Formed in 1996 as North and East Yorkshire they jointly toured Western Canada for the first tour in 1997. So successful was the trip that they went back again in 1999. On their return it was decided to expand and form a full Yorkshire touring club with the purpose of developing young Yorkshire rugby players.

The name was changed in 2000 to Yorkshire Terriers. 2001 saw the Terriers embark on a major round the world trip, taking in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and USA.

The next venture was South America in 2003, a very successful trip to Argentina, Chile and Brazil. With a rapidly growing reputation, and stronger opposition being provided, the Terriers made a decision to invite players from other counties if a suitable player could not be found in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Terriers RFC toured South Africa in 2005 and returned to Canada in 2007.

The club is well on its way to becoming recognised as the Barbarians of English youth rugby.