On a hot and rainy Sunday evening in August 1969, rugby arrived in Tennessee. Dr. Geoffrey Berry and two other met in Centennial Park as the result of an advertisement in the local newspaper, which would prove to be the first meeting of the Nashville Rugby Football Club. Unfortunately, these three men were the only ones present.

Gradually, over the next few weeks, twenty bodies assembled as the Nashville Assassins. This group played its first match against Hunstville in October of 1969. Twelve matches were played during the first season and they proudly won two trophies. In May of 1970, the club took advantage of its Large membership of university students and reorganized into the Vanderbilt Rugby Football Club.

The team has been coached by founding members and former players such as Joe Franklin, Jerry McLemore, Steve Williams, Jerry Conlin, Steve McClamroch and Mark Williams. Continuing this tradition, The club is currently coached by Marc Sullivan, who has been with the club since 1990.

Significant Accomplishments
2004 Div II National Finalist, South Union Champions
2003 South Union 7s Runner-Up, Ranked 11th at USA Nationals
2003 Div II Elite 8 National Finalist, South Union Champions
2002 South Union 7s Champions, Ranked 16th at USA Nationals
16 Time Mid-South Union Champions
5 Time Mid-West Territorial Champions
1996 & 1997 Div II Sweet 16 National Finalist (Mid-West #2)
1992 &1993 Div II National Finalist
1997 Heart of America Open Div Champions
'91, '94 & '97 International Touring Side
1999 World Cup Tour

Player Availability

Dues Demo

Results Physiotherapy

Nashville Loses Rugby Legend Joe Franklin