We are the University of Florida Men's Club Rugby Team and this is our page!

The University of Florida Men's Rugby Club has its roots in a bar in Tallahassee during a UF vs FSU cricket match. Two Aussies were drinking a beer when they decided cricket was too boring of a game, with too much time to stand around and drink beer, and so it was under these circumstances that these Aussies decided that what UF needed was a rugby club. Not many people heard of Rugby in the south in 1969 (Rugby was only played in Ivy League universities, the military, and in some universities in California), but nevertheless the idea of a UF Rugby team was conceived.

The following Monday, the club founders Tony Barker and Phil Whyatt, through much tribulation, met with Intramural Sports Department Head Dr. Paul Varnes. Though Dr. Varnes commented that it would be "unlikely" Rugby would get off the ground and it would be a "five-minute wonder", he agreed to support the concept of Rugby at UF. He gave equipment to the boys (two balls, some weathered gator practice jerseys, and a field marked to rugby standards), and sent them on their way.

With the beginning of the actual rugby team came the challenge of recruitment. Articles in the "Alligator" were printed, notices in frat houses were posted, and practices began. Some people showed up Tuesday. 7 on Thursday, and 20 the week after. Soon these bloated footballs were seen being passed around campus, as well as bumper stickers saying "It takes leather balls..etc". Finishing the twice-weekly practices at either "The Red Lion" or "The Thirsty Gator", making noise, flexing to the girls, and chatting to the big, athletic guys also helped recruitment also helped, as there were around 20 to 30 guys showing up to each practice.

Now, though the balls are different and the jerseys a bit nicer (but probably smell the same), the original spirit of the UF Men's Rugby Club lives on. Today, the club plays all around Florida in the Florida Collegiate Conference in both 15s and 7s. We often also travel out of state for the occasional grudge match, but really are just looking for any excuse to play as a team. We are a club of 37 members strong CIPP'd and registered on USA Rugby, and from each and every one of us, we thank you for visiting our page.

If you're interested in supporting the club, please consider making a donation or purchasing merchandise. Part of the profits go directly to the club and help us do what we love to do most.

For more information on the foundation of the UF Rugby Club, please visit http://ufrugby.wixsite.com/ufrfc/our-founding-story