The Madrid Lions Rugby Football Club is in its eleventh season since it was founded in September 1997 and its popularity has amply fulfilled the hopes and expectations of principal founders Charlie Humphrey and Henry Macdonald. As a forum for like-minded enthusiasts who want to be involved with social rugby in all its aspects and enjoy the camaraderie that is a hallmark of the game, the club is unique on the Madrid sports scene.

The record so far reveals what was a previously unfulfilled demand, particularly among the expatriate community, for such a club. To date there have been over 450 playing and social members on the Lions' books, although the nature of the club is such that there is a fairly rapid turnover of players who are in Madrid for limited periods; but there is a strong permanent backbone and many local Spanish players are keen to "guest" for the Lions when not committed to matches for their own clubs

The Lions play only friendly matches and are affiliated to the Comunidad de Madrid's sports section and to the Federacion de Rugby de Madrid (Madrid Rugby Union) who facilitate the players’ compulsory legal insurance cover. While British expatriates are in the majority at present, the membership includes many French, Spaniards and other nationalities --- indeed it is an objective to maintain an international flavour as a distinguishing mark of the club. The club has fielded as many as 13 nationalities in the same match (that's counting English, Scottish, Welsh and obviously Irish as 4 separate ones), such is the Lions' ability to attract interest from all corners of the globe. Matches are played on a variety of good-quality hired pitches in and around Madrid, usually at universities; the club has an annual tour and hosts visiting teams from abroad, so far mainly from England, and takes part in end-of-season 7-a-side tournaments.

Some of the club's regular activities are a weekly training session and a gathering every Thursday night at our pub clubhouse Finnegans, where the big rugby games on satellite TV can always be viewed.

The Madrid Lions welcome playing and social members of all ages and playing abilities, offering fun and enjoyment on and off the field in the true Corinthian spirit. And as an added bonus, there are also several lady social members, who considerably enhance club events with their presence!