Barnstaple RFC Barnstaple RFC Barnstaple Rugby Football Club was established in 1877 and is a rugby union club based in Barnstaple, Devon. The club's first team play in South West Premier, the fourth tier of the English rugby union league system, following relegation from National League 2 South at the end of the 2017-18 season. The club colours are red and white and their nickname is Barum. The first team are called the Chiefs, and there are also 2nd and 3rd teams (Athletic and Buccaneers), a number of youth teams from under-7s to under-18s (colts), and a girls side. The clubs rivals
Barnstaple and it was the largest textile centre outside Exeter until about 1600. Its wool trade was further aided by the town's port, from which in 1588 five ships were contributed to the force sent to fight the Spanish Armada. Barnstaple was one of the "privileged ports" of the Spanish Company, (established 1577) whose armorials are visible on two of the mural monuments to 17th century merchants in St Peter's Church, and on the decorated plaster ceiling of the former "Golden Lion Inn", 62 Boutport Street (now a restaurant next to the Royal and Fortescue Hotel). The developing trade with America