Press Release, Gibraltar, 23 September. Following the Gibraltar Rugby Football Union’s Annual General Meeting held on 8th September 2026, we are pleased to announce a number of new appointments to our board.
Russ Williams has been voted in as Director, while Sophia Lombard and Robert Azopardi join the board as new Board Members. These appointments come at a pivotal time for Gibraltar Rugby, following our recent admission into Rugby Europe, and reflect our continued commitment to strengthening the leadership driving the sport forward across all levels — from age-grade and club rugby through to our national teams.
We look forward to the experience, energy and fresh perspectives Russ, Sophia and Robert bring to the Union. Read more about each of them below.
Russ Williams Gibraltar Rugby Football Union Board Member
Highlight: Part of the undefeated Sharks team that won the League and Cup double.
Also served the Gibraltar Vets as Player, President & Sponsor, roles I’m still somehow holding today.
30+ years later… still involved, still paying, still not cured!
– Russ Williams
The Rugby Journey
Started in 1992 with the Rovers Return , aka the Gibraltar Rejects.
Joined Estrecho RFC in 2010, playing and coaching, before joining the Sharks at the birth of Gibraltar’s S4 League.
Then somehow became Player, Manager, President & Sponsor. Apparently one job wasn’t enough!
Robert Azopardi Gibraltar Rugby Football Union Board Member
My rugby journey also took me to Sweden, where I spent three years playing for Enköpings Rugby Klubb, then Swedish champions.
Over the years, rugby has given me the opportunity to play in Gibraltar, Spain, the UK, Sweden, Australia, Fiji, Italy, France and Morocco.
– Robert Azopardi
My involvement in rugby stretches back to the age of 15, when I began playing for the first-ever Gibraltar youth side, Gibraltar Colts U18s. By the age of 17, I had progressed into senior rugby, representing both the Gibraltar First and Second teams in the local league, with many of our matches at the time played at the Paniagua pitch in Sotogrande.
After moving to the UK, I continued playing with Fulham & Hammersmith, Harrods Rugby Club and the University of Sussex, where I represented the First XV and captained the Second XV. I later played for Seaford and Brighton Rugby Club at both first and second-team level.
Coaching has been an equally important part of my involvement in the game.
In Gibraltar, I have coached the U18, U16 and U14 boys’ representative sides, as well as the Development side. I also had the privilege of coaching Gibraltar’s first women’s rugby team.
During my time in the UK, I coached the University of Sussex Women’s First XV and was appointed as a Sussex County Youth Development Coach. I was also Head Coach for rugby at St John’s School in Epping, Essex, and Highlands School in Enfield, Middlesex.
As a teacher and school leader, I have always tried to introduce young people to rugby and its values.
I have coached rugby locally through my work at Loreto Convent, Prior Park School and Hebrew Primary School, where I continue to promote the game among primary-aged children. I am currently Deputy Headteacher at a local primary school.
My contribution to Gibraltar rugby has extended beyond playing and coaching. I was at the forefront of establishing Gibraltar’s first Super IVs competition and was integrally involved in preparing Gibraltar Rugby’s application to FIRA-AER, an important part of the journey towards greater recognition for the sport internationally.
I am also a qualified rugby referee and continue to referee whenever the opportunity arises. I remain an active participant in the game, playing touch rugby regularly during the week.
Rugby has therefore been a constant throughout my life. I have experienced the game as a player, captain, coach, referee, teacher and administrator, from grassroots and school rugby through to senior and representative environments. Having seen Gibraltar rugby develop from its early youth and domestic structures to where it stands today, I remain passionate about contributing to its continued development and helping create opportunities for the next generation of Gibraltar players.
Sophia Lombard Gibraltar Rugby Football Union Board Member
Gibraltar Rugby is delighted to welcome Sophia Lombard (“Fof”) to the GRFU Board.
As a Chartered Accountant, Sophia also brings significant professional experience and a valuable perspective to the governance and future development of Gibraltar Rugby.
Sophia has been an active member of women’s rugby in Gibraltar for nearly eight years. She continues to play for the Gibraltar Women’s team and currently serves as team captain, while also playing an active role in the development of the women’s game through coaching, mentoring and supporting the next generation of female players.
Her appointment to the Board, following her role as Chairwoman, is a natural progression of her longstanding commitment to women’s rugby and her passion for helping the sport continue to grow and develop in Gibraltar. Sophia has been a strong advocate for increased participation and representation within the women’s game and brings valuable experience from both on and off the pitch.
We look forward to Sophia continuing to make a positive contribution to Gibraltar Rugby, both through her leadership within the women’s game and as a member of the GRFU Board.
