Malone Rugby Football Club was founded in 1892 by residents of Malone Park, Belfast. Their 1st XV (Men) currently play in AIL 1B and their 1st XV (Women) play in the Women’s AIL.

The Club was granted Senior status in 1896 and played their first game at this level against Collegians and the first Dublin fixture, against Monkstown, followed on 27th December, 1897. In 1903 they first played against cross-channel opposition when hosting the Furness Club.

In 1932 the club changed its name to Malone Rugby Football Club and in 1935 gained a permanent home at Gibson Park, which they then purchased in 1953. The pavilion was built in 1967, and with several additions it continues to provide first class facilities.

Over the Club’s 120+ years, its members have achieved many successes, both on and off the field. Over 50 Ulster League and Cup wins at all levels and at the top, twenty two Malone men have represented Ireland in full internationals, five in A or B matches, two at Under 25, five at Schools, one at Under 21 and one represented Scotland B; over 200 caps between them.

To date they have had six British Lions, seven IRFU or SRU tourists and eight Barbarians.

The Club added a Women’s side in 2006 and now field two women’s senior sides along with four men’s sides, several youth teams and an active mini rugby section.

In 2019 the Women’s 1st XV gained promotion to the Women’s All Ireland League having won the provincial League and Junior Cup in previous seasons. In 2021 – 22 one of their founding women’s players, Peita McAllister was selected as the clubs first ever female Club Captain.

On the administration side Malone has provided six Presidents of the IRFU and fourteen Presidents of the Ulster Branch; and the memory of some of their illustrious members lives on in the Harden, McCrea and Crawford Cups.

Gibson Park Avenue
Cregagh Road
Belfast. BT6 9GL
Tel: 028 90457819

MALONE RFC WEBSITE

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