The Buffalo Rugby Club
I was originally going to post something on what an overall nice evening it was to take a walk with some friends at Delaware Park. I was going to throw some photos up about speed walkers and basketball players and golfers. I was going to talk about a young kid flying a kite and rollerbladers zipping around the park. What I did not count on was walking into some of the nicest guys (off the field) that you would ever want to meet in the City of Buffalo.
Meet The Buffalo Rugby Club. The team was not all present when the photo was taken, but the crew that was present lived up to the Good 'Ol Boys' (former club) reputation that has permeated the city for countless years. Here are a bunch of guys who love Buffalo and live for their sport. They are passionate about their on-field battles and would give a friend the shirts off their backs, and ask for nothing in return. These are not things that they told me flat out... it's a sense that you get when you talk to people about their lives that transcend into the love of a sport. Rugby is a brutal game of honor and camaraderie.
This crew travels as far as Texas to show that Buffalo is not a city to be trifled with. They bring with them tradition, dedication and the instilled pride that they are playing for a hometown that never backs down or concedes to defeat. The team that I ran into tonight gathered after the game to partake in a drink and chum around for a spell before calling it a night. They brushed me up on their upcoming practice schedule and told me about many of the affiliate clubs and programs in the area.
I had no idea that almost every local college and university has a rugby team. I was also not aware that there is a healthy high school league that a few players on the Buffalo Rugby Team coach. Apparently rugby is thriving in the city and has been infiltrating a myriad of age brackets and communities in the area. The club has a website that informs players about practice schedules and game days. It also hi-lights the history of the team and provides contact information to anyone that would like to get involved with the sport. The team is always looking for new (and old) players who want to get involved with the sport.
As any one of the players could tell you, it doesn't matter where you go in the world, rugby is an international language and wherever the game is played there are new friends to be made and battles to be fought... and a couple of pints to be had. Get involved with The Buffalo Rugby Club this summer. Come cheer on the team, or partake in the sport if you feel up to it. Any way you look at it, these guys are good for Buffalo. Check 'em out online at The Buffalo Rugby Club.
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Anonymous
Great article about a group of people that do not get enough recognition for their love of the city or competative acheivements!!
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RBD O'Connor
Very nice article. Interesting enough, the Buffalo Rugby Club is the only Club in the nation (of more than 2,000) that has made it to the National Playoffs for 8 years in a row. They are the reigning Midwest Champions, and have sent more players to Super League Clubs than any other in the nation. The United States is the only country to win a Gold Medal in Rugby at the Olympic Games. Actually they won the Gold twice by defeating France in the finals in 1920 and again in 1924. The University of Buffalo is also chasing the National Collegiate Championship under the direction of Buffalo Player Mike Maguire, and the Buffalo Women's Rugby Club is in the Final Four for the Women's Championship this weekend in Chicago under the leadership of Kristin Huber, their superb Player Coach.
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Anonymous
There is also a club out in South Buffalo currently experiencing the aforementioned expansion of participation. The South Buffalo Rugby Club is alos a Men's club participant and started a South Buffalo High School Rugby Club this spring. Check them out www.southbuffalorugby.com
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vinny
Nice article, I am a former Buffalo Rugby Club player. I now live in South Florida and every time I run into a rugger and we get to talking they always now about Buffalo Rugby and more often than not, personally know someone from the club. They are and always have been a great bunch of guy's and some of my best friends are Buffalo ruggers. Vinny
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Simon Hafoka
Yup they are good guys as I have experienced the buffalo clubs friendliness my self. I am from New Zealand but had the privilege of living and staying with Alex Nadiak and playing for the Buffalo Rugby Team.All these guys were just born in the wrong country(NZ being rugby mad) All the best to them!!!!
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Tom S.
Great insight and compelling article. The Buffalo Rugby Club, started in 1966, is 40 years "young" this year. Rugby is one of the few contact sports that one can play competitively after high school or college years. Active players on the Club range from age 18 - 63, and you can always get a game as long as you're fit. Moving to another city? Locate a rugby club, and you'll immediately have 50+ good friends. I started playing rugby in 1968, and I count rugby players among my very best and oldest friends. Cheers!
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steve scott
It is great to see the Buffalo club recogized as what they truly are - as a very friendly, dedicated and successful organization. The great spirit of Rugby is truly alive and thriving in Buffalo. Best Wishes, A Canadian friend, Steve Scott
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Pauldub
I would love to watch a game. When and where do these guys play?
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ADN
As mentioned in the article, just about every college and university across the USA has a rugby team. Many of the players on the current Buffalo Men's team played at UB, Canisius, or Buff State. I am an UB alumnus having played back in the 90's. The University at Buffalo men's and woman's program is currently ranked in the top 20 (Div 1) in the USA. I would bet that they are the highest ranked collegiate teams in WNY. The area college teams will hopefully continue to prosper with the establishment and continual growth of the local high school programs. For those interested in seeing an action packed game this spring come and watch the Buffalo men's side take on Cinncinati on May 6th at 1:00 pm in Delaware park by the Zoo.
Alex
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Valerie
nice legs, guys!
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dan drury
Need more articles like this.I remind you , I taught Surwill to play this game in 67, played a club side match in Niagara last weekend.Best sport thast ever happened to me .Thanks!
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Anonymous
Maybe all you Buffalo ruggers can maybe post a couple more times giving yourselves credit as opposed to actually promoting what a great sport it is - we get it - you've been around for forty years - way to go... now how about that it is a sport that has a spot for everyone, how most clubs will not only welcome you with open arms but even teach you how to play, how the area boasts some of best numbers in regard to high school teams, collegiate teams and even supports 4 men's clubs (YEP, 4 - Lockport, Batavia, South Buffalo and OF COURSE - the Old Boys...)
How about some of that? Or you could just keep telling each other how nice and cool you all are...
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a fan
you should also write an expose on Al Donatelli. Sutton's never looked finer - except with the rainbow wig
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