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Our HISTORY

The history of Fort Wayne Rugby is one filled with camaraderie, passion, and a love for the game. The story begins with Todd Davis, who brought his rugby experience from Indiana University and his time in the military to establish a local club. This account details the club's origins, its evolution through the early years, and notable milestones that helped shape Fort Wayne Rugby as a lasting legacy in the community.

Origins and Early Days (1969)

In February 1969, with the first signs of spring thaw, Todd Davis, fresh from military service and missing the rugby culture he'd experienced at Indiana University, sought to bring the sport to Fort Wayne. At the time, there were only two rugby clubs in Indiana, so Davis set out to build the Fort Wayne Rugby Football Club from scratch. The club’s first recruit, Mark "Bo" "Rocky" Petit, was found in a local pub, Bimbo's on the Landing, and soon others joined from various places like Komet hockey games, IPFW, Indiana Tech, and the city's pubs.
The first meeting took place at the Big Wheel (now Columbia Street West), and the original team, donning blue jerseys with random letters sewn on the back, was born. After six practices, the club played its first match against Illinois Valley Rugby Club in LaSalle-Peru, Illinois. Though the team lost narrowly, enthusiasm and the player base grew.

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Establishing Traditions
(Late 1960s to 1970s)

Fort Wayne Rugby quickly began to carve out its traditions. One memorable occasion was Todd Davis' wedding at halftime during a rugby game at Shoaf Park in May 1969. As the seasons progressed, the club became well known for its games at Franke Park, especially as the Three Rivers Festival Rugby Tournament host. Starting in 1971, the tournament became the longest-running annual rugby event in the United States, drawing players and fans alike. The local bar Maples Inn became famous for hosting many a celebratory third half, fostering team spirit.

The Clubhouse Years and International Glory
(Mid-1970s)

The mid-1970s marked the notorious "Clubhouse Years," a time of boisterous camaraderie that only Old Boys can truly recount. O'Sullivan's Pub became the team's social hub and still holds that role today. In 1979, Fort Wayne Rugby reached a proud milestone when Jessie Lopez, a team member, was selected to play for the USA Eagles, America's national rugby team. Lopez represented the U.S. in its first-ever international victory that year and went on to tour England and South Africa with the Eagles, marking a high point in the club’s early history. Meanwhile, the club continued to host its annual Leather Ball, an event celebrating the team's bonds with awards, toasts, and stories shared.

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