About
About UCRFC
In Spring of 1971, Meyer Field (later changed to turf and known as Gettler Field) became the site of Cincinnati’s first rugby training and matches. In 1974, Labor Day weekend, The University of Cincinnati’s first match was played. Buck Sheils and Mike Barrett founded the University of Cincinnati Men’s Rugby Club, and still are involved with the program today!
As rugby has grown as a sport in our nation, so has UC Men’s Rugby Club. We now carry a roster of 30-40 members, competing across the nation in both 15’s and 7’s, against elite level competition. In the 2012-2013 season, the team elected to move to Division I Rugby, competing in the MAC conference. This conference consists of teams including Bowling Green, Dayton, Louisville, Miami, Ohio University, IUPUI, and Western Michigan. Over the past seasons, UC has been strong in conference play, making the MAC playoffs the last 2 years. Director of Rugby, Mark Heidrich, and coaches Nick Lauterbach (Head Coach), Tony Schenke, and Jeff Bender now coach the team with the assistance of players from the local men’s team, the Cincinnati Wolfhounds. The team welcomes any new members, regardless of any previous experience or knowledge of the sport. See the Sign Up page for more information about the team, or to join us in making the history of the UC Men’s Rugby Club.
01
Our Mission
Our mission is to operate for charitable and educational purposes to foster national and international amateur competition in the sport of rugby.
02
What We Do
The foundation provides world class fields, equipment, training, clinics, and scholarships to grow amateur rugby throughout the region.
Our Approach
Nurture the growth of amateur rugby throughout the region via financial backing, leadership, and education.
Investing Rugby
As a 501c3 non-profit foundation, the MWRDF relies on investment from individuals, groups, and corporations to help accomplish our mission. Investments can be made by volunteering time at events, taking a leadership role, or via a financial contribution. No matter how you choose to invest, your time, money, and effort will go to a great cause benefiting amateur rugby throughout Greater Cincinnati.
Building Rugby
To build a significant structure, you must first have a strong foundation to build upon. This is the approach that the MWRDF takes to the growth of rugby throughout the region. The MWRDF builds this foundation by providing world class rugby fields for practice and games, scholarships for ruggers traveling nationally and internationally, coaching clinics, and by providing balls, jerseys, and equipment to clubs throughout the region.
Stats
MWRDF by the Numbers
$ Distributed
Clubs Supported
Players Impacted
Years Combined Experience
Events
Coaching clinics, 7s & 15s tournaments, and social gatherings are just some of the many different events sponsored by the MWRDF throughout the rugby calendar each year. The multitude of events are a great way to create community, teach rugby, and build stronger rugby clubs, together!
Fundraising
As a 501c3 non-profit organization, the MWRDF raises funds through several different methods including individual donations, corporate sponsorships, community efforts with Kroger Rewards & Amazon Smile, raffles for well known high-end prizes, and events such as the annual euchre tournament.
MWRDF Partners & Sponsors
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