In 1968 John Osbourne put a note in the local paper to announce a public meeting at the Seven Stars pub in Barrack Street with the intention of forming a rugby club.

The new club trained at Colfox School. The first scratch game was against Weymouth at Dorchester one evening. The club shared the old cricket pavilion at the Brewery Ground with Bridport Cricket Club. The pavilion had one cold shower. The rugby club built an extension, installed a plunge bath and built a bar. It is believed that 10 games were played in that first season and 9 were won. Properly recorded club minutes began in the 69-70 season.