New Haven RFC
Contents |
[edit] The Founding
The New Haven Old Black Rugby Football Club began its first season in the spring of 1986. Robert Chester, along with other graduates of Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), petitioned the New England Rugby Union (NERFU) for membership. At the time there was a Division I club in Hartford, a Division II club in Fairfield County, and a Division III club in Danbury, but nothing available for "ruggers" in the Greater New Haven area looking to further their athletic careers. It was Chester's idea that set the wheels in motion for the only men's rugby club in the New Haven area.
The petition was accepted and NERFU allowed the Old Black to play on a probationary basis. The premiere season initiated an uphill climb. Although a taxing two-game minimum each week took a toll on the founding members, the Old Black finished its first season with a major tournament victory, through an upset, to put the young club on the rugby map. Played on SCSU's fields, the Old Black seized the Connecticut Cup from Division I powerhouse Providence.
[edit] First Full Season
That fall, New Haven was accepted as a full NERFU member, and has never looked back. Over the early years, the Old Black has won the Division III title, merged with the Berlin Strollers R.F.C., and embarked on a successful tour of Scotland and Ireland. After promotion to Division II, the Old Black immediately won the Division II title in New England, and subsequently the Eastern United States Division II title.
[edit] Moving Up The First Time
After conquering Div. II, the Old Black earned the right to move up to Div. I play. The initial years showed a very competitive side playing against the best clubs in the country where New Haven retained a more than respectable record. In 1993 as competition remained intense, New Haven began to see a restructuring in the club as a number of early members began to retire. Eventually the Old Black returned to Division II and began the re-building phase.
[edit] Back to DII
New Haven remained in Div. II for 10 years, and the step down proved to be the proper choice. Three years after returning to Div. II, the Old Black won the Division II title in the NERFU Championships in May of 1996. The team remained extremely competitive heading into the new millennium and finally burst onto the national scene with an Elite 8 appearance in 2000, a Sweet 16 appearance in 2001, and most notably, a DII National Title in 2002. Once again, the Old Black received an invitation to move up to Div. I play.
[edit] DI The Second Round
Since moving up to Div. I, the Old Black have become a recognized powerhouse on the National scene. The club has been privileged enough to see many talented international players on its roster. Andrew Tui Osborne (USA Eagles 15’s & 7's), Jacko Ahoy (USA Eagles 7’s) and Kahn Fotuali’I (Crusaders Developmental Side – Super XIV) have all donned the black & gold at one point. New Haven has made two DI Sweet 16 appearances (2004 & 2006) and the club is looking to make its first appearance in the Final Four in 2007. The large, tight knit squad that comprises today's Old Black, is a team that plays with pride and embodies the camaraderie and dedication that can be found in rugby. The club also remains in contact with its very supportive "Old Boys" social membership.
