The NU ”Madhatters” RFC was founded forty-seven years ago by Matt Giuliano and John “Jiggs” Shine with a cast of characters who had never seen rugby, let alone played.  Two years later the club was re-named the “Dead Pheasants” and has competed, with a few short interruptions, ever since. 

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Shortly afterward, Women’s Rugby was established but only thrived a few years. In 2000, the Lady Foxes stepped foot on the NU Pitch for the first time, winning the NYS Championship in 2003. In 2004 NU officially adopted the team, and the Lady Purple Eagle team nested on Monte Eagle Ridge for good. 

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After years of volunteer leadership, the NU RFC is now lead by Director of Rugby, Dave Chapman, ushering in a new era of competitive play. NU RFC's long-term goal is to become the leader of collegiate rugby in the Buffalo area in the next 3 years through competition, community engagement, and off-campus recruitment strategies.