Rugby History at St. Bonaventure
St. Bonaventure Rugby History
In the fall of 1975 a group of over 40 students met to learn the ins and outs of an unfamiliar game called rugby under the guidance of freshman Frank Dooley, a Long Islander who learned the game in high school,. In the following spring, the St. Bonaventure University rugby team was established, winning their inaugural match against the Genesee County Creamer’s Men’s Club. The following year, the team was blessed with their first head coach, Alan Silliker. Through his guidance the groundwork had been laid and the team continued to progress.
In the years since, the team has continued to progress, winning New York State championships in 1993, 1998, 2004 and 2007 with multiple players gaining select side honors.
Hall of Fame
During the Fall of 2008 the SBURFC Alumni Association will name the inaugural class of the St. Bonaventure University R.F.C. Hall of Fame.