Downingtown Rugby inspires youth from Rookie Rugby through high school, developing skills, athleticism, sportsmanship, and teamwork in a supportive, safety-focused community while paving the way to competitive rugby and a lifelong love of the game.

The Downingtown Rugby Football Club (DRFC) is one of the prominent rugby clubs in Pennsylvania, with a long history of competitive play and community involvement. Here’s a brief summary of the club’s history:

Early Years and Founding
The DRFC was founded in 1996 by Mike Drill, a teacher at Downingtown Middle School and former rugby player at Millersville University. Mike and his assistant Paul “Sugar” Rodgers started small, fielding a single side of U19 Boys. Since then, the Club has experienced consistent growth, expanding to additional girls and boys youth teams, reaching hundreds of students over the years.

Growth and Development
During the early years, the club faced the typical challenges of a newly formed rugby team, including limited resources, growing the player base, and establishing a competitive schedule. However, through dedication and the support of the local community, DRFC quickly gained recognition in the Pennsylvania Rugby scene.
By the early 2000’s, DRFC had grown in both size and skill. The team became a regular participant in local tournaments and began to develop rivalries with other established clubs in the region. This period marked the club’s transition from a grassroots initiative to a competitive force.

Success and Achievements
Over the years, DRFC has continued to gain prominence. They have participated in several regional, state and national championship level competitions and have played international matches while on overseas tours. The team experienced numerous successes while developing a strong pipeline of talented players, many of whom would go on to play at higher levels, including collegiate and professional rugby. The club also became known for its social aspect. The rugby community is often tight-knit, and the DRFC was no exception, hosting events like fundraisers and other rugby social gatherings that have become staples of the local rugby culture.

Current Day
As of today, the DRFC remains one of the leading rugby clubs in the region, known for both its competitive spirit and its deep commitment to growing the sport at the youth and high school levels. The club now hosts teams for both boys and girls, along with a thriving youth rugby program that introduces kids to the sport.
The club has also been actively involved in the development of rugby in the area by hosting training camps, coaching seminars, and community outreach programs. They have built a reputation as a club that balances a high level of competition with a strong community and family-oriented atmosphere.

Legacy and Future
The legacy of the Downingtown Rugby Football Club continues to thrive through its alumni, who often return to support the club, coach, and mentor young players. The future of the club looks bright as it continues to develop new talent, expand its social and community efforts, and work towards even greater success on the rugby field as is demonstrated by our U19 girls 2024 Fall Pennsylvania 7’s Championship and our U19 boys 2025 Pennsylvania 15’s and Surfside High School 7’s Championships.

Today, the DRFC stands as a symbol of growth, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of rugby in Pennsylvania. FAMILY ON 3!