About Michigan Rugby

University of Michigan Rugby Football Club (UMRFC) is the men’s rugby team at the University of Michigan. Michigan Rugby is a championship-caliber organization, and is dedicated towards pursuing both rugby excellence and a world-class rugby experience for all. We play in the Big Ten conference at the D1A level, the highest division of collegiate rugby in the United States.

Our mission is to serve the University of Michigan and embody its mission through rugby competition and community.

We play 15s rugby in the fall semester, and 7s in the spring semester. Over spring break the team goes on tour, usually internationally. Players train year round. The team is open to all undergraduate University of Michigan students, and graduate students who meet certain eligibility requirements.

If you have interest in playing rugby at the University of Michigan, visit our recruiting page.

History

Learn about the history of the team, from its founding in 1959 all the way to its current status as one of America’s premier collegiate rugby clubs. Soiled Meat and Sand In the late 1800’s, intercollegiate athletics started to take shape on campuses across the United States. The University of Michigan’s rugby and football teams …

The Ledger

The Ledger accounts for all who have carved their name into Michigan Rugby history by wearing the Maize and Blue.

Individual Honors

Michigan Ruggers hold honors in the Big Ten, the Midwest, and across the entire country. In 2018, Sequoyah Burke-Combs and Cole Van Harn became the first former players to play professionally.

Hall of Inspiration

The Hall of Inspiration was created in 2015 as a means of celebrating the contributions of those who made a lasting impact on UMRFC, as well as showing current players that there is a place for involvement in the club after college. Following are the current members of the Hall of Inspiration, listed by year …

Tour

One of Michigan Rugby’s coolest traditions is the annual spring break trip, also known as tour. It dates all the way back to the club’s creation in 1959. Many players find that their memories on tour are the highlights of their college careers. In addition to training for the spring season and playing against some …

Poneke

In the summer, Michigan Rugby sends one or two select players to New Zealand to train with our partner club, Poneke FC. Founded in 1883, Poneke is based in Wellington and has a long record of producing high-level rugby players. Poneke has produced 20 New Zealand All Blacks, including six All Black captains. Sending players …