Sod Turning Marks the Beginning of the Kyle Rippon Cricket Clubhouse
On Tuesday, 17 March 2026, Kingswood College marked an important milestone with an intimate sod turning ceremony for the Kyle Rippon Cricket Clubhouse on Gane Field. Kingswood College Head, Mr Leon Grové, together with members of his management team and representatives of the College’s cricket structures, were joined by Warne (OK 1984) and Wendy Rippon and their daughter Hannah, Gregg (OK 1983) and Bridget Rippon, Claudia Rippon, Georgie Duncan and Rose Fowlds (Kyle Rippon’s Sister) with her daughter Jane Fowlds as well as distinguished Old Kingswoodians, to share in this meaningful occasion.
The development of the clubhouse is being made possible through the generous support of the Rippon family which was represented on the day by brothers Warne (OK 1984) and Gregg Rippon (OK 1983). The project has also been supported by close friends and Old Kingswoodians who hold the family, and tradition of cricket at the school close to their hearts.
Their presence, together with that of their family members who travelled to Kingswood for the ceremony, reflected the deep and enduring connection between the Rippon family and the College. The project honours the memory of their late father, Mr Kyle Rippon (OK 1954), whose lifelong love of cricket and commitment to Kingswood inspired this lasting contribution.
Heritage Sub-Committee of the Kingswood College Council which ratified the proposed honouring of Kyle Rippon through the naming of the building, was represented by Mr Chris Hobson (OK 1990), Chairman of the Committee and President of the Old Kingswoodian Club, who was present to celebrate the occasion along with the Chair of Council, Mr Richard Gaybba (OK 2001).
Described as a tribute to an Old Kingswoodian and a home for future generations of Kingswood cricketers, the clubhouse represents a significant investment in the life of the College. Kingswood is sincerely grateful for this generous addition to its campus. It strengthens our proud cricketing heritage while providing a purposeful space in which parents, staff and our community can gather. Kingswood also extends its sincere thanks to Wendy Rippon, whose thoughtful involvement in the interior design of the clubhouse will help bring this vision to life.
The new clubhouse will also support the hosting of fixtures and events, contribute to the vibrancy of match days and strengthen the College’s capacity to engage more widely with the cricketing community. In doing so, it adds lasting value to both the sporting life and the long-term sustainability of Kingswood.
Construction is expected to continue for the remainder of the year, with the aim of opening early in 2027. Once complete, the Kyle Rippon Cricket Clubhouse will stand as the home of cricket at Kingswood, enriching the tradition of cricket at the school and strengthening the sense of belonging that is central to the life of the College.
