BUCCANEERS evolved when Athlone and Ballinasloe joined forces in season 1993/94 to participate in the then extended All-Ireland League, with the name Buccaneers (an Athlone team played under the name Shannon Buccaneers between the two World Wars, winning a couple of Towns Cups in the duration) coming in to being the following season. After a settling in period of a couple of seasons, Buccs flourished in 1996/97 when they dropped just a single point enroute to capturing the Division 3 title.

They lost just one league game in Division 2 and thus proceeded to a home and away play-off in which they overcame Dungannon to reach Division 1. Buccs made it to the Top Four in that initial memorable campaign and have subsequently qualified for the play-offs on two further occasions.
The midlanders have gone from strength to strength in Connacht winning Senior League titles in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2006 whilst capturing Senior Cups in 1995, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006 and 2007. The club fields two other adult sides as well as an U-20 Academy who have acquitted themselves with distinction also.

Meanwhile, both Athlone and Ballinasloe continued to play independently at underage levels but, following the Co. Galway club’s decision to opt out of the partnership after season 2004/5, the club is now Athlone based. Following the 2006 A.G.M. of Athlone R.F.C. all teams, from Minis up to Seniors, now play as Buccaneers.

Off the field of play, the club has been equally progressive, developing 3 new pitches and impressive clubhouse/bar & dressing-rooms facilities. TV quality floodlights were also installed and a 650 seater Stand erected giving Buccaneers, arguably, the best all-round facilities of any rugby club in Ireland. Rugby, and indeed Soccer, matches have been televised ‘live’ on both RTE and BBC from Dubarry Park. Buccaneers title sponsor is OYSTER homes Ltd.