Nearly 60 years of Buckeye Rugby — 1966 to present
The Ohio State University Rugby Football Club is one of the oldest and most storied college rugby programs in the Midwest. From its humble beginnings with two physicians to competing at the highest level of men's college rugby, OSURFC has built a legacy of excellence, tradition, and brotherhood.
1966 — The Beginning
Ohio State Rugby Football Club is founded by two physicians at University Hospitals. What began as a small group of players on borrowed fields would grow into one of the premier programs in the Midwest.
1970s — Growth & Establishment
The program grows through the 1970s, building a competitive roster and establishing traditions that continue today. Rugby culture takes root at Ohio State as the club gains recognition on campus.
1990 & 1991 — National Contenders
Ohio State finishes 3rd in the nation in both 1990 and 1991 — the program's highest national finishes. Multiple players earn All-American recognition during this golden era.
2000s — Eagles & All-Americans
Former Buckeye rugby players earn selection to the U.S. national team (Eagles), cementing the program's reputation as a developer of elite talent. All-American honors continue to flow to Columbus.
2012 — Big Ten Rugby Conference
Ohio State becomes a founding member of the Big Ten Rugby Conference, competing in the East Division alongside Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, and Indiana. The conference brings structure and rivalry to Midwest rugby.
2016 — 50th Anniversary
The program celebrates 50 years of Buckeye Rugby with the 50th Old Boys Match, bringing together generations of alumni on the pitch. The Rugby Alumni Society organizes celebrations honoring the program's founders and legends.
2021 — Big Ten Champions
Ohio State captures its first Big Ten Rugby Conference championship, establishing dominance in conference play and proving the program belongs among the elite.
2021 — Gavin Gill Memorial
The rugby community mourns the loss of Gavin Gill (OSU '21), who played all four years at Ohio State. The Gavin Gill Memorial Scholarship Fund is established in his honor, supporting students with Type 1 diabetes.
2024 — Back-to-Back Champions
Ohio State wins the Big Ten Championship again with 14 All-Conference selections (8 first-team). Head Coach Tom Rooney earns Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. The team advances to the Challenge Cup semifinals.
2026 — New Era: Midwest D1A
Ohio State announces its move to the Midwest D1A Conference beginning Fall 2026, joining Lindenwood, Arkansas State, Davenport, and McKendree. The move aligns the program fully with CRAA for a direct path to the national championship.
Big Ten Champions
(2021, 2024)
National Finish
(1990, 1991)
All-Big Ten Selections
(2024 alone)
U.S. Eagles
(National Team)
Ohio State Rugby is proud to train and compete on two full-sized, lighted rugby fields located on the Ohio State campus, complete with scoreboards.
The program also benefits from dedicated medical support provided by the Ohio State Medical Center, with staff who travel with the team to away matches.
Lincoln Tower Fields — The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
In memory of Gavin Gill (RRHS '17, OSU '21), who played rugby all four years at Ohio State and passed away on June 27, 2021, from complications of Type 1 diabetes.
The Gavin Gill Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students living with Type 1 diabetes. Each year at the Hall of Fame Weekend, the rugby community comes together to honor Gavin's memory through the Gavin Gill Rugby Festival.
Learn More at gavingill.org