The Yale University Rugby Football Club

Community Service

Yale Rugby Participates in Run For Refugees 5K

Anxious to get a little fitness in before the game on Super Bowl Sunday (February 1st, 2009), Yale Rugby decided to give back as well by participating in the Run for Refugees 5K. The event benefitted the Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) program, a locally based charity organization which helps resettle over 100 New Haven immigrants each year, many of whom arrive from war-torn areas such as the Darfur region of Sudan.

The run began at nearby Wilbur Cross High School. Although blessed with mild weather, the men of Yale were challenged by a tough race course, which wound its way up and down New Haven's famous East Rock. Scrumhalf David Wheelock '09 led the pack in a time of just over nineteen minutes, followed closely by center Patrick Madden '10 and lock Andrew Moir '10. All in all, the race was a good way for the Yale ruggers to get a good workout and to contribute to a worthy cause.

Patrick Madden '10 stretching out before the race

Some Yale ruggers at the post-race reception

Yale Rugby Runs in 2008 Playwright Halloween 5K

On Sunday, October 26th, 2008, Yale Rugby continued its tradition of participating in the Playwright Halloween 5K. The proceeds from this year's race benefitted a great cause - Gaylord Hospital's quad rugby team, the CT Jammers. The race, which was organized by the New Haven Old Blacks rugby team, was a great way for Yale Rugby to give back to the local community while supporting the rugby community as well. Team president and scrumhalf Dave "Poppins" Wheelock '09 represented Yale Rugby well, finishing with a time of 18:54 and placing 8th overall in the race. Once again, the race proved to be a success both for Yale Rugby and for the worthy cause which it helped support.

Yale Rugby at the starting line

Nick Finger '12 (far left) jumping out to an early lead (not bad for a prop!)

Pat crossing the finish line in record time

Patrick Madden '10 crossing the finish in record time

Yale Rugby at the finish line

The boys back at the Playwright after the race

Yale Rugby Helps Out at 2008 AIDS Walk New Haven

On April 20th, 2008, Yale Rugby helped out some fellow Elis at the 2008 AIDS Walk New Haven. The Yale ruggers put their strength to good use by helping set up and take down the performance stage and audio equipment, as well as the concessions and registration tables. The event was a huge success, raising over $30,000 to help benefit AIDS research.

Yale Rugby Participates in Relay For Life 2008 to Fight Cancer

On April 12th, 2008, the Yale Rugby team raised over $2,000 dollars in support of the Relay for Life at Yale. Yale Rugby was part of a campus-wide effort that raised over $70,000 to help support cancer research.

New Haven 5K Halloween Road Race to benefit the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital

On October 29th, the Yale Rugby team participated in a New Haven 5K Halloween Road Race to benefit the Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. With near 300 participants in the race, three Yale ruggers finished in the top ten with rookie Andy Detty '09 bringing home 3rd place. For more pictures see the photo section.

Relay for Life 2006

Last year the Yale Rugby Club joined the fight against cancer by participating in the Relay for Life at Yale on April 1st 2006.

We all know someone who has been touched by cancer, and there are so many of us were concerned about this disease and wanted to make a difference. If you would like more information about Relay for Life or the American Cancer Society, please visit www.cancer.org.