In 1946 the Marina officially re-opened after the War and resumed its busy programme of dances, with Easter time always extremely popular. This was when the Barbarian Rugby club would take up residence across the road in the Esplanade Hotel, attending regular dances at The Marina. In 1977 the Esplanade Hotel, most famous as the spiritual home of the Barbarians Rugby Club, was destroyed by fire. The burnt out building was not demolished until the late 80s, and remained as a scar on the seafront for years. In 1986 the final Easter Good Friday game was played between Penarth and the Barbarians. By this time Penarth had slipped from its former prominent position in Welsh rugby, but the match was still a great end to an era of rugby that is now associated with Penarth’s seafront.