Albany Knickerbockers RFC

[edit] The Founding

The Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Club was formed by former Albany Law School players in 1972 and joined the United States of America Rugby Union in 1973. Using a powerful group of forwards, the Knickerbockers developed a punishing ten-man style of Rugby that allowed them to defeat established clubs that were older, wiser, and more experienced. Albany quickly came to dominate the Upstate Rugby Union (NY), a position it relinquished only with its elevation to the New England Rugby Union in 1993.

[edit] The Reputation

Based in Albany, The Capital of the State of New York, The Knicks have built a reputation as one of the premier Rugby Clubs in the Northeastern United States. The Knickerbockers play has transformed over the years to a well rounded fifteen man running game that augments forward power with backfield pace. The Knicks have produced three United States Eagle players, as well as many Union and Territorial representatives. At their current location on Frisbie Avenue, the Club regularly fields three sides as well as an Old Boys side on appropriate occasions.

[edit] Touring

The Knicks discovered early in their history that one of the best ways to improve their game, and social skills was to tour and host touring sides on a regular basis. Since 1980 the Knicks have toured England (3 times), Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Bermuda, St. Thomas, Canada, Jama ica, Mexico, Holland, The Bahamas as well as taking numerous excursions to various other States including Hawaii and the West Coast Tour to Washington last summer. As a host the Knicks have entertained The London Harlequins , London Police, Hertford, Chesh unt, Old Emanual, Lendsbury, Oxford University (Eng.), Hawick, Grennock, Cartha Queens Park, St. Andrews University (Scot), Tulimore (Ire), Cross Keys, Tondu (Wales), and Jijmaeghan (Holland).