ABOUT Gibraltar Rugby Football Union
Building the future together.
Learn about Gibraltar Rugby. The Gibraltar Rugby Football Union (GRFU) was founded in 1945, immediately after World War II, and serves as the national governing body for rugby in Gibraltar. GRFU is responsible for the management, promotion, and development of the sport across the territory.
Gibraltar Rugby History – The Early Years
Rugby has a long-standing presence in Gibraltar, likely introduced in the 19th century by the British military. The Gibraltar Rugby Football Union (GRFU) was established in 1945, shortly after the end of World War II. As displaced Gibraltarians returned home, many locals who had played rugby in English schools or during military service began playing matches against Army, Navy, and RAF teams stationed in Gibraltar. Since grass rugby pitches were unavailable locally, these games were held across the border in Spain.
Military personnel played a pivotal role in sustaining rugby on the Rock. Often fielding strong teams that competed against local players and military teams. However, by the 1960s, Gibraltar’s unique playing style, marked by its Latin flair, emerged, and the Gibraltar Rugby Football Club (GRFC) began to excel. A local Gibraltar rugby league was formed in the mid-1960s. Comprising teams from the GRFC, Army, Navy, and RAF, adding a structured and competitive framework to the sport.
The Border Closure and Rugby’s Resilience
In the mid-1960s, a mini-league featuring local and military teams was established. This came just in time, as the border closure in 1968 limited travel to Spain. The closure of the Gibraltar-Spain land border in 1968, caused Gibraltar rugby’s popularity to decline locally. However, the introduction of tag rugby (initially with lengths of rope tucked into the shorts) helped ensure the sport did not disappear entirely.
During the 1970s and 1980s, tag rugby allowed players to maintain and refine their rugby skills. Gibraltar Rugby also arranged regular matches against teams from Tangier, Morocco, and France, keeping the spirit of the game alive.
When the border reopened in 1985, rugby gained prominence. The local rugby league was re-established, with matches held on grass pitches in nearby Andalucia, just a short drive from Gibraltar.
GRFC dominated the league, with few exceptions, (notably the 3 year posting of the Duke Of Wellington battalion) until the mid-1990s. During the 1980s, friendly rugby matches were also played against teams from Seville and Madrid, fostering cross-border camaraderie.
Modern Developments and Youth Focus
The reduction of military personnel in 1991-1992 led to changes in the league structure. GRFC adapted by participating in Andalucian competitions and focusing on youth development. Today, Gibraltar boasts an ever-growing number of players across all age groups. GRFU now hosts its own league with four local clubs and a dedicated rugby pitch.
Looking ahead, Gibraltar Rugby is well-positioned for a bright future. The GRFU is actively working toward membership in Rugby Europe, aiming for integration into the international rugby community. This will ensure competition across Senior Men, Women and Age Grade squads, as well as securing technical assistance for Coach and Officials development.
Play Amateur Rugby in Gibraltar
If you would like to work in Gibraltar, you could apply for hospitality work, office jobs or in construction and play amateur rugby in Gibraltar. You can find out more here https://forms.gle/nrQ3h8kPRJxKY9Ea6