The club was formed in 1930 as Old Surbitonians RFC by the first group of school leavers from Surbiton County Grammar School for Boys. The grounds at Fairmile Lane, Cobham, were purchased in 1949 as a memorial to those Old Boys who perished in World War II.

The current pavilion was opened in 1968, replacing the original and somewhat ramshackle facilities; and there are ambitious plans underway at present to completely overhaul the existing clubhouse, adding new changing rooms and completely revamping the current clubhouse to reflect the steady growth of the membership of the club, especially at Youth and Mini level.

The school survived a move from its original site in Surbiton to Esher as a boys' grammar school, and a change of name to Esher County Grammar School, until during the late 1970s when it evolved into a mixed sixth form college. This change from a boys grammar school to a 6th Form college had a significant and detrimental impact on the flow of young players into the Club, which was one of the driving forces behind the club being one of the first in the country to set up a Mini Rugby section, in the Golden Jubilee year of 1980.

From small beginnings, Mini Rugby has gone from strength to strength, and is now one of the leading Mini Rugby sections in the country. This in turn has spawned a sizeable and flourishing Youth section, which has produced national Champions at U13 level in 2002; and is now producing a steady flow of young players, many of whom have played at the club from the age of 6, into the senior sides.

Despite a highly successful history over many years, including the famous unbeaten season of 1963-64, and a Surrey Cup Final appearance in 1976 the introduction of League Rugby by the RFU in 1987 placed Old Surbitonians RFC in the new 1st division of the new Surrey Leagues. However, despite opening up membership to non-old boys, it became increasingly difficult to recruit new players. Subsequently, the club changed its name in 1989 to Cobham Rugby Football Club, to identify more closely with the immediate surrounding area, and to signify the change to an open membership club.

Recent years have seen the clubs steady progress through the leagues, with four promotions in six seasons in the Leagues since 1987, and success elsewhere in winning the Surrey Shield in 1999.