Club History

“A Championship Tradition”


Jerseys On PitchSince the foundation of Raleigh Rugby Football Club in April 1981, we have provided athletic and educational opportunities relating to rugby football for Triangle area residents on a local, national, and international level. We are a non-profit corporation and recognized as a tax-deductible charitable organization by the IRS.

In 1996 the club purchased 15.5 acres of red clay and pine trees, with the goal of developing a first-class rugby facility to include two full-size pitches and a clubhouse. August 2001 saw us begin play on a pitch complete with Bermuda sod and 60-foot tall posts. The second pitch followed shortly after and plans are in the works for the clubhouse. With two all-weather pitches, the Raleigh RFC intends to host international and regional tournaments and select-side competitions on a regular basis.

Another milestone was passed in August 2002 with the addition of the Venom women’s rugby team to complement the Vipers men’s team. The Venom have brought a new level of enthusiasm and support for the club.

Spring 2007 saw the U-19 “Rattlesnakes” play their first season.

As one of the premier clubs in the Southeast, the Raleigh RFC competes in the Virginia Rugby Union and the Mid-Atlantic territorial union. With a playing membership of over 80 men and women, we are able to field competitive sides in Men’s, Women’s, Youth and Old Boy’s divisions and consistently post winning records.

RRFC CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY


  • Rattlesnakes U19: State Champions
  • Rattlesnakes U15: Carolina Cup Champions
  • Rattlesnakes U19: Runner Up State Champions, Tiger’s Invitational Tournament Champions
  • Rattlesnakes U15: Carolina Cup Champions
  • Venom: Div 2 National Champs
  • Venom: MARFU Champions
  • Rattlesnakes U19: Runner Up USA South Regionals, National Ruggerfest Champions
  • Venom: Div 2 National #4
  • Venom: MARFU Champions
  • Vipers: MARFU #3
  • Rattlesnakes U19: National Ruggerfest Champions
  • Venom: Div 2 National Champs
  • Venom: MARFU Champions
  • Vipers: MARFU #4
  • Vipers: Div 2 National Champs
  • Vipers: MARFU #2
  • Venom: Div 2 National Champs
  • Venom & Vipers: England Tour
  • Vipers: Div 2 National Championships Round of 8
  • Vipers: MARFU Champions
  • Venom: Div 2 National Champs
  • Sir Walter Raleigh: Charity Sevens Champs
  • Venom: Charity Sevens Champs
  • Vipers: St. Patrick’s Day Rugby Tournament – Savannah , GA – Bracket Winners
  • Vipers: VRU and Ed Lee Cup Champions
  • Old Boys: Triad Outback 7s Champs
  • Sir Walter Raleigh: Charity Sevens Champs
  • Old Boys: Triad Outback 7s Champs
  • Vipers: VRU and Ed Lee Cup Champs
  • Sledge-O-Matic: Charity Sevens Champs
    Vipers: MARFU Champions
  • Vipers: Div 2 National Championships Round of 8 (Finished 7th Nationally)
  • Vipers: VRU and Ed Lee Cup Champs
  • Vipers: RWC 99′ Scotland Tour
  • Sir Walter Raleigh: Charity Sevens Champs
  • Vipers: VRU and Ed Lee Cup Champs