Full Club History

1850
Rugby Union Football introduced to Brixham, when a newly ordained curate arrived from Cambridge University. At this stage there were few laws. The game was essentially a type of mob football mainly played by local fishermen.

1875
Brixham Rugby Football Club came into official existence and became one of the founder members of Devon RFU of which only 6 clubs are now left. Brixham played their rugby on Furzeham Green until 1896 when BRFC moved to our present ground in New Gate Park.

1924-1934
After one of the best periods in the Club’s history when it won the Devon Cup twice and were runner up on four occasions the Club ran into financial difficulties.

1934
Two local men, Messrs Astley and Smardon, purchased the ground and gave it back to the town on the understanding that the Club should play on the ground free of rent and rates for as long as the Club was in existence. A privilege we enjoy to this day.

1940-45
No rugby played at Astley Park.

1945
Rugby recommenced under the captaincy of Jimmy Merchant, who had played for Plymouth Albion and Torquay and now returned to his home club.

1950-60s
The club’s fortunes were once more at a low ebb.

1964
Various extensions and improvements were made to the ground and clubhouse.

1974
Floodlights installed, increased success both on and off the pitch demanded a larger clubhouse.

1975
Fishermen’s Cup established for rugby between U16s of South Devon Clubs.

1975-76
Brixham won first Fishermen’s Cup. Mini Rugby introduced to Brixham.

1978
The old clubhouse was demolished and the present facilities constructed at a cost of £180,000.

1979
Brixham Youth RFC Formed. Brixham introduce Youth Rugby Week for Boys and Girls 8-16.

1981
After several successful seasons we were admitted into the Bass Merit Table for Senior West Country Clubs. This was the breakthrough we required for Brixham to advance.

1985
Brixham defeated Bath 9-6 who had been undefeated in England for 18 months. The Bath team contained 11 Internationals.

1987
Formation of the Courage Leagues. Brixham were placed in South West 2 on level 6.

1988
Finalists in the Devon Cup and entry into the National Cup Competition winning the first two rounds and eventually being beaten by Gloucester in the third round.

1993-94
U16s won the Fishermen’s Cup. This has been won four times by various Brixham U16s teams.

1995-96
Seven Brixham players played for Devon in a County Championship match.

1996-97
We enter the era of professional rugby. Relegated from SW1. Colts reach final of Devon Colts Cup

1999-2000
The Club celebrate 125 years. First and Colts XVs enjoy best season for 10 years.

2002-03
Reserve XV win West of England Second XV Merit Table. U15s win Lovell Cup. Colts win Devon Colts Cup. Ladies win National Ladies Challenge Cup.

2005
Club granted CASC status.

2006
Reserves, Albion and Colts XVs win Devon Merit tables. Colts reach final of the Devon Colts Cup. U15s and U13s win Devon RFU Plate competition.

2007
First XV in play off for SW1. Colts win Devon Merit Table. Colts lose Devon Colts Cup Final to Exeter. Under 15s win Devon RFU Plate competition. Reserves (Second XV) renamed Crusaders.

2008
Extension completed on 6th September. Opened by the President of the RFU, Mr. B Williams, who was assisted by Mr. T. Brown, President of the Devon RFU.

2010
Brixham reach final of the Devon Senior Cup. Crusaders and Albion XVs win Devon Merit Table competitions.

2011/12
Brixham win South West 1 Division and gain promotion to National League 3. They are also runners up in The Devon Senior Cup . The Crusaders win Devon Merit Table and the club has the most successful season in history..so far!

2014/15
Brixham win Devon Senior Cup.

2016/17
Brixham win Devon Senior Cup.

2017/18
Formed Brixham RFC Ltd Company

2018/19
Brixham Ladies Sirens rugby team reformed plus 3 youth girls sides

2019/20
Brixham win RFU team of the month for February having won 6 games in a row. The season was cut short in March by Covid 19 virus with the 1st XV in 5th place and potentially a Devon Cup Final v Barnstaple

Historical Notes:
The Club colours, black with a 6" white band and black stockings, are those of the Fishermen in the early Nineteenth Century. White smock, black jersey and white seaman’s stockings.

The Club Flag has the letters and numbers of a Brixham Trawler BM 15. The registration document is displayed in the club.

Founded 1874. Ground: Astley Park, Rea Barn Road, Brixham TQ5 9ED. Telephone 01803 882162