Roger Williams Rugby
A Tradition of Success
In the early 1980's the Athletic Director of Roger Williams approached Paul Cabral, a Providence Rugby Football Club player and Bristol resident about coaching a new rugby club at the University. The club formed with limited numbers and a few foreign students with rugby experience. This first attempt the formation of a rugby team at Roger Williams did not last long, as club members gradutated the team disolved. In 1985 the Athletic Director along with Nick Stael Von Holstein,noted as being the catalyst behind the development of the program, reapproached Paul to coach the team. It was at this point with an original group of 16- 18 players that the Roger Williams Men's Rugby Team was officially formed.
After 2 years the number of players grew to approximately 40 with 2 full sides and a budget of $10,000 a year, a significant jump from the first year's $250. The team also began to see an influx of foreign players. By the end of the decade the team was touring to New Orleans playing teams from much larger schools including University of Georgia, Texas A & M, and Irish touring sides.
The tradition of success continued throughout 1990s with the team being awarded Club of the Year by the University in 1989-90, a
second tour to Bermuda, moved up to Division 2, and won the Division 2 New England Championship in 1995, qualifying the team
for the national playoffs. The team went on its 3rd tour, to Ireland, in the same year. Through out the 90's the team remained highly
competitive consistently posting winning records against the likes of Babson, Providence College, University of Rhode Island and
others. In the late 90's the Hawks even took on New England Division 1 superpower Army at West Point. Notable achievements
for the team include qualifying for the finals of the annual Providence 7's Tournament for 9 consecutive years., sending over 40
players to the Rhode Island Collegiate Select Side, 15 to the New England Select Side, and 2 to the North East Team.
Additionally, our alumni have played throughout the world on club sides and here in the states at all levels from Division 3 teams to
the Super League.
Roger Williams is keeping the tradition of success rolling. In 2009 The hawks made the final 4 of the Beast of the East Rugby
Tournament , which has grown to the largest collegiate tournament in the world. In 2010the Hawks won the Plate Championship at the Beast after moving past Boston University, Plattsburg State, Plymouth State, and WPI. Recruiting efforts are bringing in experienced players and Roger Williams Rugby is committed to carrying on the tradition of success that has been established at Roger Williams.
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