Rugby News

Union County Rugby Football Club officially has our first Eagle. On Saturday September 11, 2021 Michael “Chicken” Dabulas was on the roster for the USA versus Canada match in Glendale Colorado. Earning his cap by entering the field later in the second half, making multiple tackles in a goal line stand to be Eagle number 544.  

His rugby resume is as follows:

Flag 2002-2009

Chicken started his career early on at 6 playing around the start of the Union County flag program. His first year the program was one Union county team, because of its success and growing numbers the program broke up into towns and Chicken was a fixture in the Westfield program for the next 8 years. 

U14-U18 Youth Tackle 2009-20015

Michael played his way through the U14, U16, and U18 teams for the Union County Mudturtles at flyhalf. Teams that won the NJ championship in 20013, 2014, and 2015. Also in 2015 he led the team to the Rugby National Championship, Tier 2 in Charlotte North Carolina. 

Sevens 2013-2015

Chicken was named to the prestigious Atlantis Sevens U19 side. During that time, 2015, Atlantis won the U-19 division in the Las Vegas and NY Sevens Tournaments. 

Penn State 2015-2019

A 4-year starter at Flyhalf for the Nittany Lions, reaching the national playoffs and finishing in the top 10 of college rugby each year. 2018 and 2019 was named to the USA Collegiate All American camp. In August of 2019 played for the collegiate All-American against Canada. 

Old Glory 2020-2021

Recruited in July of 2019 and signed one-year contract for 2020.  The 2020 season was cut short.  Signed a two-year contract in 2020. Started in majority of games in 2021 season as either flyhalf, fullback or wing. Named fan favorite player of the year 2021. 

Rugby lineage: Sired by Mudturtle Hall of Fame member Joseph “Strawhead” Dabulas, son to rugby super mom Diane Dabulas.