Directions to the Rugby pitch

From I-65 follow the signs into Lafayette, IN. There should be about 3 exits for Lafayette. Take the exit 172 for Highway 26 going west. Continue for about 10 miles through the city of Lafayette. Once you cross the Wabash River, you are officially in West Lafayette. Continue straight for another 2-3 miles through the Purdue University campus. Make a right onto McCormik/Airport Rd. The pitch is immediately on your left.

Map downloaded from http://www.googlemaps.com

The History of Purdue Women's Rugby Club

The first women's rugby callout at Purdue took place in 1977. Seven women Boilers came out for the team and played 7's during the fall season. By the spring of 1978 the team had grown to a full side of 15. A few of the first ruggers were Julie Austin, Trish Dirkson, and Kathy Tuite coached by Rick Fry. Little is known about the next 20 years of the PWRFC.

Purdue Women's Rugby Football Club has had a rocky past. Re-established in 1997, the team grew in numbers as well as reputation, winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies in several tournaments. However, even though some of us would like to, we can't stay in college forever, and sadly, the rugby team graduated. In 2003, a new generation of ruggers revived the women's rugby team. As of Fall 2005 we are again officially recognized by Purdue as a club sport. In the past few years we have turned the team from a rag-tag group of girls who could barely field a side into an organized team of over 25 dedicated athletes. With the help of our new coaching staff, we are rapidly developing the skills we need to become a force to be reckoned with. We began the Spring 2006 season by taking first place at the polar bear tournament in Louisville, KY, and ended with a record of 9-1. Fall 2007 the team took 3rd place in the Division 1 midwest tournament!

During the season, practices are held every Tuesday and Thursday with an additional hour of conditioning once a week. During rugby season, we play games and tournaments nearly every Saturday at home and abroad. For away games, we usually car-pool in our own vehicles or rent Purdue University vehicles. Money for traveling is earned mainly through dues and fundraising. Thanks to Jerry O'Bryan at 9 Irish Brothers for donating money to help us buy new jersies.

If you are a former rugger or former fan with other historical knowledge, please contact the webmaster.

BOILER UP!