Alumni - Please help us complete our history. If you have information to provide to this section then please forward to stuart.halsall@du.edu

University of Denver Rugby Football Club History

Pioneer Rugby was founded in the fall of 1968 by Doug Shipp who wished to share the many joys of the sport with others at the University after his experiences with the sport in Canada and California. He interested friends and fellow students to join the club and began developing rugby at the University. To assist with the development of the club, Doug purchased jerseys for all of the members and asked each member to pay for the jersey during the course of the season to develop funds for the club.

The club initially competed against a variety of college and men's sides in the Eastern Rockies area including the Denver Barbarians, Aspen Gentlemen, Colorado University and others. Rugby developed well with students showing great interest and Pioneer Rugby was able to field a "B" side which was nicknamed the Frogs. Pioneer Rugby called Hilltop Football Stadium on the University of Denver its home field during the early years with crowds of 400-500 people watching the sport and supporting the team.

Pioneer Rugby is a proud member of the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union and has been associated with the Union since its inception. As the Union has grown and developed, Pioneer Rugby has moved through different divisions and is currently located in the Men's College Division II and competes with the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado College, Regis University and the Air Force Academy in the Conference.

Team Records through the History

Team Honours

2006 Greeley Stampede Tournament Runners Up
2007 ERRFU Men's College Division II Final Four

Player Honours

2006 Nick Duncan, Adam Gregory, Joe Lochridge - ERRFU Select Side

Pioneer Rugby plays in the University colors of Crimson and Gold and wears them in a hoops shirt and crimson shorts and socks. Over the years, Pioneer Rugby has counted on the support of its associate group known as the Rugger Huggers. This group has assisted with the administrative role of the club, marketing and fundraising, and recruiting new players to the club.

Pioneer Rugby continues to grow from its rich history and with the continued development of the University the club has been able to make the Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium its home. In fall 2006, the club hosted its homecoming game to a crowd of 1,000 in which it qualified for the conference playoffs for the first time in 9 years. The club has also been able to work with the Division of Athletics and Recreation to secure an apparel and equipment relationship with Adidas and the club is looking forward to continued success.

The University of Denver RFC would like to extend its thanks to all our support throughout the years, to the old boys and family who made donations and made the road trips with us and to our sponsors in particular the University of Denver and Adidas. Best wishes to all at the club and congratulations on another history making season.