Who Is Media Rugby?

The Media Rugby Football Club traces its roots to three Media residents who played for Delaware University Rugby Club in 1978. In 1979 and 1980 more players arrived to help form part of a nucleus that lasted through much of the 80's and to some degree today as active alumni.

After a raucous meeting in the Main Line Federal Building in 1985 the club voted yes to a merger with a struggling Marple Newtown team. The yes's proved correct as the Marple contingency brought another set of players that would help Media survive and prosper into the 1990's. Under the direction of Coach Brian Sloman the team won the first "Media Rugby Tournament," the Penn State Bartoletti Cup, and a Division III title.

As the club came into the 1990's three developments occurred that pushed Media to the "next" level, Division II. First; John Thomas and John Bonner were retained as full-time coaches. Second; the club obtained a lease to a “Clubhouse” which served as the hub of social and training activities. The clubhouse lease was not renewed in 1997 and the club was forced to move down the street to the home of the gracious social members of the Media VFW. Third; Media RFC's active involvement with the development of collegiate rugby allowed us to recruit a new wave of experienced players that is a major part of the nucleus of our club today. Media alumni and players coach or sponsor several collegiate teams in the Philadelphia area and the Media United Youth Rugby program made up of players from 3 local high schools.

Adding to our active itinerary is an international tour schedule including the United Kingdom in 1994, Ireland in 1996, England in Spring of 1999, Australia in 2003 and Ireland in 2006. The next tour is planned for Fall 2007 - to France.

Now, we look to the next group of Media Rugby players to lay new foundations and for our alumni to help them carry on the "winning traditions." We invite you to join us as continue our pursuit of excellence.