The Elgin “River Rats” Rugby Football Club formed in 1979 in Elgin, Illinois.
Mr. Chuck Riley formed the club in the belief that the growing sport of Rugby Football should be available to as many amateur athletes as possible. The Elgin club joined the Chicago Area Rugby Football Union (CARFU) and competed against well established Men’s Clubs.
The first season was rocky with the “River Rats” struggling to field two full 15-Man sides despite only have 20 – 25 members. However, the young team would not be stopped. The skills, fitness and camaraderie formed by a year of being the “underdog” forged a strong, skillful side that quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the Chicago Area.
The Elgin Club eventually outgrew the available facilities in Elgin. The practice pitch was moved to Keller Jr. High School, near the intersection of Bode Road and Salem Drive in Schaumburg, IL. Home matches were later moved to Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Schaumburg, IL (Golf Rd Entrance, just east of 53) and the team adopted Durty Nellies Pub in downtown Palatine for hosting opponents after matches.
In 1997, the club changed its name to the Northwest Woodsmen RFC to reflect their growing presence beyond Elgin throughout the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.
While supporting their younger mates, the hundreds of past players who fondly recall their days as “River Rats” could not bear to let go of their original club. The Elgin RFC lives on today as the Elgin Old Boys RFC – a Master’s side (meaning our players are at least 35 years old).
Elgin Old Boys remain active in the sport as club administrators, referees and players. Some few have moved out of the area and still play on their Local Men’s Clubs. Most simply play with the Elgin Old Boys RFC once or twice each season against other Master’s sides.
The Palatine Pioneers Middle School Club gratefully thanks the Elgin Old Boys RFC for their financial, coaching and administrative assistance.
Please contact Mr. Richard Murphy at to schedule a Master’s Match with the Elgin Old Boys RFC.