2021 Lone Star Bowl Champions 2014 D1AA National Champions 2013 D1AA National Champions
The UCF Men's Rugby Club was established in 1988 by a small but committed group of players (almost all of whom had never seen a rugby ball, let alone played a game). They laid the groundwork for the program that we enjoy today. They set up the administration through UCF Club Sports and scheduled fields for practice. Their first match was played in the Citrus Bowl Tournament, wearing borrowed jerseys and filling out the side with some alumni who were playing for the local men's club, and they were on their way!
They developed an aggressive style, relying on their physicality and athleticism while they learned the ins and outs of the crazy sport of rugby. There were growing pains but they enjoyed their first success in 1990 when they won the Florida Collegiate Championship and the Southeast Regional Championship before losing to Army in the finals of the Eastern U.S. territorial playoffs. Since then UCF has consistently been one of the top teams in Florida and the Southeast. Many UCF players have played for the Florida and South U.S. All-Star teams.
The highlight for UCF Rugby came in 2013 when they advanced through the regional playoffs, culminating in winning the national Division 1 AA championship, upsetting Lindenwood University in the final, scoring on the last play of the game. They followed up this unprecedented achievement by again advancing through the playoffs in 2014, beating Arizona in the final for their second consecutive National Championship. UCF was in a position to Three-peat in 2015, but came up just short, losing to Cal-Davis in the championship game by 4 points. A tremendous run by any measure.
Since that high water mark, UCF has reached the regional playoffs several times and continues to aspire to the National Championship. Our success is dependent on the student-athletes who choose to be part of our journey and requires commitment both on the field and off. Maintaining grades, administering the club, fundraising, and putting in the hard work at practices will help us achieve our goals. You can be part of a great sport, make some great friends, and enjoy some great times both on the field and socially.
"We don't promise that it will be easy, only that it will be worth it.”