History tells us that in 1890 at 2.00 am, in the Alexandra Hotel in Hartlepool, Percy Carpmael and friends decided to form a rugby team called the Barbarian Football Club.

In 1888, a tour party supposedly representing the British Isles, but in reality made up of Scots and English players; toured the southern hemisphere for 8 months. The British & Irish Lions were born.

In 1895, the Northern Union separated from the rest of the rugby world and went to play rugby league. The remainder formed the Rugby Football Union.

In 1994 whilst bored one day, Mike Keeling inadvertently formed the Rugga Buggas XV.

The team actually has its roots in the early 1990’s when Macclesfield RUFC 4th XV went through a purple patch and played great rugby winning most of their games for 2 seasons. Lifelong friendships were made, unbreakable bonds were forged and in the future, tales would be told.

By 1994, much of the team had broken up. Players had moved on to pastures new. One day Mike was sitting in his office in Wells, Somerset. He was bored. His mind wandered to the halcyon days and his friends now dispersed. What about a reunion? Would it work? Where would we go?

Phone calls were made, faxes were sent and it was decided that a weekend away with a bit of rugby thrown in would indeed, be a good idea. Where? Well the middle of the country seemed sensible and the town of Rugby, the home of the game, was the obvious choice.

With everyone playing at different clubs, the decision was taken to call this team The Rugga Buggas XV. Not affiliated to the RFU. No clubhouse, no membership – just a collection of old friends drinking and playing rugby.

And so, through boredom, the Rugga Buggas were born. Founded in 1994. Since then there have been many gatherings of the "buggas" and it is estimated that over 20 clubs have been represented by well over 50 players. Countries that have been represented include, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.