Springfield Rugby Football Club (SRFC) was founded in 1969 by young men who met at Cathedral High School. They bought the first green and yellow team jerseys, and given their light weight, didn't last much more than one game. What they lacked in talent the Rifles made up for in athleticism and hard play. "We were successful because we had great athletes who were very physical," said founding member Paul Rieker.
The Rifles have now earned a solid reputation in the New England Rugby Football Union with both a men’s and a growing women’s team. As one of the longest continuously run clubs in the U.S., the team continues to increase in size and popularity as a club known for working hard on the pitch and playing hard off of it. New players are welcomed year round no matter their rugby experience.
Want to learn more about rugby? Check out this rugby rookie primer!