Fordham University Rugby Football Club

History

The Fordham University Rugby Football Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary Season in 2012, making it one of the oldest rugby teams in New York City. FURFC's stated mission is to display a commitment through strength of effort embodied in physical perseverance and mental determination. Fordham Rugby embodies the values of collaboration, dedication, and individual responsibility to the whole in all aspects of life. In recent years, an additional emphasis on community service has reinforced the Club's commitment to the University's Jesuit ideals. FURFC is often referred to as "The Bronx's Oldest and Toughest Brotherhood." This is exemplified by many FURFC alumni who go on to participate in Fordham's Old Maroon Rugby Football Club which is based out of the Bronx as well. Notable alumni include Ryan McTiernan, Edward Cullen, and Mike Durant(all former USA U-20 Eagles) as well as Tony Reali (host of ESPN Around the Horn).

September 11, 2001

Like the rest of the New York community and American nation, Fordham Rugby was personally struck by the attacks on 9/11. In the collapse of the Twin Towers, six FURFC alumni where tragically taken: Michael Armstrong, Matthew J. Burke, Christopher Robert Clarke, Thomas Anthony Mahon, Christian Maltby, and John McDowell Jr. Fordham Rugby remembers all those who perished, especially its own fallen brothers. FURFC maintains a tradition of remembering these six individuals before they take the pitch for every match.

Scholarship

Michael J. Breslin III died on May 15, 1987 while a senior at Fordham University. He is remembered by his family, friends, and FURFC through the The Michael J. Breslin III Scholarship Fund. The fund assists students of Fordham College at Rose Hill and the Gabelli School of Business in the payment of tuition expenses, with preference given to members of the Fordham University Rugby Football Club. The recipients are selected by the deans of Fordham College at Rose Hill and the Gabelli School of Business on the basis of academic achievement and financial need.

Records & highlights

Fordham Rugby has consistently performed well, most recently in 2009 when FURFC reached the NRU D1 Playoff Final Four and were crowned Metropolitan New York D1 Champions. In 2009 FURFC also won the storied Cherry Blossoms Tournament. The year prior in 2008, FURFC fell short of the title and finished runner-up in the Metropolitan New York D1 final. Also, before that, Brendan Fry brought FURFC to the 2003 and 2004 D1 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. In April of 2016, Fordham Rugby won the Empire Rugby Conference 7s Championship Series. By winning the Empire Conference, Fordham Rugby's 7s Team qualified to compete for a national title at the USA Rugby College 7s National Championships.

Academics & community service

Although it competes at the highest intercollegiate level, Fordham Rugby is officially a club sport as determined by the Fordham Athletics Department. Membership is open to any Fordham undergraduate. As such, FURFC membership reflects the diversity of Fordham. The Club's emphasis on academic achievement is evident in the high number of student-athletes who are members of the Fordham Honor's College or routinely qualify for the Dean's List. In addition to their many academic accomplishments, the Fordham University Rugby Football Club fulfills regular service commitments to the St. Baldrick's Foundation, The American Red Cross and a host of other organizations and non-profits dedicated to the betterment of the community.

Facilities

FURFC's historic home pitch is Murphy Field situated on Fordham's Historic Rose Hill campus. In addition to Murphy Field, FURFC makes occasional use of Coffey Field, Fordham's football complex.