Our Community | Our Values | Our History
Our Community
Rugby is more than a game. It’s a community.
Adelaide University Rugby Union Football Club strives to ensure that every member of our rugby family feels valued and connected, creating a positive, safe and supportive atmosphere that extends beyond the rugby field.
Our Values
Adelaide University Rugby Union Football Club embodies the core values of World Rugby: integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.
At AURUFC these are more than words on a poster and you’ll see them exemplified on and off the field.
Core to our club’s culture is a belief that rugby is truly a game for everyone. We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where players of all backgrounds and skill levels can enjoy all that is good about rugby union.
Our History
South Australia’s Oldest Rugby Club
The Adelaide University Rugby Union Football Club (AURUFC) has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1932. The club is part of the Adelaide University Sports Association (now Adelaide University Sport and Fitness), which was established in 1896.
The club has always been known for its strong community spirit, bolstered by intervarsity trips and university competitions. Over the years, many players from AURUFC have been selected to represent South Australia in state teams.
In 1995 Adelaide University Rugby Union Football Club was one of the first two clubs in South Australia to add a women’s team. Initially, the team played infrequently while building player numbers. Over time, as more clubs in South Australia established women’s teams, a formal competition was created by 2013.
In 2013 Adelaide University Rugby Union Football Club expanded its rugby family with the introduction of a junior’s program. This initiative aimed to provide young players, from ages 5 to 17, with the opportunity to learn and play rugby. The juniors program has since become one of the successful rugby programs in South Australia, with many players and coaches being selected to represent the state.
In 2020 the Adelaide University Sharks, South Australia’s first gay and inclusive rugby team, became part of Adelaide University Rugby Union Football Club. The Sharks were established to provide a welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to participate in rugby union, promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport.
We heart Adelaide Uni Sport
Our home ground, Waite Oval, is part of the beautiful and historic University of Adelaide Waite Campusand AURUFC is proud to have been part of Adelaide Uni Sport and fitness (formerly Adelaide University Sports Association) for over 90 years.
Club members benefit from access to fantastic facilities at the University of Adelaide Fitness Hub and AUSF is a major supporter of Adelaide University Rugby Academy high-performance program.