The University of Connecticut Men’s Rugby Club was founded in 1971. It consisted of few players, even fewer who knew the game. It was somewhat of a “rag-tag” side. Since then the club has grown into one of the premier clubs in New England. In 1986 an Englishman from Manchester, England, volunteered to help coach the club. His name was Steven Leach, M.D. Dr. Leach truly exemplified the rough, yet refined style that Connecticut Rugby strives to employ. After the 1999/2000 season and nearly 15 years of coaching the UCRFC, Dr. Leach decided to step aside and turned his coaching duties over to assistant coach, Dennis (Doc) Lyons. In addition to being an assistant coach at UConn, Coach Lyons had been involved with various clubs in Connecticut, including the Hartford Wanderers. Over the years, with the help of Dr. Leach and Mr. Lyons, Connecticut has graduated seven All American player as well as numerous All Eastern players. The Connecticut RFC plays in the New England Rugby Football Union, in the White league, where it has had much success. 

Good Ol' Boys at Washington, D.C. Tournament

(L-R) Dan Connelly, Jim Crossen and player not identified.

Coach Leach and friends

Waiting for the ball -- UConn play action against Army, 1998

UConn ruggers and companions (l-r):  Mo Abrams, Will Emitt and Matt Hurta

Graduate accountant (and handsome former player) Mike Giampapa demonstrating to Matt Hurta how he plans to handle deadbeat clients, while Joe Masi (left) and  Brendan Leahy look on admiringly. (1999)