History

Rugby has been played in Jersey since 1879 with breaks for war and the Nazi occupation but the modern era started when the club acquired the land for a permanent home near the airport in 1961; the original wooden clubhouse was built in 1964, its approximate location was in the middle of the Jersey Bowl carpark. From the early 1970s, when tourism on the island was at its peak, Jersey attracted many of rugby’s top clubs who could combine a break from their regular fixtures with a game against the JRFC.

This period culminated with a very successful Centenary year in 1979, teams with international players came over to play and help celebrate this event - JPR Williams being one of the most famous! This decade left the club with an unequalled collection of plaques and memorabelia; teams coming from the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia (the beachguard connection) and Holland.

The current clubhouse was opened in September 1994 and corresponded approximately with the start of the leagues; then Jersey could not rely on random visiting sides and had to join the league in Hampshire. Our 1st XV has worked it’s way up to the National 2 South League but the travel costs are very high - JRFC relies heavily on functions and sponsorship to support this commitment.

In the summer of 2010 a new Stand was built between the 1st XV pitch and the Airport Road and an extra Clubhouse, with kitchen and bar, to the east of the main club facilities. This to provide amenities for the increasing number of spectators due to the success of the 1st XV.