The University of Missouri Men's Rugby Club is a competitive division II club which has competed in the Western Regional Championships for each of the last 3 years. Mizzou finished in 4th place in the most recent Westerns tournament. Mizzou is always looking for new players of any experience level, check out the Find Us page to get involved.

History

The Mizzou Rugby club has been around for over 40 years. Currently, JP Victor, a former President of Mizzou Rugby, resides as coach. Before him, another former President, Eric Wright, took the position from May of '08 to '09. His emphasis on team play turned the club around from a few stars, to a team of fundamentally sound and fit ruggers. Matt Moore, a former Columbia Outlaw, and Matt Brown, who played for Trinity RFC, were in control before Eric Wright. Ted Norwood coached the team from 2004-2006. During his time as head coach, he changed the overall image of the Mizzou Rugby Club from a bunch of hooligans to a competitive and dedicated team. Ian Hermann coached the team for a number of years before his reign came to an end in 2003.

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.

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 teams like the K.C. Blues, the St. Louis Bombers and the St. Louis Ramblers. Jeremy Barker really excelled during his time at Mizzou as a fly half, and was selected to the all-tournament squad during their trip to the Western Regional Collegiate Championships in Las Cruces, New Mexico during the 1985-1986 season. However, the Tigers fell in the semi's to the Air Force Academy.

In recent news, Mizzou has formed a sevens side that took 3rd place in their first 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.

If you are aware of any other information regarding the club's history, feel free to contact the webmaster or one of the executive members.