 | ||
| Full name | Fairfield University Men's Rugby Football Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Union | Liberty Rugby Conference | |
| Nickname | Red Ruggers | |
| Founded | 1963; 62 years ago (1963) | |
| Ground(s) | Lt. Hans Grauert Field,Fairfield, Connecticut | |
| President | John Minogue | |
| Coach(es) | Austin Ryan, Marc Downes, Steve Cappello | |
| ||
| Official website | ||
| www | ||
Fairfield University Men's Rugby Football Club (or FURFC) is a men'scollege rugby team based atFairfield University inFairfield, Connecticut. The nickname for the FURFC is the Red Ruggers. The Red Ruggers compete in theDivision 1-A Liberty Rugby Conference which is governed byUSA Rugby.
The club's motto isConsensio, Contributum et Fidelitas which captures the club's philosophy to emphasize teamwork, contribution, and loyalty to the club and each other.[1]
The FURFC celebrated its 55th anniversary in 2018. The FURFC was established in 1963 and is the longest continuously running sport club atFairfield University. The club has grown considerably over the past 10 years, and now includes over 60 students.[2]
The Red Ruggers successfully concluded the Fall 2008 season with an 8–1 record winning the MET NY RFU Division 2 Title and advancing to the Northeast RFU Division 2 Semifinals. During the Spring 2008 season, the Red Ruggers split two matches with the Bahamian national team on the '08 spring break rugby tour inNassau, Bahamas and participated in the Beast Of The East tournament inProvidence, Rhode Island.[3] The rugby club's longtime moderator Paul I Davis was a key figure in rugby club history (1930–2008).
After winning the Division II Tri-State Rugby Conference in 2015, the Red Ruggers moved to the Division IAAEast Coast Rugby Conference in 2016. In 2017, the Red Ruggers moved to the highest level of college rugby when it joined theDivision 1-A Liberty Rugby Conference. 2019 Stats are 4–2
Former Red RuggersPaul Sheehy '81 competed for theUSA Eagles at the1991 Rugby World Cup andWill Brazier '05 competed for theUnited States national rugby league team at the 2004 Liberty Bell Cup.[4]
The following conversation with longtime club supporter and moderator Paul I. Davis occurred on the eve of the 45th anniversary of the Fairfield University Rugby Club. Anoral history, it captures the late Davis's historical knowledge and perspective of the rugby club. The interviewees include former players and longtime club supporters Mark Feeley, Chris Grauert, Tom Connor, andKurt Schlicting. The interview was conducted at Alumni House on the campus of Fairfield University on October 24, 2008.
Team[edit]Rugby Union Titles:
Rugby Union Playoffs:
| Individual[edit]All-American:
Northeast Collegiate All-Star:
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The home Rugby Pitch of the Red Ruggers is the Lt. Hans Grauert Memorial Field. Christopher Grauert, '68 and his mother, Leila B. Grauert, donated the rugby pitch to Fairfield in 2003 in honor of his brother Lt. Hans Grauert, who was a naval aviator lost at sea during the Vietnam War. During the dedication ceremony at the FURFC 40th Anniversary Celebration, Grauert read a letter written by his mother to honor the players and the esteemed tradition of hard efforts on and off the field of the Red Ruggers. In the letter, Grauert's mother wrote, "Like everyone else in this room, Hans possessed the traits which personify every rugger—athleticism, good sportsmanship, and a zest for life. This rugby pitch resides in the softest part of my heart and will always remain 'God's Little Acre' to me!"[7]
| Year | W | L | T | Conference | Post-Season | Head Coach | President | Captains |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 1st | 1st Round | Rory O'Connor | Alex Cucchi | John Sullivan & Daniel McGrath |
| 2014 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1st | Tri-State Champions | Ben Kelly | Anif McDonald | Richard Howley & Gregory Thompson |
