With its founding in 1970, the University of Tennessee Men’s Rugby Team has a rich tradition spanning over 50 years. Throughout the years, UT Rugby has enjoyed great success both on and off the field. Competitively, the team has won numerous conference and union championships; with the highlight of the team’s success culminating with the 2021 Division 1 Club Rugby National Championship.  The team has gained tremendous respect on campus, earning multiple “Club of the Year” honors, and maintaining strong relationships with Academics, RecSports, Admissions, Advancement, and Development.  Rugby remains a club sport at Tennessee so most of the financial support comes from the team members, alumni, community donors, and fundraising. As the club looks to build on the past success and move forward into a new era, financial support is paramount.

Goals of the Volunteer Rugby Foundation:

• To provide guidance and assistance in coordinating an organized program of support for the rugby team at the University of Tennessee
• To use gift support from alumni, friends, faculty, corporations, business establishments and other organizations for the advancement of student athletes who play rugby at UT.
• To encourage, recognize, and reward outstanding academic and athletic achievements to the students of The University of Tennessee.
• To support in the recruitment of student athletes to the University of Tennessee
• To aid in the organization of programs aimed at benefiting youth in the community by aiding youth teams, leagues, and related community service projects.
• To aid in the maintenance and upgrades of the facilities used by the Tennessee Rugby and its supported programming.

Funding Support for Men’s Rugby

Team Support
The Volunteer Rugby Foundation provides support directly to the team through the funding of travel and equipment.  The foundation supports the team during conference and national playoffs with financial support to assist with the cost of travel.  Additionally, financial support is provided for the purchase of team jerseys and field equipment. 

Recruiting
In today’s rugby world, recruiting is essential to the success of rugby at the University of Tennessee.  Financial support for recruiting enables the coaches and team to host prospective students and creates the opportunity to participate in signing ceremonies each spring.

Events
Each year the foundation assists with planning the annual Gala and UT Old Boys Weekend.

The VRF Gala and Awards Banquet is held each year at the end of the spring semester and is an opportunity for players, family, alumni, and supporters to gather to celebrate another year of Tennessee Rugby.  Team Awards, Scholarships, and Alumni recognitions are all featured during a festive evening at the Knoxville Convention Center. 

Held each fall, the UT Old Boys Weekend is an opportunity for alumni and teammates to return to Knoxville for a weekend of friendship, fellowship, and brotherhood – and a bit of storytelling….

Coaching and Administration Support

The Volunteer Rugby Foundation and the Robertson Endowment provide leadership and financial resources for skilled and dedicated coaching and administrative support for the organization. Named after Butch Robertson, the Robertson Endowment funds stipends for coaching and administrative positions and is designed to anchor the future of rugby at Tennessee for the next generation of student athletes.

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY – This volunteer position is responsible for the management of the rugby program and administration of the Volunteer Rugby Foundation.  Expenses related to this position are funded through the foundation.

HEAD COACH – Funded through a partnership with university development through the Robertson Endowment, the head coach is under an annual contract with a stipend funded through donations to the university.  The Robertson Endowment is the primary vehicle for funding the stipend and VRF provides for expenses related to the duties of the coach. This position reports to the Director of Rugby.

PROGRAM MANAGER – Funded through the foundation, the program manager handles the administrative and operational duties of the rugby program. This position reports to the Director of Rugby.

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR – Funded through a partnership with the university, this position is a paid internship that coordinates media and communications of the team. This position reports to the Director of Rugby.