DRUFC 1873-2023

Douglas Rugby Club celebrate a 150th year after their founding by Arthur William Moore in 1873.

As probably the longest established continuous sporting entity on the Isle of Man, generations since have established grounds, clubhouse and a world-wide membership of players and supporters. The Drinkwater family, Reg Chafer, Bill Pickering, the Reverend Fred Cubbon, Commander Brian Vaughan and George Fathers were amongst mainstays of the club through the decades, and Alf Penketh and Arthur Paul were Douglas players selected for the first British Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1888. Amongst the celebratory events is the black-tie dinner for 250 guests at Port-e-Chee in July, including thirty-two Douglas captains and auctioning of the last copy of DRUFC 1873-2023, a limitededition hardback history of the club.