The Celtics are made up of people from every walk of life — college students, business professionals, teachers, clergy, doctors, military veterans, factory workers, steel men, firefighters, and yes, even a few local miscreants. Our roster spans all ages, backgrounds, and levels of athletic experience, united by one thing: a love for rugby.
We’re always recruiting and welcome new players year-round. Whether you’re a battle-scarred veteran or a total newcomer who’s never picked up a ball, you’ll find a place here. Come out to practice, get a great workout, and experience the greatest team sport on the planet.
TOLEDO RUGBY
THE WORLDS GREATEST SPORT
AT YOUR DOORSTEP
Practice
Men's' Every Tue/Thu @ 5:30
Women's' Every Mon/Wed @ 5:30
Spring season starts in mid March thru May.
Fall season starts in August thru October
All are welcome, no experience necessary. Come out and give it a try.
Captain/Coach
Tyler Bender
Carol Kelly
Location
All Home Matches and Practices are held at
MEN'S Schedule Matches (Fall 2025)
8/23: @ Michiana 36-48 (L)
8/30: @ Kalamazoo 43-16 (W)
9/6: @ White River 41-35 (W)
9/13: Vs Fort Wayne 25-79 (W)
9/27: Vs Ypsilanti 0-28 (W; Forfeit)
10/11: Vs Indianapolis 22-55 (W)
10/18: Midwest Play In @ Tradesmen
10/25: Midwest Quarterfinals
WOMEN'S Schedule Matches (Fall 2025)
8/23: Vs Circle City
9/6: Vs Chicago Sirens
9/20: Vs Fort Wayne
10/4: @ County Will Morrigans
10/25: Midwest Quarterfinals
11/8: Midwest Semifinals
11/15: Midwest Finals
About Us
Founded in 1974, the Toledo Celtics RFC began as a collegiate men’s side at the University of Toledo. When players like Mike Fosnaugh, Bill Bingle, and a core group of ruffians aged out of eligibility, they transitioned the team into a men’s club, competing in the Midwest Rugby Union. Known for their blue-collared physicality, the Celtics battled through the 70s, 80s, and 90s with grit, pride, and plenty of success.
The turn of the century brought new faces but the same tough game plan, with traditions carried forward from the club’s founding. In recent years, the Celtics have continued to build, both on and off the pitch. The creation of the Toledo Celtics Rugby Club Inc. Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit, has allowed the team to expand its impact — sponsoring youth rugby clinics, hosting tournaments, and supporting the growth of rugby across Northwest Ohio.
On the field, the Celtics currently compete in the Midwest Union’s Division 3 Eastern Conference, with a decorated record that includes a Midwest Championship and National Semifinal appearance in 2006, a Midwest Championship appearance in 2017, and most recently, the title of Spring 2025 Michigan Cup Champions.
Today, the club draws players from across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan and maintains strong ties with local youth programs, including sponsored high school teams at Anthony Wayne (boys & girls), Perrysburg (boys & girls), and the City of Toledo Jr. Celtics. The legacy of talent development is strong — from alumni like Rich Schurfeld and Demecus Beach, who went on to represent the U.S. National Team, to players who have earned rugby scholarships at the collegiate level.
For more than 50 years, the Toledo Celtics RFC has been about more than rugby — it’s about hard work, community, and carrying the green into every new generation. 🍀
