About Us

Our Story

The Danbury Rugby Football Club was founded in 1979 by local players Colin Kiley, Kevin Burke and Wes Brown. In 1979, with the addition of Malcolm Davidson and Ken Chase, the Danbury Mad Hatters became an independent rugby club in the Metropolitan New York Rugby Union and started play in the second division. The following year, with the recruitment of former Danbury High School football players Ned and Walter Belardinelli, Kurt Rachias score keeper and Martin Melody acting as club president, Danbury R.F.C. was established as a respected club. Led by Coach Jan Brody, Danbury went on to win two division championships and three Connecticut cups.

In the mid 1980’s, the club leadership was taken over by Tom Butterworth, Travis Haase and Rob Spaulding. A few years later, the Rowen’s (Mike and Tony) and the Hales (Burt and Mike)took over management of the team. They kept the club going through some less successful times. In the mid 1990’s, Wes Brown led the Danbury R.F.C. to national prominence and Danbury was once again on its way to success. In 1997, under the leadership of veteran Hooker, Burt Hale, Danbury dominated Division II Rugby with an 8-0 league record and Danbury was on its way to national play. With National 7’s player Matt Gugliemo captaining Danbury during the season, Danbury went into the Nationals looking and playing better than ever. Danbury ended up losing to eventual Division II Champion, Wisconsin RFC, ending the season ranked 9th in the nation in Division II Rugby.

Following Danbury’s dominance in the mid and late 90’s came the departure of several of the key players who were able to help sustain this success and Danbury began rebuilding as a club. In 1998, Mike Damici took over as President and Captain of the club. Though difficult at times and while club membership was down, Danbury played some very spirited and competitive rugby and managed some very impressive wins over nationally ranked opponents. In 2001, the reins of the club were taken over by two former Danbury High School wrestlers, Club President Keith Prazeres and team Captain and club veteran Cleveland Wilson. Both were excellent wrestlers for Danbury High School and have proved to be more than equal rugby players for the "Mad Hatters".

The year 2003 brought enthusiasm to Danbury Rugby. Danbury had an influx of young players and the club captainship was taken over by Keith Ambrose. Keith led the team until 2007 and during this time, Danbury made the playoffs on two occasions and played very competitive rugby and had great success. In 2007, the current Club captain and stand out Western Connecticut State University player Chris Smith took over as captain of  the club and is currently a recognizable talent in the North East. His tenacity on the field led Danbury back to the national playoffs. The 2008 season was a huge success for Danbury with a combined regular and playoff season record of 11-0. Danbury totaled a record of 538 points scored while only allowing opponents 40 points. During the playoffs, Danbury won the METNY championship and the Northeast Championship. In May 2009, Danbury brought their high level of play to the Division III National Tournament in South Carolina and proceeded to the National Division III Championship.

In 2011, with the support of the already established Men's club, the Danbury Women's Rugby Football Team was born. Often referred to has the Lady Hatters, the Women's team has competed competitively along side the Men in the Empire Geographical Union (EGU) since inception.

The 2014-2015 season ranks as one of the most successful to date with another trip to the Division III National Tournament in South Carolina and an overall ranking of 5th in the Nation. The 2015-2016 season saw the team primed for another National Title run as they were a top seed leading into the playoffs.

In 2019, the next evolution came with the founding of Danbury Youth Rugby in collaboration with Danbury High School and other local programs.

Every season looks promising for the Mad Hatters as recruitment and sponsorship continue to grow. Danbury has had a very active present and past membership, continues to have a strong administrative core and equally strong local sponsorships. Danbury is poised every year to make another run for a championship (at local and national levels) and will continue the tradition of success on and off the pitch in the Danbury community.