About the St Louis Royals

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The St. Louis Royals Rugby Football Club (RFC) appeared on the St. Louis rugby scene in the Fall of 1970. Two friends, Tim Harris and Pat McMahon, originally envisioned the team as a refuge for ruggers with full-time jobs who could not make regular Saturday games (playing on Sundays instead). Soon however, the club became a staple in the Missouri Rugby Football Union (MRFU) as a competitive force. Throughout the years, the Royals have etched out a reputation for excellence on the pitch, winning multiple state and regional titles and making appearances at the coveted USA Rugby National Championship tournament.

The Royals pride themselves on being not only a competitive rugby club, but also a family. Teammates live together, work together, go to school together, socialize and workout together not only during the rugby season, but year-round. The close bonds between teammates provide a unique atmosphere absent from many club-level sports teams. These bonds were put to the test in the Summer of 2010, when tragedy struck the team with the untimely death of 22 year-old up-and-comer Michael Kowalewski. “Kovi”, as he was known by his friends and teammates, was a physical and charismatic player who always left others around him smiling. The Royals dedicated the 2010-2011 season to Kovi, emblazoning their jerseys with Mike’s signature, initials, and slogan: “Live it!” The Royals played every game for Kovi, winning the MRFU and Western Territorial RFU Championships and placing 5th overall at the USA Rugby National Championship Elite Eight tournament.

Following a recent string of overwhelming success at the Division-3 level, the team voted to undergo a restructuring in the Summer and Fall of 2011, which would include elevating the current starting roster to Division-2 and creating a developmental side to play competitively in Division 3. Despite winning the SIUE Ruggapallooza and placing second at the Annual Royals Classic preseason tournaments, the Fall 2011 season was plagued by a combination of crushing injuries and low turnout. Several key starters on the primary squad suffered early season-ending injuries, while five players who helped the team to success at the National level were temporarily away from the squad after returning to college or starting new careers. Backs Max Bullock and Tim Hanify (2011 Newcomer of the year) are currently playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks RFC, while flanker Trevor Lock (2011 Outstanding Forward) lead the Lindenwood University RFC to astounding success in their inaugural 2011 season. Lock Ryan Dunn (2011 Most Improved Player) was unable to compete in the Fall season while attending the police academy. Dunn recently was hired by the Clayton Police Department, and will be returning to the pitch for the Spring 2012 season.

In spite of a win-less Fall season, the Royals are determined to get back on top of their game. Recently, the club has attained 501(c)3 non-profit status, which should enable to club to raise the funds needed to compete at the higher level of play. New positions have been created to make communication and administration of the club more efficient. The Royals are continuously seeking new and experienced rugby players to join their mission to get back to the National Championships at Infinity Park in Glendale, CO. If you or anyone you know is looking for an exciting, fast-paced sport on a team that has the dedication to succeed combined with life-long friendships, look no further than the Royals.

No matter what athletic background you come from, there is only one question you need to ask yourself:

Do you have what it takes to be a Royal?