Bates Men’s Rugby was founded in 1977 by a group of disenfranchised varsity athletes who discovered the sport of rugby while studying abroad. They founded the club on their return stateside, and the rest is history. Since then, Bates has been one of the most successful clubs in New England. In 1998, the club placed second in the nation.

The Bates Men’s Rugby Football Club’s motivation and essence is captured by the motto written by our mythic founder, but popularized by David Miller, captain of the Bates squad in 1998. “Follow your Heart! For it is your Heart that holds your passion, and it is your passion that drives you to play Rugby!”

David tragically lost his life soon after his graduation, and a memorial plaque rests on our practice field in his remembrance.