About Us
History
The Detroit RFC was founded in 1968 and is one of the first established rugby clubs in the State of Michigan. The original seven founders were Detroiters who had been crossing the Detroit River to Windsor, Canada to play the game as members of the Walkerville Borderers. The club originally went under the nickname of the Detroit “Cobras” since most of the players were Ford Motor Company engineers working on the design of the Cobra sports car.
In the first ten years of its existence the club trained and played home fixtures on the fields at Belle Isle, hosting visiting clubs from all over the State of Michigan and the Midwest. In 1978, with club growth and changing demographics, the club moved training and fixtures to Farwell Field, then determined to be a central location for the Detroit metropolitan area.
Since our humble beginnings, over 1,500 players have proudly worn Detroit’s colors of black, red and gold. About half of these players came to the club from all over the world with varying rugby experience. The other half had their introduction to rugby and played their first games in a Detroit RFC uniform.
Pay Dues
Interested In Joining?
There are 2 competitive seasons. The Fall is the main league season, and there is also the Spring/Summer 7s season. Practices and home games are held at Farwell Field in Detroit.
Detroit RFC Men – Division III
To join the Men’s team contact coach Art Rucinski at artrucinski70@gmail.com
Detroit RFC Women – Division I
To join the Women’s team contact coach Erin McGowan at coach-women@detroitrugby.org
Detroit Old Guys Select
To join the D.O.G.S, contact Old Boy Rep Mike Gangler at mjgangler@yahoo.com
We also have an Associate Club Membership for non-playing members such as supporters, fans, Old Boys, Old Girls, etc. Associates will be kept up to date on Club happenings via the newsletter and be able to attend club functions such as the awards banquet for the same rate as playing members.
Team Physician - Nicholas J. Moore, MD
My name is Nick Moore, and I am a board certified Family Medicine doctor, with an additional certification in Sports Medicine. I work at the Detroit Medical Center in the Orthopedic/Sports Medicine department, where I treat acute and overuse musculoskeletal injuries. My specialties include concussions, chronic tendon injuries, and diagnostic/interventional ultrasound.
I provide sports coverage in the community, including helping with the Detroit Red Wings. I am really excited about being involved with the Detroit Rugby Club! I will be available to evaluate and treat acute and chronic injuries, respond to emergency, and help however else necessary! I am also available in the office to help treat your injuries and get you back on the pitch as soon as possible!
2018 Officers
