Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club Secures Third Consecutive Florida Rugby Union D3 Title

The Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club has cemented its dominance in the region, capturing its third straight Florida Rugby Union (FRU) D3 Championship. In a decisive performance on Saturday, April 11, the “Red Eyes” delivered a commanding 52-24 victory over the previously undefeated Palm Beach Panthers at Turner Park in Sarasota.

A Vindicated Victory: Overcoming the Palm Beach Rivalry

This championship win was more than just another trophy. it was a moment of redemption for the club. The Red Eyes have a storied and challenging history with the Palm Beach Panthers. Six years ago, the Red Eyes suffered a heartbreaking loss to Palm Beach in the state final on a penalty-extended play, a defeat that preceded Palm Beach winning the national title.

The struggle continued as Brevard lost to the Panthers in the championship for the following two years. Yet, the tide turned as the Red Eyes secured their first back-to-back state championships by defeating St. Pete D3 and Jacksonville D3. Despite these wins, critics suggested the victories only happened because Palm Beach had moved up to D2. By totally dominating the Panthers 52-24 this weekend, the Red Eyes have silenced those doubts and completed a definitive “3-peat.”

Key Game Details

• Final Score: Brevard Old Red Eye 52, Palm Beach Panthers 24
• Date: April 11, 2026
• Location: Turner Park, Sarasota, FL
• Significance: Third consecutive FRU D3 Championship

Fifty Years of Grit and Tradition

Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Football Club is based out of Cocoa, Florida. The club was founded around 1975 by Leon Ross and a group of players who wanted to avoid the long commutes to Orlando for practice and matches. According to club legend, the “Old Red Eyes” name was coined during a tournament Sunday morning following a night of “reckless abandon.”

The club’s history is marked by a blend of hard-hitting play and a legendary social culture. Notable milestones in the club’s history include:

• 1979: Completed an undefeated season.
• 1987: Won the FRU Division III Championships.
• 2003: Finished the season undefeated and captured the FRU Division III Championship.

Club Structure and Community Impact

The Red Eyes operate as a DIII Florida Rugby Union Club, serving a wide geographic area including Cocoa, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Vierra, Palm Shores, and Rockledge. The club maintains an active roster of approximately 40 players, with ages ranging from 16 to 45.

Season and Competition Format

The club follows a rigorous annual schedule to maintain its competitive edge:

• 15-a-side Seasons: Typically run from mid-January through April and from September through early December.
• Summer Season: Participation in 7-a-side tournaments across the state.
• International Play: The club frequently hosts touring sides from the Caribbean, South America, and Europe, as well as crews from British submarines and ships docked at Port Canaveral.

Beyond the pitch, the club is deeply integrated into the community. They host two annual golf tournaments to raise funds for local and national charities and have a history of hosting major events, including the USARS Div II/Div III Men’s Championships and the FRU Cup. In February 2003, they served as local hosts for the inaugural NAWIRA Youth Rugby Festival, which brought together over 1,000 youth players from Europe, the West Indies, and North America.

Key Takeaways

• Dominant Run: Brevard Old Red Eye has won three consecutive FRU D3 titles.
• Rivalry Settled: The 52-24 win over the Palm Beach Panthers ends a cycle of championship losses to their rivals.
• Deep Roots: Founded around 1975, the club is celebrating 50 years of rugby in East Florida.
• Inclusive Growth: The club welcomes both experienced players and social members to its 40-person roster.

With a healthy roster and a third straight title in hand, the Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club enters its next season as the undisputed powerhouse of Florida’s D3 rugby circuit.