Rugby traditions at University of Central Florida

March 7, 2023

Rugby at the University of Central Florida has a rich history and has produced some talented players over the years. The UCF Knights Rugby Football Club was founded in 1976 and has been a mainstay in the Florida rugby scene ever since.

The UCF Knights Rugby Football Club competes in the Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC), which is one of the most competitive collegiate rugby conferences in the country. The SCRC includes other strong rugby programs like the University of Alabama, University of Georgia, and University of Tennessee.

The UCF Knights have enjoyed a great deal of success in recent years, winning multiple SCRC championships and consistently making deep runs in the national playoffs. One of their most successful seasons came in 2017, when they finished with an impressive record of 12 wins and only 1 loss.

The Knights are known for their physicality and high-tempo style of play. They often employ a blitz defense, where they rush up quickly to put pressure on the opposition and force turnovers. Offensively, they play with great structure and discipline, often using quick passes and smart decision-making to create scoring opportunities.

Over the years, the UCF Knights Rugby Football Club has produced some standout players who have gone on to play at higher levels. One of the most notable players to come out of the program is Chris Mattina, who played for the United States national team and was part of the squad that competed in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Overall, rugby at the University of Central Florida has a proud tradition of success and competitiveness. The UCF Knights Rugby Football Club is a well-respected program in the rugby community and has consistently produced talented players who have gone on to represent the sport at the highest levels.