Wilmington Rugby Team Misses Postseason After Tight Reading Loss, Finishes Strong

WILMINGTON, Del. — Wilmington Rugby Football Union (WRFU) closed its fall campaign with mixed emotions, missing the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union playoffs after a narrow loss to Reading but finishing on a high note with a home win over Harrisburg last week at Alapocas Run State Park.

WRFU’s postseason hopes ended in a one-try defeat to the Reading Rugby Club, a result that left Wilmington just outside the qualifying line. “That Reading match is going to sit with us for a while,” head coach Ethan Owens said. “We were right there. One more finish at the goal line, and we’re getting ready for the playoffs instead of talking about next year. The effort was there — we just came up one score short.”

The club answered in its finale, defeating Harrisburg in Wilmington to close the schedule with a win.  Behind midway through the second half, the team rallied to win by the trys. Winger Jack Rotsch broke free and sprinted across the goal for the decisive try late in the second half to seal the result.

“That last match mattered,” Owens said. “The guys could’ve packed it in after Reading. Instead, they showed up at home, they played for each other, and they finished the season the right way. Jack’s try in the second half was pure will. That’s the kind of rugby we want to build on.”

Wilmington’s fall slate featured matchups against Lehigh Valley, Jersey Shore, Blackthorn, the Montco Bucks, Reading, and Harrisburg. That schedule kept Wilmington in the Division III playoff conversation inside the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union (EPRU) until the final weeks.

Owens said the group’s identity this season was toughness and buy-in. “We’ve got guys in their early 20s playing next to guys in their 30s and 40s who’ve been in this club forever as well as students and professionals,” he said. “The team includes a teacher, guys from the National Guard, lawyers, bankers, marketing te take real pride in wearing Wilmington across their chest. That’s not something you can coach — that’s culture.  Rugby brings all kinds of people together.  You feel like you belong to something as a member of the team.”

Founded in 1974, Wilmington Rugby Football Union is one of the longest-running club rugby programs in the region and competes at the Division III level under USA Rugby and the EPRU. The club plays home matches at Alapocas Run State Park (4351 Weldin Road, Wilmington, Del.) and has a long tradition of recruiting players locally as well as drawing former high school and college players from around Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Owens said the offseason starts now.   “We’re not going to make excuses about missing playoffs,” he said. “We were close, but close isn’t good enough. The goal is to come back fitter, sharper, and deeper. We want to be a playoff team, period.”

Owens says that the team is helping people interested in playing rugby to join the team on Sunday morning at 11:00 at the Siegel JCC on 101 Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington.  The team will teach the fundamentals, ball skills, and the rules.  And play a friendly scrimmage before the Eagles game kickoff at 1:00 on most Sundays.

Owens reported that the WRFU is actively looking for new players ahead of the spring and next fall. The club welcomes athletes with all levels of experience, including men who have never played rugby before but have a background in sports such as football, wrestling, soccer or lacrosse.  We have big plans for the Spring season, which include Rugby Sevens, which is played with seven rather than 15 players on the field.  The team will also travel to play other communities and compete in several tournaments.

“If you’re curious about rugby, this is the time to reach out,” Owens said. “You don’t have to show up knowing the game. We’ll coach you, we’ll get you game-ready, and you’ll be part of a tight squad. We’re building something here, and we want you in it.”

The Wilmington Rugby Club has an active youth program with 22 players from local schools that are learning the game from Coaches who have played for many of the local colleges. ‘Our program teaches the fundamentals and safety.  It also stresses teamwork, sportsmanship, and more,” says Owens, who is the leader of the youth program as well.

Players interested in learning about rugby and training with Wilmington Rugby or trying out for next season can contact the team through Wilmington Rugby Football Union’s website and social media channels for practice times and registration details.

Editor’s Noteswe: How to get involved with Wilmington Rugby

• New players welcome: Contact Wilmington Rugby Football Union (WRFU) through the club’s website “Join” or “Contact” page for next practice details.

• Where they play: Home pitch is Alapocas Run State Park, 4351 Weldin Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803.  Off Season practice is at the Siegal JCC.

• Stay updated: Follow @wilmingtonrugby on Facebook for practice times, match days, and announcements. or Viisit  www.wilmingtonRugby.com

• What to bring: Cleats, mouthguard, water, athletic gear; beginners are coached from day one.

• Youth option: Non-contact Rookie Rugby (ages 7–14) is available; inquire via the club’s youth page.

Staff Writer

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