Keith Branton and John Miles founded the Erie Rugby Football Club in 1973. After a few lean years, the club flourished in the mid 70's winning the IUP Tourney in 1976 & 1977 and culminating with the 1978 Penn State Phyrst Cup title, defeating four premier sides in the process-Cleveland Grays, Richmond(VA) RFC, Toronto Nomads, and South Jersey RFC in the finals. The Erie "A" side team finished with and impressive 11-3 record for the '78 season.

Following that season, Erie experienced a turn over of players and again went through several lean years until the mid 1980's. Erie continued to participate in tournaments and won several titles (West Virginian 7's, Blackhorse Ale Cup, 2nd Division in Atlanta with the Muskies).

The 1990's have seen a resurgence of players-both new and used. The team won the Allegheny Rugby League Division III titles in 1993, 1995, 1999, & 2000 and placed in the top 3 in other years. The last four years has seen Erie make the Division II "Sweet 16" each year culminating with Erie 's top 8 finish in Division III Midwest in 1998.

It is the commitment of the veteran and former members of the club that has brought Erie to this point and it is their hope that this tradition will live long into the future.