Tag: Harrisburg Rugby

HRFC 50th Anniversary Logo

Celebrating 50 Years of Harrisburg Rugby

Founded in the fall of 1969, Harrisburg Rugby (Football) Club has been growing the game of rugby in the Central Pennsylvania region for 50 years!

50 years later, big things are happening in our rugby family. Our women’s team continued to dominate the competition leading to the DII National Championship match this year. Our men’s team made a run for DIII playoffs just 1 year ago. West Shore United boys won the 2019 Rugby Pennsylvania Spring State Championship. West Shore United girls won the 2019 Rugby Pennsylvania State Championship. We are currently working on building our dream rugby complex in Londonderry Township. Harrisburg Rugby is operating full steam ahead!

We invite you to join us on Saturday, September 21, 2019 as we celebrate 50 years of Harrisburg Rugby at our Anniversary Gala Dinner. Tickets are available for purchase now by CLICKING HERE!

Additionally, we have a wide selection of 50th Anniversary items for sale – from Boathouse warm-up jackets and pants, to t-shirts, to drinkware, and more! Take a look at our webstore by CLICKING HERE to see the products that are currently available! Check back later this month as we continue to add new 50th Anniversary swag to the shop!

Finally, we encourage you to follow us on this website and on our social media to stay up to date with all that is happening!

Like us on Facebook: @HarrisburgRFC
Follow us on Twitter: @HarrisburgRFC
Follow us on Instagram: @HarrisburgRFC

Thank you to all of our players, families, friends, fans, and supporters who have contributed to getting Harrisburg Rugby on the national map over the past 50 years. We truly appreciate all that you have done to help us grow the game of rugby in Pennsylvania!

Hungry Ruggers Night | March 2017

Help support Harrisburg Rugby Football Club on Wednesday, March 8th, 2017 by joining with family and friends for dinner at Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe in Harrisburg! In turn, Panera will donate a portion of your purchase to HRFC! We are grateful for your support!

WHERE: Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe
5125 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg | Valid at this location only

WHEN: Wednesday, March 8, 2017 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm

HOW: BRING THIS FLYER when you dine with us and we’ll donate a portion of the proceeds from your purchase. Please hand in a hard copy or show an electronic version of this flyer upon placing your order. Purchases of gift cards are not counted towards the event. It’s a great way to combine great taste and great fun – for a great cause.

Learn more about Fundraising Nights at Panera Bread at:
www.PaneraBread.com/fundraiser

Harrisburg Harlots National Championship Series

Harlots Among Top 4 DII Club Teams in Nation!

Burlington Women vs Harrisburg Harlots

Saturday, May 21, 2016

On yet another cold, wet, rainy day, the Harlots took to the pitch on Founder’s Field in Pittsburgh, PA to take on reigning runner up Burlington, VT in the National Quarter Finals.

Boasting the MAC Championship crown and the greatest cheering section at Founder’s Field, our ladies took the next step to Colorado. In typical Harlots fashion, the Women took the lead early. Taking advantage of a Vermont mishandle, “OC” Courtney drilled a penalty kick from 20 meters out – a big kick at a big time and those points would come in handy later in the game. Burlington also had their sights set on a National Crown and would not sink away quickly. After about 10 minutes inside the Burg’s 5 meter line, Burlington crashed over the try line to take the lead 3-5.

As the score would reflect, it was tough slogging throughout the first half. The two teams splashed back and forth up and down the field. Finally, Muscles burst through the line with a tidal wave of power and speed. Burlington was stunned and bowled over as Muscles went in for the go ahead try. The half would close with the Harlots clinging to an 8-7 lead.

The first half seemed like the Burg was swimming upstream in the scrums and the second half was more of the same, even with fresh legs for the Burg. After some nice team play in the loose, Muscles was able to break wide to the corner and place another try. The score was wading at 13-7 with time running down.

Burlington was not ready to be counted out yet. They came back out fired up and used their new found boost to push a scrum over the line and splash the ball down for a try. Closing the gap to 13-12. Shortly after that, Burlington took the lead with a kick of their own. The clock was draining down quickly and the Harlots were losing 13-15. However, our ladies would not be denied. Building the pressure and pressing the attack, the Burlington side started to melt. Finally, McSpeedy got her due as she sprinted around the corner and dove over the line for the go ahead score with just under 2 minutes remaining.

Just a few short 7 minutes later, our ladies had swum to the victory and on to the National Semi Finals. Congratulations ladies, one of the most exciting games in HRFC history. The fans were were going crazy – and not just the fans in the blue section.

Highlights of the game included: in a turnaround from the MAC playoffs, kick countering was fantastic; McSpeedy and Pez each had several nice returns that nearly broke for tries; kick counters setting up the go ahead score; Muscles getting the job done; great poaches at breakdowns; several goal line stands; NEVER giving up; WINNING!!!!

Highlights from the USA Club Rugby Quarterfinals

Pictures courtesy of Valerie Caras



Videos courtesy of Annetta Comstock













Harrisburg Harlots vs Wisconsin Women’s Rugby

Sunday, May 22, 2016

The sun was shining seemingly for the first time since 2014 as the Harlots took the pitch on Sunday morning to take on reigning National Champions, the Wisconsin Women. Facing a team who boasted of speed in the backs and winning every game by an average score of over 50 points, our ladies would not be intimidated.

Feeling confident from a victory that drove a VT team out of the opportunity for a National Championship, the Harlots looked ready to slice up the competition. Right from the opening kick, Harrisburg dominated the field of play. They rucked, they scrummed, they ran all over the fast Wisconsin side.

After some great team play to matriculate the ball down the field, Muscles offloaded a pass on a half break to lighting fast McSpeedy who cruised to her 3rd try of the weekend. The Ladies pressed the attack. Driving, pushing, and aggressively charging, the Harlots came close to scoring on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, they could not quite find pay dirt. Initially stunned, Wisconsin slowly gained confidence. Eventually, they were able to reach over the line for the go ahead try.

The next few minutes were not enjoyable for our Ladies. They surrendered another try and were handed not 1, but 2 yellow cards. Both scrum half Goody and prop Teja were sin binned for questionable repeat infractions. The loss of two players was taxing to say the least. From that point on the women found it hard to attack on defense, which allowed the opposition to dictate play.

The Harlots still had a few tricks up their sleeve, though. Coming out strong, once again the women battled Wisconsin to the edge. Finally back to full strength, Muscles powered the ball to the try line and closed the gap to 12-19. Wisconsin would later take advantage of some errant passes and score two more times. Looking at at a disheartening score of 12-31, our Ladies never quit. The Harlots NEVER backed down. They kept the fight going, pushing into the try zone for the final score of the match with under two minutes left to play. Despite the heart and determination shown by the Harrisburg side, at the end of the day the scoreboard read 17-31 in favor of the reigning National Champions.

The final score was in no way indicative of the play on the field. Some unlucky bounces, unlucky cards, and a few mistakes led to a tough loss. Guaranteed that Wisconsin knew they earned a tough win. Our beloved Harlots should all be proud of their accomplishments this season. These opportunities are few and far between, and the entire club is proud that you gave it your all…down to the bitter end. You might be Harlots by name, but you all stole our hearts this year!

Highlights of the game included: Georgia once again was a dynamic force on attack as well as defense; LD playing center and scrum; the pack – rebounding from a less than optimal performance on Saturday – dominated at times, even down a man; McSpeedy – vroom vroom; Gilmartin put in a disruptive half; Goody played with an aggressive chip all day and all season; and so many more…

Great job and great season Harlots! Do not hang your heads…you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Rugby communities all across America know the name “Harrisburg Rugby” and we have YOU to thank for that. We could not be more proud of you!

THE HARRISBURG HARLOTS ARE AMONG THE TOP 4 WOMEN’S DII CLUB RUGBY TEAMS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!

Highlights from the USA Club Rugby Semifinals

Videos courtesy of Annetta Comstock










Harrisburg Harlots Team Photo

Harlots Heading to USA Club Rugby National Championship Series!

Harlots MAC Champions

Harrisburg Harlots Advance to USA Club Rugby Women’s DII Quarterfinals

The road to Glendale, Colorado heads to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania THIS Saturday, but it started on a hot day late last summer in Harrisburg. That’s when the Harlots gathered together to discuss their team goals. Number one on the list was to become National Champions – an auspicious goal to say the least. And so the trip began, but the road was not always smooth for our beloved Harlots.

The Harlots found themselves starting their fall season with an out-of-league loss to regional power Severn River, but that did not deter the Ladies. Instead of hanging their heads, they were able to regroup and set a course for utter domination of all those who would stand in the way of their ultimate goal. With stops in Maryland, Virginia, and assorted points of interest throughout their home state, the Harlots appointment with destiny could not be denied. They began to dismantle all of the teams who had previously blocked their path. Chesapeake, Stingers, and Furies – all names of those who would crumble before the weight of the juggernaut. However, despite their repeated showings of domination, the Harlots knew that in order to BE the best, they had to BEAT the best. Just two short weekends ago, they did just that.

Traveling to Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware over Mother’s Day weekend, in what can be described as a microcosm of their season, the Women avenged their only league loss of the season to previous champ Brandywine. Starting out slow and down 10 points, the women took charge, took the lead, and eventually took the MAC crown.

Now the Harlots find themselves preparing for just one more stop remaining on their trip to Glendale. A relatively short drive to Steeltown, USA this weekend will see the Ladies taking on reigning National runner up Burlington, VT in the Women’s National Quarter Finals. This could be one of the most exciting games in Harrisburg Harlots team history!

The Harlots are ready to punch their tickets to the Rockies, but they need support to get over this last hill. If you find yourself in Pittsburgh on Saturday, the match will be at Founders Field, home of the Pittsburgh Harlequins and the nicest facilities east of the Mississippi – that is until HRFC finalizes their own. Most of our club and our fanatics will be holed up in Cranberry Township, PA on Saturday night. If you would like to join us and have not made arrangements yet, contact “Belushi” and he can fill you in on the plans.

With that, there’s only one last thing to say…GO HARLOTS!!!


USA Club Rugby Quarterfinals Preview

For a preview of what this weekend has in store for the Harlots, head over to usarugby.org to read their blog post “PLENTY OF POSTSEASON EXPERIENCE RETURNS TO WOMEN’S DII CLUB QUARTERFINALS”


Watch the USA Rugby Club Playoffs

We welcome any and all alumni, family, friends, and fans of the Harrisburg Rugby Football Club and our Harrisburg Harlots to join our club cheering section at Founder’s Field in Pittsburgh, PA this weekend. Come out, show your support, and help cheer the Harlots onward to victory!

For the quarterfinals, the Harlots are scheduled to face off against Burlington Rugby on Saturday morning at 11:45am on Field 1.

With a win, the Harlots will advance to the semifinals and face off against the winner of the Wisconsin Rugby (reigning National Champions) vs. Charlotte Rugby match. The semifinal match will take place on Sunday morning at 11:45am on Field 1 (field subject to change).

In the event of a loss on Saturday, the Harlots will play in a consolation match against the loser of the Wisconsin Rugby vs. Charlotte Rugby match on Sunday morning at 8:15am on Field 1.

Can’t join us in Pittsburgh? We understand. Don’t worry, though, because you can still cheer for the Harlots from the comfort of your own home. USA Rugby will be streaming this weekend’s National Championship Series Club Playoffs LIVE on USARugbyTV.com!

For more information, visit this site and Saturday morning direct your browser to the USA Rugby TV website.


USA Club Rugby Playoff Bracket

USA Club Rugby Playoff Bracket

Sevens Tournament

REGISTER TODAY: Harrisburg 7’s Rugby Tournament

29th Annual Harrisburg 7’s Rugby Tournament

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Location: Campbelltown Volunteer Fire Company – Palmyra, PA 17010

MEN’S, WOMEN’S, AND OLD BOYS BRACKETS!


Register for the Harrisburg 7’s Rugby Tournament

Registration is now open for the 29th Annual Harrisburg Rugby Sevens Tournament. CLICK HERE to register for the BEST 7’s tournament on the East Coast! Prices will increase as the tournament date approaches, so register today and save!


Help Harrisburg Rugby promote the BEST 7’s tournament on the East Coast!

To download, print, and distribute promotional fliers for the 29th Annual Harrisburg 7’s Rugby Tournament, please click on one of the links below:
2015 7s Tournament – Men’s/Old Boy’s Flier
2015 7s Tournament – Women’s Flier


WANTED: 29th Annual Harrisburg 7’s Rugby Tournament Sponsors!!!

The Harrisburg 7’s Rugby Tournament is HRFC’s BIGGEST fundraiser of the year. Amongst rugby enthusiasts, it is widely considered to be one of the best – if not THE BEST – 7’s rugby tournament on the East Coast. Our club cannot pull off this amazing feat year after year without the help of generous sponsorships, advertisements, and donations. That is where we need YOUR help.

If you are interested in sponsoring the 29th Annual Harrisburg 7’s Rugby Tournament or would like to purchase advertisement in the tournament program, please DOWNLOAD a copy of the 2015 HRFC 7s Sponsor Form and return by Tuesday, June 9, 2015.

On behalf of the 29th Annual Harrisburg 7’s Rugby Tournament planning committee and our entire rugby club, we thank you for your generosity in helping to make this year’s tournament such a huge success!


MANDATORY RELEASE / ROSTER FORMS

• Must be filled out in advance of first game, PRIOR TO PLAYING FIRST MATCH OF THEY DAY – NO EXCEPTIONS!
• Please use the roster which may be downloaded from HERE. One for each team entered. Roster limit twelve (12) per side entered. Under tournament rules players must stay with team they are rostered on throughout competition unless captain of opposing side consents in advance to roster amendment.
• TEAM SCORE SHEETS can be downloaded HERE. These are great for keeping track of match scoring.


Questions or Concerns?

Please contact Scott Strelec, Harrisburg Sevens Tournament Committee Chairman, via e-mail at sevens@harrisburgrugby.com for more information.