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HISTORY
In January of 1994, during the LAU Conference in Dallas, representatives from the Eastern Pennsylvania, Potomac and Virginia Rugby Unions met to discuss the possibility of creating a new territory in light of the restructuring of USA Rugby and the desire to have more direct representation on the USA Board of Directors.
The group met again officially in August 1994 to elect officers, discuss finances and gather the information necessary to complete the requirements for a TU application to be presented to the USA Board in November. The new Mid-Atlantic Rugby Union was was admitted to USA Rugby on November 13, 1994 by a vote of 19 to 1.
The Mid Atlantic Rugby Football Union was incorporated on August 10, 1994 in the State of Delaware and comprises three of the Local Area Unions who were formerly members of USA Rugby East (a/k/a the Eastern Rugby Union); Eastern Pennsylvania, Potomac and Virginia. The states which comprise MARFU are: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Membership figures are the highest in the nation in terms of the number of players in a Territorial Union. Over 6,000 players belong to approximately 160 rugby clubs.
In May 1995, during the first full year of operation, two MARFU clubs were crowned National Champions; Potomac Athletic Club in the Men’s Club Division and Princeton University Women (who also hosted the event) in the Women’s Collegiate Division. Northern Virginia (NOVA) placed 2nd in the National 7’s Club Championship held in Conshohocken, PA and Doylestown Youth placed 3rd in the National High School Championship.
On November 13, 1995, exactly one year after admission to USA Rugby, the Mid-Atlantic RFU was privileged to play their inaugural All-Star match against Bermuda as part of the World Rugby Classic. The squad, comprised of East Penn and Virginia players, was ably coached by Al Little and Lance Manga. The match was tied 16-16 until the final minute of the match when Bermuda scored. Final score: Bermuda 23 - MARFU 16.
In May 1996, Princeton University Women repeated their 1995 win as Women’s Collegiate National Champions. Northern Virginia (NOVA) became the National 7’s Club Champion in August of 1996, again held in Conshohocken, PA. Doylestown Youth placed 2nd at the National High School Championship held in Burke, Virginia.
Playing colors of the Mid Atlantic RFU are red, blue and gray.
Past Presidents
2008: Kris Kabza (Virginia)
2004-2007: Elaine Recchiuti (East Penn)
2003-2004: Alan Matas (East Penn)
1996-2002: Reyn Kinzey (Virginia)
1994-1995: Alan Matas (East Penn)
National Champions
2008 Radford University (College Men Division II)
2008 Shippensburg University Women (College Women Division II)
2007 Raleigh Vipers (Men's Club 15s Division II)
2007 Penn State Women (College Women)
2004 Salisbury University Men (College Men Division II)
2004 Penn State Women (College Women)
2004 Temple University Women (College Women Division II)
2003 Radford University (College Men Division II)
2000 Penn State Women (College Women)
1997 Penn State Women (College Women)
1996 Northern Virginia (Men's Club 7’s)
1996 Princeton Univ. Women (College Women)
1995 Potomac Athletic Club (Men's Club)
1995 Princeton Univ. Women (College Women)
National Events Hosted
High School/U19: Boy's & Girl's 2008 Championship - Pittsburgh, PA
Women's Under 23 All Star 2008 Championship - Pittsburgh, PA
Women's Senior All Star 2008 Championship - Pittsburgh, PA
Men & Women's All Star 7s 2008 Championship - Pittsburgh, PA
Men's Division III Elite Eight May 2003 - Newport News, VA
Seven’s Club Championship August 1996-August 2002 - Conshohocken, PA
Men’s Collegiate Championship May 2001 - Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA
High School Championship May 1996 - Burke, VA
Women’s Collegiate Championship May 1995 - Princeton University
Seven’s Club & All-Star Championships August 1995 - Conshohocken, PA
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