History

The History of Strabane Rugby Football Club

The Club was formed in 1923, playing in the same colours as today Red, Black and Yellow. One member who had played for Landsdowne in Dublin proposed the Landsdowne colours as he wasn't going to buy a new jersey!

In 1924 the club started to play at Lifford Road and the club won the North West League in the 1926-7 season playing home and away against Derry, Limivady and Magee College.

There was no success during the 30's, but the social life was great. The club then closed down for the war years 1939-46 reforming in 1946. They again won the NW League in 1951-52 (The start of the Golden years as far as Strabane was concerned). In the 1950's they won the NW League several times, town's cup finalists once. Past players finalists twice (knock-out competition between different Junior League winners), junior cup semi-finalists several times and Ulster junior caps galore. Robbie Smyth (current player Johnnies father) represented Ulster senior XV on several occasions, the first and only time a genuine Junior player has represented his Province. The 2nd XV won the minor league on a number of times and played at Ravenhill in 1956.

The sixties were up and down. Due to the troubles the Club had to shut down in 1973 and reformed in 1982. Castlederg and Strabane Young Farmers formed the nucleus of the teams. The club climbed steadily through the various leagues to junior status. In Qualifying 4 for a few years and then promotion to Qualifying 3, then achieved several good years finishing 3/4th on occasions. Many players left or stopped playing and we are now back in Qualifying 4 but not downhearted as the revival has started. After a shaky start to the 2003/4 season, the numbers have increased available to both teams.

The club has much to look forward to, as we have a good coach Simon Mowbray, good facilities (showers and floodlights) at the training ground at Ardstraw Football Club in Newtownstewart. The excellant facilities has encouraged many young players to come to training sessions, apporoximately 20 and increasing.

There is still a great spirit in the club both On and Off the Field with great crack at the Barbeque, Poker night and not forgetting our trip to Virginia. Strabane Rugby Club is still going strong!