The Birth of MENORCA RUGBY

The founding team: Back row from left to right, Paul Marsh, Simon Moore, Miguel Coll, David Dordal, Dan Osterbery, Gary Butcher, Darren Rogers, (unknown), Pedro Pons, Pere Calafet, Francisco Seguí, Ali Ashworth, Andrés. Front row, from left to right, Alex Guess, Ali Preece, Xavi Serrano, Manuel Gomez, Garcia-OChoa, Estoban, (unknown), Alvaro Sevillano, Ayora, Diego, Javier Espín, (Don Teflon), Bonifacio Redondo.

By Peter Martin

Article from Issue 371 – May 2025

Menorca Rugby Club is based in Mahón, Menorca, Islas Baleares, Spain

The club’s concept is built around the values of respect, teamwork, loyalty and discipline, all of which are fundamental to the sport of rugby. These values aim to enrich the lives of players, fostering camaraderie, integrity and personal growth, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more compassionate society.

HOW DID IT ALL START?
It all began with a casual conversation over beers between Dan Osterbery and Paul Marsh at the Reina Isabel in S’Algar around the year 2000. As the night wore on and the beers flowed, their discussion turned to rugby and by the tenth beer an idea was born: to form a rugby club in Menorca. The next week Dan and Paul met up with Gary Butcher and Darren Rogers, two rugby enthusiasts from Sussex, at Bar Jamboree in Arenal d’en Castell. The four men hatched a plan to spread the word about their new venture. They placed an advert in the local paper, Diario, announcing rugby training sessions on Arenal beach on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The response was overwhelming, more than 30 people turned up for the first session, representing a diverse mix of nationalities, including Irish, Scottish, Argentinian, Menorcan, English and Welsh. Encouraged by the turnout, the group organised further beach sessions.

Meanwhile, Dan had been in touch with Paola at the golf club in Son Parc, who kindly offered the use of the club’s driving range for training. This generous offer prompted the group to formalise their club. With the help of Nick Cook,
who assisted with language and notary meetings, Menorca Rugby Club was officially established. Nick’s company, called Fincas Moncloa, became the club’s first sponsor of this fledgling team, along with MeHoCa, also early sponsors, who washed all the club’s rugby kit.

As Menorca rugby continued to grow, the team took a significant step forward by securing a home pitch. After a couple of meetings with the Mahón town hall officials, the club was offered the pitch next to Pallisers. This pitch has
remained the club’s home to this day and is called Estadi Municipal de Mahón.

The first year was an exciting time for the club with a three-way tournament against El Toro and Ponent rugby teams from Mallorca. Menorca lost both matches and gained new friendships in rugby. Menorca Rugby Club then joined the Balearic League, marking a significant milestone in the club’s development. The following season saw the team play six competitive matches, gaining valuable experience and honing its skills.

One of the highlights of the season was hosting its first ever touring side, the Weybridge Vandals. Whilst the result of the match may have faded from memory, the post-game drinks, dinner and a party will be forever etched in the
memory of those who played!

Around 2009, Guillermo Bibiloni Pons (known as ‘Bibi’) a member of Menorca Rugby Club, embarked on a new venture. Alongside like-minded individuals, Bibi decided to establish a new rugby club, Tramontana de Menorca Rugby.
For the next three to four years, Tramontana de Menorca Rugby Club competed in the Balearic League, travelling to Mallorca by plane and boat to participate in matches.

One of the club’s most significant contributions to the Island was promoting the sport of rugby in Menorcan schools. This initiative sparked genuine interest amongst boys and girls, helping to grow the sport on the Island. As the club’s
influence grew, so did the popularity of rugby, paving the way for a brighter future.

MERGING FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Three years after its inception, it became clear that merging Tramontana de Menorca Rugby Club with Menorca Rugby Club would be in the best interests of rugby on the Island. This union aimed to strengthen the sport, combining
resources, expertise, and passion to create a more robust and competitive team.

Menorca Rugby Club has expanded its reach and activities. The club has various teams, including boys and girls seniors, juniors and younger age groups with training sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It also has a strong focus on youth development with programmes for children as young as 5 years old. Currently the club trains at CF Sporting de Mahón and plays matches at Camp Municipal de Ses Canaletes. All this whilst waiting for its w pitch to be ready at Estadi Municipal de Mahón. To support its growth and activities, Menorca Rugby Club relies on sponsors and supporters.