| Teamname: | Providence RFC |
| Fullname: | Providence Rugby Football Club |
| Countryflag: | the United States |
| Url: | www.providencerugby.com |
| Founded: | 1969 |
| President: | Jay Giroux |
| Coach: | Michael McGeachy |
| Captain: | Art Santini |
The Providence Rugby Football Club (PRFC), established in 1969, is a rugby union club located in Providence, Rhode Island. It includes both men's and women's teams, with the women's team known as PWRFC. The PRFC men's team competes in Division III within the New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU). PWRFC competes in the Division I within NERFU in 2023-2024.
Providence RFC was established in the fall of 1969 by a group of local athletes who had rugby experience, along with players from the Brown University rugby team.
The club was established in 1969, largely thanks to the efforts of Dave "Ace" Zucconi, a Brown University alumnus who picked up the game during his service in the U.S. Air Force abroad. Zucconi gathered several Brown alumni to participate in Sunday matches. In their inaugural year (1969–1970), the team achieved an impressive record, winning all thirteen matches they played.
P.R.F.C. began its first official season in the spring of 1971. The club gained recognition from the New England R.F.U. following an organizational meeting held by its founders: Mike Diffley, Jay Fluck, Bob Hoder, Bill Mullin, and Hal Wilder. In its debut season, the team achieved an impressive 11-0 record, securing their second Guinness Championship. Over the years, P.R.F.C. has won the annual N.E.R.F.U. championship twice, in 1989 and 1990, and claimed victories at Saranac Lake in 1976 and 1977. The club has also embarked on several tours, visiting England and Scotland in 1976, Ireland in 1979, and all three countries in 1987.
In the 2005 season, the club reached the National Sweet 16's for the second time in its history. This achievement came after hard-fought victories in the North East Regional Playoffs against Union, NJ, and a well-regarded Hartford team. However, the success of 2005 also led to several retirements. Coupled with injuries to key players, this resulted in a 4-4 season for Providence in 2006.
In the fall of 2004, Providence narrowly missed the playoffs because of tiebreaker rules. However, they bounced back in the spring, securing second place in the NERFU competition. Back in 2002, PRFC demonstrated their strength by winning the New England Division II regular season championship with an impressive 7–1 record.
After reaching the National Round of 16 in 2009, Providence entered a rebuilding phase, incorporating both local and international players.
In the 2011 season, the club secured a 6–3 record. Their efforts were highlighted by a decisive 50-0 win against rival Newport, allowing them to retain the Rhode Island Cup. However, following this success, Providence struggled with commitment issues, resulting in several consecutive seasons with records below .500.
The 2017 season marked a significant shift for the club, particularly for the men's team. Following their relegation to Division 3, PRFC began rebuilding by integrating younger talent. This blend of youth and experience led Providence to an impressive 17–1 record over two fall seasons, securing the #1 seed for two consecutive years.
In addition to strong team performances, PRFC has seen two of its players reach Major League Rugby. William Stewart joined NOLA Gold, and Mani Young signed with the New England Free Jacks, both having spent several years with the club before advancing to the professional level.
Providence also fields competitive summer 7's teams, which serve as a platform to strengthen bonds with local college players and prepare for successful conference play in the fall season.
Providence Rugby has a long history that began in 1969. Over the years, many of its former members have gone on to play with the Rhody Old Cocks.
Providence Women's Rugby Football Club was established in January 2004 by a group of recent graduates from local colleges and Richard Ashfield, who was then the coach at Providence College. The founding members, hailing from institutions such as Providence College, URI, Stonehill College and Brown University, collaborated with the existing men's team in Providence to create an inaugural women's team in the Club.
In 2006, the women finished the league schedule with a 4–1 record in league play, and a 5–1 record overall. Providence lost the playoff seed due to the scoring system tiebreaker.
In 2007, the women won the NERFU championship and placed third in the Northeast Championship.
In 2008, the women won a second NERFU championship and placed second in the Northeast Championship, giving them a chance to go for a National Championship. The women placed fifth in the nation.