Some form of mob football was probably played in Brixham in the 1860’s but the Club dates back to its formation in 1875. In the early years the sport was somewhat disorganised and Brixham were one of many local teams – virtually every town had one.Having initially played on the Recreation Ground at Furzeham, Brixham moved to Great New Park and purchased the ground in 1904. They then started to rise through the ranks. In 1908 they won the Devon Junior Cup and joined the senior ranks. In 1912 Brixham could boast their first County player.
The Great War put an end to their rise but they continued to thrive in the 1920s and early 1930s winning the Devon Cup twice and being losing finalists several times. Financial difficulties affected virtually all clubs at the time and for Brixham things came to a head in 1933 when their overdraft became unsustainable. A local businessman Mr B.A.F. Astley stepped into the breach. He bought the ground and presented it to the Town Council – with the condition that the Club had free use in perpetuity. The football field rapidly became Astley Park.
The period from 1935 to 1955 was one of continued difficulties and Brixham – like many others - struggled to keep their heads above the water.
In the 1960s the facilities were improved and floodlights were installed in 1974 and a new Clubhouse was built in 1978. This has since been renovated and, in recent years, enlarged to provide some of the best facilities in Devon.
Since the introduction of the Bass Merit Tables in 1981 and the introduction of Leagues in 1987; Brixham has established itself as one of the leading clubs in Devon. A memorable evening in 1985 witnessed Brixham defeating a Bath side containing 11 International players.
In the Leagues Brixham have been remarkably stable over the years and after some close shaves we won promotion to the National Leagues in 2012.
Success in the Devon Cup proved elusive despite numerous appearances in the Final though these gave us entry to the National Cup competitions – defeat by Gloucester in the third round in 1988 was our best performance.
Last season we finished fifth in National 3SW but the crowning achievement was to lift the Devon Senior Cup after a wait of over 80 years. Our Colts won the Devon Shield and the Under 16s the Fishermen’s Cup Shield to complete a successful year.
Brixham was one of the first clubs to introduce youth rugby and the Fishermen’s Cup for Under 16s was established in 1974. To cater for the youngsters, Brixham Youth RFC was formed in 1979. There are now teams at all age groups from 7-16 years old and “Rugby Cubs” – for under 6s – has recently started.
Many of the senior players in the Club have come up through the youth system and we can see potential stars of the future at all levels.
For much more information check out the History pages.