The Philadelphia RFC was formed in 1961 by former Villanova rugby players who wished to continue playing rugby after they graduated. Once established it became a major contributor to helping other clubs get started in the area including St. Joseph's, First City Troop, Jefferson Medical and others. By 1965 a second XV was playing regularly and in 1966 the Club took the first of its many successful overseas tours. Winning seasons became a regular feature in 1967 and continued unabated for the next ten years with EPRU Championships in '71, '72, '73, '74, '75 and '77. The Club won ERU Championships in '73, '74 and '75.