Original founding members of the club included Frank Hauff, Gene Gladstone, Tom Jones, Cliff Schlereth, Bob Meyer, and John Himmelman, who the Black side MVP award is named after. The Bombers were a result of a merger between “The Old Blacks” and the “Sisler-Hummel” rugby clubs, two of the most powerful and successful clubs in St. Louis during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Coached and captained by Frank
Hauff from 1962-1965, the Bombers immediately took control of St. Louis rugby, winning the Missouri Rugby Union Championship in their first two years and five out of their first six. From 1964 to 1965 the Bombers were undefeated and shut out all league opponents. The Bombers are consistently represented on the USA Rugby Western Select Territorial Team and always have players competing for coveted spots on the USA Eagles National Team. Past Eagles include Jim Dierker, Ron Laszewski, John McBride, Chris Schlereth, Danny Fernandez and John Tarpoff. The Bombers have a strong network of alumni in St. Louis and across the country that continue to support and follow the club’s activities and successes. Successful on and off the field, the St. Louis Bombers Rugby Football Club continues to grow and improve since its inception in 1962. With dedication and hard work the Bombers strive to compete at the highest levels in American rugby and maintain a fun and exciting social atmosphere.
