The Early Years

The Mystic River Rugby Club was founded in 1974 by 32 members of the Boston Rugby Club, who in true revolutionary spirit, took a great step forward in exercising their independence. These men had long since functioned as a 'club within a club' and had developed a distinct style of play both on and off the field. These members were experienced rugby players and immediately the Mystics established a schedule within the first division of New England. They soon became a sought after fixture by teams from all over based on a reputation for hard, fast rugby and an aggressive 'joie de vie'. In those days the social aspects of rugby were of almost equal importance to competition!

The club evolved throughout the 70's with the influx of younger players and new personalities. Tours to Wales and the former Soviet Union (the Mystics were the first US team to play rugby in the USSR) highlighted these years. In the early 80's the club saw a major turnover, a somewhat generational change, when several new players were attracted from local colleges. As rugby matured in New England so did the savvy of the younger players who had been exposed to organized coaching. Old Boys rugby began to take shape and several of the original Mystics now began playing a schedule of 'over 30's ' rugby. In 1986 the Mystics returned to Malden where they were originally Incorporated in 1976.

The 1990's: The Birth of a Dynasty

Coaches from overseas were now recruited. With several of the clubs players regularly representing New England and the East Coast in representative side play, the Mystics were committed to championship level rugby. Foreign touring sides from England, Ireland, Wales and other countries also helped "educate" the boys.

After tours of their own to France, Argentina and Australia the club won in 1989 the first of seven straight New England championships and in the process removed the original parent club, Boston, from its perch atop New England rugby. The Mystics were now a force within the national rugby community. In 1992 the Mystic finished second in the US, losing to the Old Blues from California in the National Club Finals.

The Mystics Today

Over the years, the club has not lost its original style and flare, and now the Mystics enjoy a distinct reputation at the highest level of competitive rugby in the United States.  The 2007 season saw the Mystics win their first New England title after twelve years, moving on to take the Northeast Championship in 2008 and a spot in the National Division 1 Sweet 16.  In their 2009-2010 season, Mystic River again took both the New England and Northeast Championships, making it through to the quarter-final round of the USA Rugby DI National Championship Series.  2010 also marked the expansion of the Mystic River Youth Rugby Program and the addition of the U-19 Mystic Eagles, who saw success in both 15s and 7s tournaments in their inaugural season.

The Mystics hope to continue their winning ways in the upcoming season and go even further in USA D1 Rugby.  With a strong contingent of veterans, an avid support group and new breed of future Mystic stars in a successful youth program, they are taking steps to achieve that goal. 

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Club Championships

• New England Champions (1989 - 1995, 2007, 2009)

• Northeast Champions (1989, 1991, 2008, 2009)

• Eastern Champions (1991)

• National Finalist (1992)

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Alex Brussard: (Hooker)

Alex captained the USA Eagles U17 squad in 2008 and later played with the U18 team.  After graduating from BC High, the Melrose, MA native went on to play rugby at St. Bonaventure University ('13).

Alec Montgomery: (Fullback, 6 Caps)

A former Harvard University rugger, Montgomery represented the United States six times between 1986 and 1989 as a fullback, making his Eagle debut against Canada.

Anthony "Billy" Purpura: (Prop)

A former Collegiate All-Star, Tony made his Eagle debut off the bench against Russia in the 2010 Churchill Cup which earned him a spot on the starting XV roster against the England Saxons.

Jacob Sprague: (Prop)

A Babson College graduate and National All-Star, Jake made his debut with the USA Eagles in November 2009 in a RWC qualifier double header against Uruguay.

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Derrick Roma: (Center)

When not playing for the Mystics, Derrick played Rugby League for the New Haven Warriors.  He made his debut on the International circuit against Jamaica in the 2009 Rugby League Atlantic Cup.

Lance Gaines: (Wing)

Though scratched at the last minute from the travel roster, Lance was named to the Tomahawks panel for their Atlantic Cup match against Jamaica.  Lance played with the upstart Boston 13s RLFC.

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Other International Notables (Mystics Capped Abroad)

Declan Brady: (Ireland - Rugby League)

A former Mystic, Declan made an impression while playing for Waterpark RFC (Ireland) and was selected to represent Ireland in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

Steve Brain: (England - 13 Caps)

Played hooker for Coventry RFC and represented England in over a dozen international matches, including three Five Nations (now the Six Nations Championship) between 1984 and 1986.

Herman Mostert: (South Africa)

Mostert represented South Africa in sevens, including appearances in the World Cup Sevens in Argentina, Hong Kong and Tokyo.  He is also a former member of the Western Province Rugby Club.

Molibi Maphanyane: (Botswana)

An Amherst College graduate, Molibi has represented his native Botswana in both sevens and fifteens.

Edwin Shimenga: (Kenya)

Eddie has represented Kenya in sevens and fifteens.  His list of national appearances include the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong.

Alfred Uluinayau: (Fiji - 35 Caps)

"Alfie" has represented his home nation of Fiji as a fullback, making his debut against the Springboks in 1996.  He is also a former Auckland player and All Black trialist.

Kyle Winter: (Indonesia - 2 Caps)

A long time Mystic veteran, Kyle made his international debut as the starting loose head prop with the Indonesian Rhinos against Guam in the 2009 Asian 5 Nations Series.

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Tournament Championships

• New England 10's (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010)

• Seacoast 7's (U-19 Div) (2010)

• MYRO (U-19) State Tournament (2010)

• Saranac Lake Can-Am (2009)

• Middlesex 7's (2009)

• Middlesex 10's (2009)

• Worcester 7's (2009)

• Bull Moose Champs (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009)

• Jersey Shore 15's (2007)

• Springfield 7's (1999, 2006)

• Austin Tourney Runner-Ups (2002, 2006)

• Montreal Irish Tournament Champs (1999, 2000, 2003)

• New England Club Champions (1995, 1999)

• Portland 7's (1999)

• Harvard Business School 7's (1980, 1992, 1996)

• Portland Tourney/Maine Invitational (1981, '87, '89, '91-'93, 1995)

• Beacon Hill 7's (1992)

• Saranac Lake Can-Am - Over 35's Champs (1989) 

• Milwaukee Labor Day Tournament (1987)

• Savannah St. Patrick's Day (1983)

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Tours

Countries Hosted

• Wales - 1976

• Soviet Union - 1978

• France - 1983

• Grand Cayman - 1985

• Argentina/Brazil - 1987

• Australia - 1989

• Bahamas - 1993

• Spain/Portugal - 1999

• Canada

• England

• France

• Ireland

• New Zealand

• Scotland

• Spain

• Wales

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