Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council proceeded slowly. Eventually a ground lease was arranged at Down Grange. Building started in September 1970 and the Clubhouse was opened in January 1971. Once the project became a reality, fund raising improved dramatically, in addition a grant was obtained, and also a loan from the brewery. Two years later in 1973 two more changing rooms, a referees dressing room, a store and the spectator stand to the 1st XV pitch were added, together with other improvements largely to cope with the increasing number of players and supporters. In 1984 the President’s Lounge was built which provided comfortably accommodation for members and their families. The Club was still run entirely on a voluntary basis by members, however, in December 1988 in order to make greater use of the facilities and provide a better service for members, a full-time steward was employed and has been ever since. One more major development took place in 1991, when extensions to provide a dining area, larger kitchen, office, shop and weight training room were built. Internal improvements also included a fully equipped medical room, a new central heating system and enlargement of the bar area. The current capacity at Down Grange is around 2,500 overall including 250 seats. Club Honours London Division 2 South champions (2): 1987–88, 2008–09 Hampshire Cup winners (14): 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 London 1 v South West 1 promotion playoff winners: 2001–02 London Division 1 champions: 1999–00 London 1 (north v south) promotion playoff winners: 2012–13 Hampshire Premier champions: 2018–19 References External links The Official Website Rugby15 Basingstoke Blog Basingstoke Youth Rugby Basingstoke RFC International Diamond 7s Rugby clubs established in 1948 English rugby union teams Rugby union clubs in Hampshire Sport in Basingstoke