Prior to World War II the club had the distinction of hosting some of the top international sides on their tours of the country, including the New Zealand All Blacks in 1905, 1924 and 1935, the South African Springboks in 1907, and Australia in 1908.

On the pitch the 1920s were one of the most successful in the club's history, winning the Devon Senior Cup for the first time in 1923, reclaiming it in 1924 before going on to claim a third title in 1927.

[7][15] The 2005–06 season saw Newton finish second in the league behind Torquay Athletic, qualifying for a promotion playoff against the runners up from Tribute Western Counties North.

[16] Due to a stronger league performance, Newton Abbot were granted home advantage, and they made it count by sealing a 24–12 victory over Walcot at Rackerhayes.

[18] The 2008–09 season saw Newton Abbot once more compete for promotion, fighting their way to a second-place finish, some way adrift of champions Taunton Titans who won all their games.

[19] The following season Newton Abbot were once more in with a shout with promotion in what had been re-branded Tribute South West 1 after the RFU had re-organized the league structure.

Once again Rackerhayes was the scene of a second home victory in the play-offs as Newton went on to beat High Wycombe 23–14 to seal promotion to National League 3 South West – the highest level the club had reached in its history.

In 1947, Newton Abbot Spurs AFC outbid the rugby club for the lease on the Rec forcing NARFC to move to Rackerhayes.