After a long absence, rugby returned to Salem, Oregon and Willamette University in 2006. In 2007, the Willamette Rugby Football Club (WRFC) plays in the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union's (PNRFU) Division 2 - South League. The team also schedules "friendlies" during the year against Oregon, Oregon State, Portland State and other collegiate teams.
WRFC players join the club with a variety of rugby backgrounds. For some, their first game of rugby will be played at Willamette, while others will bring high school, club and collegiate experiences to the WRFC. You can learn more about the WRFC's 2007 team members by clicking the "Meet the Team" link above.
While WRFC is coached by Mike Scott, it is WRFC members who are responsible for the club's growth and success. In the fall of 2007, over 30 players are registered to the club through the USA Rugby registration process - almost doubling WRFC's rolls in one year. These team members also coordinate the club's practice and game schedules as well its fundraisers. The first XV are named each week, not by the coach, but by the WRFC team captains. So earning -- or keeping -- a spot on the first XV requires recognition and support between teammates more so than anything else. Andries Fourie serves as WRFC's on-campus advisor.
The Willamette Alumni Rugby Supporters (WARS), spearheaded by Kevin T. Christiansen CLA '95, Law '99, help WRFC members recall rugby’s storied history at Willamette, while also helping it look forward with encouragement and support. WRFC has been honored by the financial support it has received from WARS members as well as Ascend Holding, Inc. (Irwin Schimmel and Brian Spencer); Scott-Hookland LLP, Jimmy Walker; and from WRFC member parents and friends. You can learn more about WARS by clicking the "WARS" link above.
McCulloch Stadium, 8900 Mission Street, SE, located in neighboring Bush Pasture Park is the home field for WRFC. McCulloch Stadium, seats 2,500 and has a Fieldturf field. It is also the home field for Willamette's football team. WRFC plays its home rugby games using the football field's markings. Admission to WRFC home games is free. The 2007 WRFC schedule can be accessed by clicking the "Schedule" link above.
Willamette Students Interested in Playing
If you are a Willamette student interested in learning more about or joining WRFC, either click the "Email Me" icon below or stop by a practice: Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the Quad.
High School Students Interested in Willamette University and WRFC
If you are a high school student, and are interested in learning more about Willamette University and WRFC, email Coach Mike Scott: mjspdx@aol.com and put Willamette Rugby in the "Re"" line.
Directions to McCulloch Stadium:
