St Brendan’s Old Boys RFC first started in 1929, with players from St. Brendan’s college meeting once a week and starting what was to become a strong rugby community within Bristol. With a colourful and decorated history, St Brendan’s RFC was a force to be reckoned with, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, winning the coveted Bristol Combination Cup several times and boasting a rich history in producing several club and international players.

In October 1971, St Brendan’s College played a match against an International XV, made up mainly of the British Lions, who had just returned from beating the All Blacks, and included that famous pairing of Gareth Edwards and Barry John. They beat the school 62 points to 35, but when you consider there were nine Lions and seven internationals in their side it wasn’t a bad result!

In the 1980s, St Brendan’s RFC was represented by no less than 6 international players: Mike Rafter (Club President), Peter Polledri, Nigel Pomphrey, David Scheifler, David Peglar and Paul Jeffery.