Club sports play a big role in DU student’s lives. Clubs help students build a lasting connection to the University while developing a network of friends and lifelong memories. We believe club sports are a vital part of DU culture and we hope you consider supporting DU Rugby, or other DU sports clubs, during the 1Day4DU day of giving.

Talking to current men’s rugby head coach Cody Melphy, you can’t help but feel the excitement and passion for the University of Denver Men’s Rugby Club.

So, exactly what do athletes get out of playing Rugby for DU?  “They get to be part of the culture,” said Melphy. “It is a deep-rooted brotherhood. We are competitive but have fun, too. Team members become brothers for life. Being a part of any group is important (when you are in college). Participation also grants our team members a release from the academic grind. We have a distinguished staff so our players are going to get high-level coaching. We have four current or ex-professionals (on-staff). Plus, there are opportunities after our team members graduate to go further. ”

The DU Rugby Club, like all other clubs, is non-scholarship. They are expected to practice three times per week in-season and spend time traveling to tournaments and games. The club is supported by DU and largely self-funded by alumni, donors and the athletes themselves. However, they could use financial support to continue to grow the program.

Denver Men’s Rugby also has a legion of loyal Rugby alumni who provide “deep-rooterd alumni support,” relying on a network of former players who maintain their connection to the team. Before you think that Rugby is very specialized, Melphy states, “The environment is fun and inclusive. We welcome people with either no prior experience or a lot of experience.” Melphy is a case in point – he starterd his athletic career as a soccer player at Heritage High School (Littleton) and began taking Rugby seriously in college as a four-time All-American. Melphy ended up playing in the Olympics (Tokyo), Pan American Games and the Rugby World Cup.

The Club calls Diane Wendt Sports Fields its home ground. Rugby has a long and storied place on the Denver campus as one of the longest-running clubs , founded in 1968. The club initially competed against a variety of college and men’s sides in the Eastern Rockies area including the Denver Barbarians, Aspen Gentlemen, Colorado University and others. Currently, DU Rugby competes in National Collegiate Rugby (NCR), as a member of the High Peaks Conference. The league consists of Colorado College, Regis University, Colorado School of Mines, New Mexico Tech and the University of Northern Colorado. They compete in both 15s during the Fall/Winter season and transition to 7s in the Spring.

Here’s how to enter a donation for DU Men’s Rugby at 1Day4DU:

Melphy gave a shoutout to DU women’s Rugby as well. They are coached by Emma Spaulding and field a 7’s side with a team of 10-15 participants. He hopes to build an even stronger connection with that group in the future. DU Women’s Rugby could use your financial support as well for uniforms, travel and equipment.

You can follow the team? Facebook (DU Club Men’s Rugby, Instagram (DUMensRugby) and DU Men’s Rugby website – Pitchero. Please consider DU Men’s Rugby Club in your annual giving or donate to a DU athletic club of your choice during OneDay4DU.

_______________________________________

The club has enjoyed success over the years: In the last decade, DU Rugby has made significant strides, reaching the final four twice and attaining a national ranking as high as #3. In 2020, Denver represented the frontier region in the CRC’s, securing a position as one of the Top 8 sevens teams in the nation. Notably, we’ve claimed the title of Las Vegas 7s Champions twice, in 2019 and 2020. Most recently, we triumphed in the High Peaks League, earning a Nationals berth and finishing in the top 12 in the country. Our success also includes placing players on the Collegiate All-American team and the Small College all-star team, many of whom joined the University of Denver without prior rugby experience.