Meet the Buccaneers Rugby Club

People speak of team spirit and the enjoyment of the game of rugby. The Ibex Buccaneers are not only a team that wants to win the Gibraltar Rugby Championship year-on-year, but a rugby team that bands together and enjoys the social aspect of rugby in Gibraltar. Meet our backroom staff and get to know the Buccs a bit better.

The Backroom Staff

Chad Thomson | President

10-year Veteran of the Buccaneers, he founded the Club back in 2010 and has continued to support it as its former Head Coach and occasional player.

Steve Croft | Chairman

Leads the off-field management and has ensured Buccs are cohesive on and off the field. Mr Dependable has been a Stalwart of the Rugby Club in recent years.

Luke Payas | Head Coach/Player

Luke joined the rugby club as a young lad and has played every season he has been in Gibraltar. He did a spell in Australia and came back a new player and a half-decent coach. Leads the pack well.

Paul Foster | Junior Development

Paul has been ever-present in the Buccs Rugby Club in recent years. He’s stepped back from the coal face but isn’t afraid to roll his sleeves up to get stuck in when called upon.

Richard Hill | Buccs Vets Chairman

Hilly has been with the Buccs since the beginning. The ever-young fullback is also MD of our principal partner, Ibex Insurance

Danny Sweeney | Team Manager

A Senior player, he was part of the early Buccs success in winning the original Super IVs. Having returned to the Rock 8 years later with the Navy he has re-joined some of his old teammates on the Rock.

Hamish Couper | Backs Coach

Hamish ‘Kiwi’ Couper, the Buccaneers antipodean has been a key part of the Buccs Rugby Club since its inception. A ball carrying centre that made his name from dropping goals from half-way in Gibraltar Rugby Cup Finals. Hamish now runs the Bucc’s very young, successful and entertaining backline.

Luke Eastwell | Captain & Social Sec

He’s played more positions this season than some players have played. He’s a natural 7 with a no. 9 instinct. Invaluable to the team and a true leader on the field.