About Us

The Chattanooga Rugby Football Club was founded in 1978 by a group of rugby enthusiast who wanted to promote the game locally.  Throughout the 80's & 90's the group built a strong foundation.  Under the guidelines of USA Rugby, in the True South Union, Nooga Black Div2, and Nooga Red Div3 mens teams was established.  In 2011, under the guidance of Jack Head, the club was granted 501(c)3 status as an Amateur Athletic Association. 

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In 2012, Steve Lofty struck a partnership with the city of Chattanooga Parks & Recreation was established to develop a pitch at Montague Park.  Montague Park has been home to the CRFC since that time.  During this time, they competed in the True South Conference, becoming 7-time title champions and a top 10 finalist. 

 

In 2018, the Queens women's team was established by former UTC Rugby player, Harmony Paulus.  The Queens combined players from Sewanee, UTC, Lee College, and local community members to create a dynamic team that welcome players of all age, ability, or experience level.  The mission is to empower women through sport, fostering a supportive, and inclusive environment.  Due to the popularity of USA Women's Olympic victory, an influx of rookie players helped launch a D3 side for the Queens.  In 2023-24, 3 Queens players and the Nooga Black's coach qualified to compete on the USA Rugby team at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Women's XV Tournament held in Kingston, Jamaica (23) Mexico (24).  RAN host 11 teams from seven RAN countries. 

 

In 2023, Nooga Rugby Boosters, headed by CRFC supporter Phyllis Benson, was established to increase Alumni engagement, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and educating the community on the great sport of Rugby through local partnerships and grant opportunities, advancing visibility for the CRFC.  CRFC Legends like Rob Woodard, Blaithe Krause, Butch Hill, and Mike Ward, attend the monthly SLOB's Socials.  They share stories, photos, and laughs the last Friday night of the month.  The public and local businesses help sponsor/play in the annual Funder bowling event to raise funds to offset operational budgets.

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In 2024, Derek Hilley and Kyle Hudson organized Scenic City Youth Rugby; the Lions, consisting of boys and girls 14-18 years of age.  The Lion's inaugural match was played as sevens in September 2024.  By Nov 2024, the team began competing in tens competitions.  

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The CRFC has partnered with various nonprofits in the Chattanooga area as part of their charitable outreach.  As part of the CRFC's mission, altruism is a supporting pillar used to build tomorrows leaders.  The teams have supplied labor, materials, and time for various projects that support other nonprofits in the Chattanooga area.  Each December, they participate in the Marine's Toys-For-Tots program that coincides with the annual CRFC Christmas event.  The Nooga Rugby Boosters chose CHATT Foundation as their premier partner in 2024, donating clothing, food, and funds to further their mission to feed the unhoused around Chattanooga.

 

The team's passion for the sport of Rugby has taken them across the globe as members traveled to attend Rugby World Cup playoffs.  The club membership rolls have included players from not only all corners of the U.S., but also England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Japan.  That cultural diversity is an aspect of this club that is considered particularly unique.

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Community, and vision for a greater tomorrow remains unwavering throughout the generations of CRFC players, sponsors, and supporters.  They are creating a legacy for future generations of players to help keep the pipelines flowing for higher level competitions.  As the CRFC looks to the future, they are developing a plan to provide a Rugby complex that will host adult leagues and youth league play simultaneously.

Check out the Membership page to learn how your donations impact the CRFC today and tomorrow.

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