Our history

Our history

History of the Barbarians

Many years ago, a group of players were chosen to form an elite team. They had no ground, clubhouse or subscription and membership was by invitation...

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Our history

The Presidents

There have only been six Presidents in the history of the Barbarians, an office first instituted in 1913 and naturally occupied by W.P. Carpmael, the...

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Our history

The Players

Each era has its stars and legendary heroes. What a galaxy of players of all nationalities have taken the field for the...

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Our history

Other Matches

There have been many other great matches and achievements of note. The great honour of playing against the British Lions on their return from New Zealand in 1977 was just such an...

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Our history

Centenary Years

The club marked its centenary in 1990 with a number of special matches and entered a new era by signing a sponsorship agreement with Scottish Amicable, an association that continued for 12...

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Our history

Tour Overseas

The Barbarians have also had their tours abroad, to Canada in 1957 and 1976 and South Africa in 1958 and 1969. During the 90s the club have visited the former Soviet Union in 1992, playing their top...

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Our history

International Matches

In 1948 the Barbarians were asked by the Home Unions to raise a side to play the Australian Wallabies as a fund raising exercise to enable the Wallabies to return home via Canada....

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Our history

The Early Years

The first tour matches in December 1890 took place against Hartlepool Rovers and Bradford when, despite the formidable strength of Northern rugby in those days, Hartlepool were defeated, and Bradford...

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Our history

The Clubs Development

The Barbarians are unique in that they have no ground, no clubhouse, no entry fee, no subscription, and the clubs they visit pay their expenses in the main....

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Our history

The Founding

WP Carpmael conceived his brilliant idea late one evening in 1890 in Leuchters Restaurant, Bradford, at a time when practically every club ceased playing in early...

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