The Rochester Aardvarks are an amateur rugby union club representing the City of Rochester, New York in the sport nationally since 1966. The Aardvarks compete as a Division II Men's Club in the Allegheny Rugby Union and are a member of the Midwest Rugby Union Territory and USA Rugby.
Contents |
History
The Rochester Aardvarks were founded in 1966 as the Rochester Rugby Football Club (RRFC). The team began when Phil Grannan, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and rugby player there, came to Rochester to earn his MBA from the University of Rochester. Phil had an article published in a local newspaper describing his idea of starting a local team. This article attracted the attentions of Mike Hunt, Neil Barker, and Hudson Fowler, and together the four began to form a team. The first players had played in England and South Africa and had relocated to Rochester to study at the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Dentistry. The team was set for the future despite some of the founders not staying for long. In the beginning the RRFC played teams from Buffalo, Cleveland, Syracuse, and Toronto Windsor. The club gained stability and success under the guidance of organizers, players, and officers dedicated to its prosperity, and during the 1970s the club was one of the best in the northeast United States. In 2006, the Aardvarks celebrated their 40th anniversary at the annual Green and Gold game, a competition between current and former players.
Players
The club encourages players of any skill level to join their squad. Players range in age from 17 to 40. Current and former Aardvarks have made various all-star teams, coached and played in international matches representing the United States, played and coached in territory championships, played in the Empire State Games, and in a 2001 National Sevens competition. The club realizes the difficulty inherent in learning the game and is always willing and patient in the instruction of both the young and old.
Travel
The Rochester Aardvarks have traveled all over the United States and Canada, as well as England, Ireland, and the Bahamas.
Facts
In the spring and summer the Aardvarks practice in Rochester's historic Cobb's Hill Park. Rochester is one of the few clubs in the United States to own its own field.
