Fairfield University Men's Rugby Football Club
Fairfield University Men's Rugby Football Club or FURFC is a men's college rugby club based at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. The nickname for the FURFC is the Red Ruggers. The Red Ruggers compete in the Men's Collegiate Division II League of the Metropolitan New York Rugby Union which is governed by the Northeast Rugby Union of USA Rugby. The Coach of the Red Ruggers is Matt Leonard.
History
The FURFC celebrated it's 45th Anniversary in 2008. The FURFC was established in 1963 and is the longest continuously running sport club at Fairfield University. The club has grown considerably over the past 10 years, and now includes over 50 students.[1]
The club's motto is Consensio, Contributum et Fidelitas which captures the club's philosophy to emphasize teamwork over individual stardom, contribution more than victory, and loyalty to the club and each other.[2]
The Red Ruggers successfully concluded the Fall 2008 season with a 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 in Nassau, Bahamas and participated in the prestigious Beast Of The East Tournament in Providence, Rhode Island.[3] The rugby club just lost their longtime moderator Paul I Davis (PID) who was a key figure in rugby club history (1930–2008) rest in peace PID
Former Red Ruggers Paul Sheehy '81 competed for the USA Eagles at the 1991 Rugby World Cup and Will Brazier '05 competed for the USA Tomahawks at the 2004 Liberty Bell Cup.[4]
Paul I Davis Oral History
The following conversation with longtime club supporter and moderator Dr. Paul I. Davis occurred on the eve of the 45th anniversary of the Fairfield University Rugby Club. An oral history, it captures the late Dr. Davis' historical knowledge and perspective of the rugby club. The interviewees include former players and longtime club supporters Mark Feeley, Chris Grauert, Tom Connor and Kurt Schlicting. The interview was conducted at Alumni House on the campus of Fairfield University on October 24, 2008.
Accomplishments
Team
Rugby Union Titles
- MET NY RFU Division 2 - 2008
Rugby Union Playoffs
- Northeast RFU Division 2 Quarterfinals - 2007
- Northeast RFU Division 2 Semifinals - 2008
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Individual
All-American
Northeast Collegiate All-Star
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Rugby Pitch
The home Rugby Pitch of the Red Ruggers is the Lt. Hans Grauert Memorial Field. Dr. 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, Dr. 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, Mrs. Grauert wrote "[l]ike 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]
People
Hall of Fame
- Paul Davis - longtime club supporter/moderator since 1963 and professor emeritus of History[8]
- Christopher Galvin '72 - two-time team MVP who served as team captain and player-coach from 1971 to 1972[9]
Notable alumni
References
External links
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