1875 SOCIETY

1875 SOCIETY - WHAT IS IT?

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We recently shared with all DURFC alumni that we have formally set up the DURFC 1875 Society. The objective of the 1875 Society is (a) to help maintain and nurture the DURFC alumni community and (b) provide a vital stream of funding to support DURFC remaining amongst the elite rugby universities in the UK.

The 1875 Society will continue to promote events and activities for the alumni, which serve both purposes. 

HOW DOES THE 1875 SOCIETY SUPPORT DURFC?

Most of the main competitors to DURFC in the BUCS Premier League, such as Bath, Exeter, Hartpury and Loughborough have dedicated sports departments and degrees, which are well funded. Everyone who goes to Durham has to meet the University's high academic standards, regardless of sporting prowess. However, the financial demands of playing rugby at this level continue to grow, and university funding covers only a portion of our operations. The 1875 Society plays a critical role by supporting initiatives that fall outside the University’s remit, helping us remain competitive at the top of university rugby. Your support is more vital than ever. 

• Our aim is to push the Palatinates Saturday side up the leagues to better compete with the attraction of Exeter, Loughborough and Hartpury, who all play in the National Leagues. This also provides a plan B in the event that the BUCS Super Rugby direction changes and this impacts DURFC. There isn't separate funding for the Palatinates, the University only funds BUCS games. Travel costs for the Palatinates are covered by player subscriptions, sponsors and funds from the 1875 Society.  



• DURFC provides bursaries which cover hardship costs for current players and allows us to keep players for post grad courses and also to recruit post grads into Durham. As a result we have been able to keep 2 of last years team and we have also recruited 6 external postgrads who will be meaningful members of the 1s squad this season. Funds raised at events like the 150th and through 1875 membership contribute to these bursaries. 

• We have a very limited number of paid coaches, rely heavily on volunteers and have a lack of specialist coaches. This year we have been able to fund a coach who is leading attack, skills and video analysis. We have also been able to hire a speed coach and a bio-mechanist to work with the lads. These specialist coaches are needed to stay competitive with the other top sides and the 1875 Society contributes to the funding of these coaches.