Gibraltar Rugby Football Club was
established immediately after the War. After the repatriation of
displaced Gibraltarians locals who had learnt to play rugby either
at English Schools or whilst being in the forces started to play the
resident teams from the Army, Navy and RAF in a pitch in neighbouring
Spain (given the lack of grass pitches in Gibraltar).
Initially
it would be fair to say that the military sides were dominant but by
the 60's the Latin flair which became a trade mark of Gibraltar's style
of rugby became evident and it is fair to say that GRFC became the
dominant force in the area.
The
closure of the land frontier between Gibraltar and Spain in 1968 saw
local rugby diminish in popularity but fortunately tag Rugby ensured
that it did not entirely disappear. In 1985 the land frontier re-opened
and with it the local league once again became an important part of
Gibraltar's weekly sporting calendar with games being played in Spain
on grass pitches mostly located within 15mins of Gibraltar.
GRFC
prospered within the local league and since 1985 with the exception of
3 years when the Duke of Wellington Regiment were posted to Gibraltar
the GRFC won the league year after year. Games against Spanish sides
during the 1980's were played on a friendly basis primarily against
sides from Seville and Madrid. Spanish rugby grew in popularity and by
1990 the GRFC began to struggle against primer league sides but enjoyed
very competitive games against 1st division regional teams in Andalusia.
The
reduction in Military personal in 1991/1992 and the positive approach
by the Andalusian Rugby Federation that uniquely kept politics out of
sport meant that it became clear that the GFRC future was playing
within the Andalusian League and the 1992/93 season saw GRFC fully
integrated into the 2nd division of Andalusia. Players from forces
sides joined the GRFC and by 1994 the GFRC were at their strongest
historically. In that same year the GRFC were promoted to the 1st
division almost wining it in the first year.
Throughout
this period the GRFC toured regularly entering tournaments in Spain and
Portugal with considerable success both at 15's and 7's. The highlight
was winning the Benidorm 7's tournerment Club section in 1996. Ireland
won the national section.
By
2000 the retirement of a crop of players at the same time led to GRFC
dropping to the 2nd division where they stayed until 2004/05 when they
were once again promoted. In their first year in the 1st division they
ended up 3rd but the failure to produce a youth side meant that in
2006/07 the GRFC were once againrelegated to the 2nd Division. The 07/08 year resulted in the GRFC winning the league title convincingly, organise a youth side and gain promotionto their rightful place in division 1. Since the 08/09 the Gibraltar team have been one of the most consistent temas in the leaguebeing in the top quarter, last season finishing 3rd behind Malaga and San jerinomo from Seville.