Field Locations
Home Matches
Fallen Brothers' Rugby Field: adjacent to the New River at the Donald N. Dedmon Center:
Lot Z, 101 University Drive, Radford, VA 24141
Turf Field
RU Student Outdoor Rec Complex:
309 E Main St, Radford, VA 24141
Practices Fields:
Sports Club fields are behind the baseball stadium and tennis courts at the Dedmon Center, 101 University Dr.
Practice locations may change, so please email Coach Chris at CoachPlaster@outlook.com with questions
Club History
In 1988, Virginia's New River Valley assembled a men’s club rugby team. The team was predominantly college students at Radford University, as well as City of Radford residents. This team later became the Rugby Club at Radford University. Since 1988, rugby has been an integral part to the university's sports programs, and In 1993 the 1st annual Kevin Coffee Tournament was created for a fallen teammate. The development of this tournament led to Radford’s first tournament win in 1998. This tournament win set the foundation for a winning rugby program. Success continued for the university and its rugby program with Mid Atlantic Championships in 2000, 2003, 2008, along with DII VA state championships in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2011 and 2012. During these years the rugby program put together teams that went on to win two DII National Titles in 2003 and 2008. In 2016 The Men’s Rugby Alumni Association at Radford University was formed (MRAARU). This association, in conjunction with past, present, and future rugby players and alumni will help develop the ability to compete nationally, develop student leaders, achieve academic success, provide network opportunities for students, and proudly represent Radford University in a positive sportsmanlike image.
Playing Rugby at Radford University
Perhaps you have already been accepted into Radford University and are looking to join a solid organization with a strong reputation for success. We are strong, we are dedicated, and we work together to overcome all obstacles on the field and in the classroom. No prior experience is necessary and, in fact, many of our players have never played the game before arriving at Radford University. As a part of the team, you will feel the unequivocal pride of representing Radford University. You will make life-long bonds with teammates, coaches, faculty, and alumni that will mean far more to you than simple friendship. You will get to participate in a functional environment that operates where player safety, student success, and lifelong friendships are paramount. To inquire about joining the team, please email RadfordRugbyAlumni@corefoundation.org or any of the contacts below or for more information about the Rugby Alumni Scholarship and Resources at RU click here.
Club Officers
Club President: Nate Windsor
Vice President: Andrew Potter
Treasurer: Griffin Marsans
Secretary: Bill
Faculty Sponsor: Jeanne Mekolichick, Ph.D.
Jeanne has been the Men's Rugby Club sponsor since 2017 and has been
invaluable facilitating administrative support, and she understands the value
of the team experience, having played D1 field hockey herself. Her passion
for Radford Rugby and pride in the Alumni Association grows every year.
Whitt Hall, Room 119
Associate Provost for Research, Faculty Success, Strategic Initiatives
Professor of Sociology at Radford University
Head Coach: Chris Plaster
I believe success in rugby comes from a focus on fundamentals like dominating set-pieces and conditioning, by learning to do the small things the right way and not allowing bad habits to creep in. More than that, practices focus on building rugby intelligence through:
1) Recognition: understanding the situation and what options are available
2) Communication: ensuring you and your teammates are on the same page
3) Execution: using the skills you have developed to see the plan through
Recognition, communication, execution is a theme I repeat a lot. I am originally from Richlands in far southwestern Virginia and, after high school, I first attended Southwest Virginia Community College where I was one of the co-founders of the rugby club there. I then attended Radford University from 1993-1996, receiving a bachelor's degree in Political Science. After graduating from Radford, I attended Southern Illinois University and studied in the Political Science department seeking a Master's degree. While at SIU, I married my high school sweetheart. (Surprisingly to many, we are still married nearly 25 years later) After SIU, I attended law school at the University of Alabama. After law school, I returned home to Richlands to begin my practice. At that time, I founded the a men's rugby club, The Southwest Virgunia Rugby Football Club (the Crawdaddies). After SVRFC, I began making the drive to play for the Johnson City Rugby Football Club. I played with JC from 2005 through the 2010 season. I served as President and Captain for the majority of that time as well as coach for a few seasons. In 2010, JC won the Mid-South's D3 division, reaching USA Rugby South's semi-finals. I then left JC and founded the Clinch River Crusaders in the fall of 2010. I played for and coached the Crusaders through the 2015 season when we won The True South's D3 division and reaching USA Rugby South's semifinals. I retired from regular play after the 2015 season but served as an assistant coach for Emory & Henry rugby from 2017-2019. I have served as the Head Coach of Radford Rugby since 2021.
