University at Buffalo Rugby Football Club (UBRFC)

The University at Buffalo Rugby Football Club (UBRFC) is run through the SUNY Buffalo Recreational and Intramural Services. The Sports Club Program at UB is under the management of the Student Association. Obviously, they participate in the sport of rugby union. [www.ubathletics.buffalo.edu/recreation/sportsclubs]
The University at Buffalo Rugby Football Club competes in Division 1 of the New York State Rugby Conference. Starting in the fall of 2007 the UBRFC will also have a Division 3 team playing in the Excelsior West Division of theNew York State Rugby Conference. UBRFC is currently the #1 ranked team in New York State and is a perennial NYSRC title contender. UB rugby is also the the 4 time defending champions of the NYSRC Upstate Division 1 Tournament. [www.ubrugby.org]
[http://www.ubrugby.org/pictures_view.asp?id=423] [http://www.ubrugby.org/pictures_view.asp?id=424] [http://www.ubrugby.org/pictures_view.asp?id=427] Here are some pictures of the current team on the UBRFC website.

History

The UBRFC was founded in 1966. It was originally called the Queens Rugby Football Club. In 1971 the club gave up its ties to the university and became the Buffalo Old Boys men's club. In 1980, a university team was again organized as the "Black Horses", being sponsored by Koch's Brewery. In 1984 the sponsorship ended when the UB Student Association funded the team and they became the "Mad Turtles." At this time they were also an official member of the New York State Rugby Conference (NYSRC). The 1984 season was also important as it claimed a victory in the NYSRC Collegiate Championship qualifying them for USA Rugby's Collegiate National Championship for the first time. UBRFC has been the most decorated club in New York State from 1984 to present day with a collection of NYSRC State Titles along with various wins coming in national tournaments such as the Cherry Blossom Tournament, the NRU Final Four, the Ohio Classic, and the Tulane Mardi Gras Tournament. The future looks promising for the Mad Turtles as they continue to add members. The development of more local high school rugby programs is helping to raise the overall skill level of the team and they are committed to continuing their success.
[http://www.ubrugby.org/history_jerseys.htm#1980] Here is a picture of the different jersey's throughout the UBRFC's history.

Location

The UBRFC Mad Turtles play all of their home games at the Rugby Pitch located by the tennis courts at the Ellicott Complex on the SUNY Buffalo's North Campus. [www.ubrugby.org/pitch]
[http://www.ubrugby.org/pitch.htm] Here is a map and directions to the UBRFC Pitch.

References