The State of Missouri and the University of Missouri Men's Rugby club both have lavish, interesting traditions and past times. If you are aware of any factual information regarding our club's history please contact the web master. For now, here is what believe to be true so far.
Mizzou Rugby club has been around for over 40 years. Currently Coached by Matt Moore, a former Columbia Outlaw, and Matt Brown, who played for Trinity RFC. The Matt's have done an excellent job giving the team structure and contributing to the past four years, three of which resulted in Western Championship bids. Before that Ted Norwood coached the team from 2002-2006. Ted helped changed Mizzou's image from a "rough around the edges" stereotypical team to the competitive level-headed and hard working group that it is now .
In 1983, Alistair Young, along with Jeremy Barker and Jeremy Barnes- top level collegiate and club players in England arrived at Mizzou. These men all began to play with the team coached at that time by Ian Hermann, a former South African Springbok, beginning in 1983-?
During their time they had a very competitive team reaching the finals of the St. Louis Ruggerfest. They also won the K.C. Tournament in Swope Park beating the likes of the K.C. Blues; the St. Louis Bombers and the St. Louis Ramblers. Jeremy Barker really excelled during his time at Mizzou as an outstanding fly half and was selected to the all tournament squad during their trip to the Western Regional Collegiate Championships in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1985-1986 season, where the Tigers fell in the semi's to the Air Force Academy.
As the profile of rugby increased during that time, we also had some great comrades in arms, notably Rob Willson who has been inducted into the K.C. Blues Hall of Fame and is now fighting against the disease of ALS. Missouri Rugby is a tight knit group of competent and respectable individuals and wishes nothing but the best for all former and future family members.
In recent news, Mizzou has formed a sevens side that took 3rd place in its first ever tournament in Des Moines, Iowa. Kelvin Akehurst organized the Mizzou Sevens side in April of 2008 and has spearheaded the 2009 season as well. Outstanding play in tournaments by players like Ryan Deselm, Ryan Schulz, and Kris Feldmann have placed Missouri among the most notable of collegiate rugby talent in the Big XII, these men in addition to others have recieved the honor of being selected to the All Big XII Team.
Missouri Rugby also has been seen around the Columbia local community, raising funds at tail gate events and contributing time and effort to bettering the Columbia Food Pantry.
Mizzou has been making headlines! Most notably in the Maneater Student Newspaper Check out the most recent article here WARNING: This will take you away from our site.
Many former Mizzou players have gone on to do great things, not only with their education, but more importantly with their love of rugby. The Saint Louis Bombers, Ramblers, and Royals all have former MU players on their sides, as do many clubs statewide.
Team of 09
Team of 07