History
The Portland Rugby Football Club (PRFC) was established in 1961 and celebrates 50 years of existence in 2011. The PRFC is a non-profit organization and a member of USA Rugby that competes in the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union (PNRFU). The union is made up of men’s, women’s and collegiate clubs from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Pigs now have a Men’s Division II side, a Men’s Division III side, a Women’s Division II side, and an old boys side (the Old Boars) made up of players age 35 and older.
A photo album of the last five decades of Pigs rugby can now be found here.
Charity
In its 50years the PRFC has promoted the sport of rugby through competition as well as fundraising and charitable contributions. The club has supported organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul with their Adopt-A-Family Program, Portland’s wheelchair rugby club, and has given over $15,000 to New Avenues for Youth in support of homeless teens in the city. The club has recently partnered with SE Works, a fantastic local community-based workforce development organization that provides employment, training and supportive services.
Members
Members of the PRFC come from all walks of life. Every season the Pigs invite new players to participate in the club, regardless of experience level. Every member has equal opportunity to compete and is essential to the success of the club. The club also assists with accommodations and employment for international exchange players on occasion. After all, the brotherhood and sisterhood of rugby encompasses the globe and is home to the greatest camaraderie in organized sport today. The PRFC also has a strong old boy network in their Old Boars side and their support is also critical to the Pigs success.
Championships
Recent successes include:
- Pacific Northwest Division II Champions: 2009, 2011
- Pacific Northwest Division II Runner-up: 2008
- Pacific Coast Division II Runner-up: 2011
- National Sweet 16 Division II Qualifier: 2011
- 9th in USA, Men’s Division II 2011
