History
FTL Rugby was established in 1977
The Ft. Lauderdale R.F.C. was founded in January of 1977 by a small core of ex-college rugby players needing to stay active. Each year we have hosted the Annual International Spring Ruggerfest Tournament. 40 teams from across the United States, Canada, Bahamas and South America attend. During the last 30 years we have also hosted international touring teams from Argentina, Bahamas, Caribbean, Canada, England, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Russia, Venezuela and Wales. Also numerous Armed Forces teams from around the globe. Ft. Lauderdale themselves have traveled to Dublin Ireland, New Zealand, Bahamas (”The Thatcher Cup” a yearly event played in honor of Sir Dennis and Lady Margaret Thatcher), Vancouver, Saranac Lake New York and many other locations around the globe.
Through the years the team has made many contributions to charity. We have supported the Broward County Dynamo Club, which provides assistance to special need children. Other community involvements include Easter Seals and Broward County School System Physical Education Youth Rugby Program.
Ft. Lauderdale has made great strides in recent years in the Eastern Rugby Union. Ft. Lauderdale has been Florida Champs 8 of the last 12 years, qualifying for the ERU Group IV play-offs 10 years in a row, reaching the final in 1989, 1991, 1993, 1998 and 1999.
In December, 1998 we merged with the Tamarac R.F.C. to increase our depth and to continue our commitment for a National Title. Today, the Ft. Lauderdale R.F.C. has a membership of 150 plus people including 60 active players. Ft. Lauderdale is committed to enhance the reputation of the sport of rugby in the state of Florida and the United States through their spirited and exciting play on the field and their charitable works off of it.
