the road at Old Leamingtonians, where his late father Dave was also chairman, 'Gaz' then moved across the fields to Leamington, playing his junior and colts rugby there.

He then moved to Kenilworth in 2006 and has been a virtual ever-present in the 1st XV for the last 16 seasons.

"It's an honour to play for and represent the club," said Gareth.

"As it's a major part of mine and my family's life, with my son Willem also playing for the under eight's and me coaching his age group on a Sunday morning.

"Kenilworth is a family-driven and traditional club, where the relationship with the community has become more and more important, especially with the new ground on the horizon.

"To see so many boys and girls leaving training on a Friday night or a Sunday morning in Kenilworth gear is fantastic, and it's something that continues to go from strength to strength."

Gareth first joined Kenilworth in 2006 (Image via Tim Nunan)

And ahead of hitting his 300th appearance for the club Gareth said he never imagined that he would still be playing at this level now.

"I thought I'd play a few years and then drop down to social rugby," he added.

"But it's a testament to the off-field support that the club provide to their players, as well as the camaraderie of my teammates, some of whom (such as Bobby Thompson and Mikkel Andresen) I've played with for 10 years or so and have achieved a great deal."

Such a lengthy career provides highlights, and Gareth said the National Intermediate Cup final win at Twickenham in 2019 was up there.

However, it was the home semi-final to get to Twickenham that holds the most special memories for him.

"Playing and winning at Twickenham was special, in the fact that it topped off a remarkable season and was something that I didn't, even in my wildest dreams, think I'd experience," he said.

"However, the semi-final against South Shields Westoe which got us to Twickenham was an incredible day, and epitomised what playing for Kenilworth is all about.

"I just remember it being an unbelievably hot afternoon with the whole squad giving absolutely everything throughout the entire game in which we were seen as slight underdogs, but the size of, and noise from, the crowd is the thing I remember most.

"There was a crowd of around 1,000 people at Glasshouse Lane that day, and the sheer volume that they generated genuinely got us through some tough moments against a really physical opposition, helping to propel us to that date at Twickenham!

Gareth in action against Sutton Coldfield (Image via Willie Whitesmith)

"To play alongside the players that I have has been, and continues to be, a huge privilege. I'm still just as competitive, I relish running out on the field every Saturday, so if I manage to stay fit and healthy then I've no intention to stop any time soon."

Commenting on the achievement, director of rugby Jai Purewal added: "I've played alongside Gaz more times than I can remember over the years, initially when we were both at college, and to see him on the verge of achieving such a significant milestone in his Kenilworth career is testament to his longevity, standards, determination and quality.

"He fully deserves all the plaudits that he will receive; a great clubman, and someone that continues to play a major part in driving us forward."

Kenilworth Mens first XV travel to Whitchurch in Shropshire this Saturday, 23 April, in their last game of the season, with promotion to Midlands Premier already secured.

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