Lonsome Dove RFC

The Lonsome Dove RFC (Rugby Fans’ Club), is the non-playing annex of the Texas XXXs.  From time-to-time, a group of guys get together to go off for a weekend just to sit back and enjoy some top-flight rugby by supporting the Eagles.  The typical outing will consist of Friday golf or other leisure interests (some have been known to frequent a casino), with Saturday being given over to the pre-event tailgate ritual, an international Eagles match, and the post-match festivities.  Sunday, we somehow manage to find our way home.

Because the trips are very rugby-intensive, we travel solo, stag, sans our wonderful companions from the distaff side (trust us, we are doing them a favor).  Hence, one of the reasons for the name “Lonsome.”  The other reason is obviously to pay homage to the Texas depicted in the novel by Larry McMurtry.

Our inaugural trip was in January, 1996 to witness the Test Match between USA and Ireland.  Man, what a cold, miserable, wet, (did we say cold?) day it was … and boy, did we have a ball.  The Eagles fought gamely in the frozen muck, but Ireland prevailed 25-18. You need to join one of our tours learn of Brian T. Hanlon's classic remark during one evening of bar hopping.

Other trips have included the USA-Spain test in Fort Lauderdale in 2003, as well as excursions to the IRB 7s tournament in Los Angeles in 2004 and 2005.  We also enjoyed a “home” fixture for USA vs South Africa in 2001 in Houston.

Of course, when we travel, there is no mistaking the fact we are from Texas.  We dress the part, talk the part, and walk the talk.  We even adopt tour names taken from the novel.  We also “borrow” liberally from the book for our motto, “uva uvam vivendo varia fit,” which, near as we can figure out, alludes to us all hanging out and ripening together like a bunch of grapes.  Although at our age, we are more apt to resemble raisins.  (We'll probably get a bunch of email on that one!)

Lonsome Dove tour shirts feature the two images depicted on this page; the logo on the left breast and the pig on the sleeve.

At most of the matches, we have enjoyed interacting somewhat with the players.  This has come from either crashing team functions, or, more appropriately, by the awarding of our coveted Lonsome Dove “Man of the Match” medals.  Winners of past medals include Luke Gross, who made his USA debut in Atlanta and now claims more caps than any other Eagle; Dave Hodges, who captained the courageous effort in Houston against South Africa; and Dan Lyle for the game against Spain which pretty much clinched, for the USA, a spot in that year’s Rugby World Cup.  Winners from the various games at the 7s tournament include David Fee, Kevin Whitcher, Mose Timoteo, and Tyson Meek in 2004.  Todd Clever claimed the only medal awarded in 2005.

The goal of the Dove is to not only continue to be a social club with the highest standards of membership (NOT!), but to serve as something of a booster organization in support of our national team.  But as we continue suitable (read: fun, exotic, open bar) venues in the future, other tours to take in high level club/collegiate matches or national championships, are a possibility.

Currently, the Dove is considering a trip to Santa Clara for the Saturday, June 3, 2006 match between USA and Ireland “A” as part of the Churchill Cup Competition. 

If you have any interest in this trip, or other Dove events, contact us at: LonsomeDove@TexasXsRugby.com