-
Church Lane
Yeovil
UNITED KINGDOM
SOMERSET
BA22 9TR
BA22 9TR
Ivel Barbarians Rugby Football Club
History & Origins
The club came into being in 1995 through a merger between two long-standing local rugby clubs:
-
Yeovil RFC, which had deep roots in the town (originally founded in the 19th century)
-
Westland RFC, founded in 1954, known locally as the “Westland” works-based side
The merger was intended to consolidate rugby in Yeovil and ensure stronger, sustainable club structures.
In later years, the club has been referenced under the name Yeovil Rugby Club / Yeovil Rugby & Ivel Barbarians in local and county listings.
Teams & Structure
Ivel Barbarians runs a full club structure across a wide age range, offering pathways from junior and youth to senior levels. While precise numbers may fluctuate by season, typical teams include:
| Category | Teams | Age Range / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mini / Junior Rugby | Under-6 / Under-7 / U8 / U9 / U10 / U11 / U12 / U13 / U14 / U15 / U16 | Non-contact (tag / touch) at the youngest levels, progressing to full contact as players mature |
| Youth / Colts | Under-18 / Under-19 | For teenagers transitioning to adult rugby |
| Senior / Men | 1st XV, 2nd XV, sometimes 3rd XV | Open age adult men’s teams |
| Women / Girls | Women’s XV, Girls youth teams | Some age-grade girls’ squads feeding into a senior women’s side |
The club aims to provide a “rugby for all” ethos, ensuring opportunities for playing, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.
Women’s & Girls' Rugby
Ivel Barbarians supports female rugby. They field a women’s senior team, and often run girls’ age-group sides (e.g. U15, U18) depending on player numbers and demand. (While I couldn’t find a current league listing for the women’s team, this aligns with many community clubs of similar size.)
First Team & League Status
The 1st XV of Ivel Barbarians historically competed in Counties 1 Southern South (formerly known as “Southern Counties South”), which is part of the English rugby union league structure in the south-west region.
The club has also been listed in Somerset / county leagues over time depending on performance and restructuring.
Club & Facilities
-
The club plays from a ground often referred to as Yeovil Rugby Club / Ivel Barbarians, located off Church Lane, Yeovil.
-
They host matches, training sessions for all sides, and social / club events to build community engagement.
-
The club is a member of Somerset Rugby as one of the county clubs.
Identity & Legacy
Ivel Barbarians embodies the legacy of several generations of Yeovil rugby—uniting two rival clubs into a stronger, unified club. Over time, its identity has become linked with “Yeovil Rugby / Ivel Barbarians,” ensuring the heritage of both founding clubs continues.
The club is a key part of local sport, providing pathways for youth participation, promoting rugby values, and competing in the regional leagues.
