El Paso Scorpions Rugby Club

Official page of the El Paso Scorpions RFC. Sponsors: 1st Degree Refrigeration, Phi-Tech LLC, Dr. C's Mobile Pet Vet The relationship with Ft.

Rugby was first introduced to El Paso by a British Army major at fort Bliss in 1972 but struggled to take hold.In1974 it was revived as a UTEP Club sport under the guidance of current Director of El Paso Area Rugby Union, Doug Park. UTEPs rugby success in the late 70's gained it national recognition after defeating several highly ranked teams. In 1978, the scorpions Club side was formed to accommo

date players from the community, military, and college coached by Doug Park. The club grew to 3 sides strong, dominating the Rio Grande Rugby Union that included teams from New Mexico and Southwest Texas. During these early years many Scorpions players were selected to represent the Rio Grande All Stars team, three went on to represent the Western USA, Delbert Arnold (1979), Doug Long (1979-80), and Doug Park (1976-87). Park was also selected to the USA Eagles National rugby team(1980-81). In 1981, the Scorpions experienced some growing pains and a split occurred creating the El Paso Outlaws Rugby Club run by Doug Long and Owen Raynel. This new team located in the Northeast attracting mostly military personal. As a result both the "Scorpions"& "Outlaws" rugby clubs struggled during the mid 80's. In 1986 a merger was negotiated between the two teams and Manny Friers was named head coach until 1987 when Doug Park returned to El Paso and became Head Coach. This was the beginning of the 'Scorpions' return to success as the team was able to regain its prominence in just three years. Since 1991, the Scorpions have dominated the Rio Grande Union Championships and won its' share of tournaments, including the prestigious High Desert Classic 4 times. In 1997, the Scorpions were fortunate to receive several experienced and dynamic players from the Las Cruces "Black Hogg" Rugby Club when the struggling team dissolved. These players provided the 'Scorpions" with depth and experience needed to take the club to the next level in USA rugby. In 1998, club president David Pearlman negotiated a unique agreement with the city of El Paso to lease historic Dudley Field, a 5000 seat stadium (now part of the El Paso Zoo). This unprecedented move would help the Scorpions attract quality teams, and recruit foreign players from major rugby nations to assist in the further grown of our club. In 2000, the scorpions hosted the Western Club Championships at Dudley Field, taking 5th place in the process and proving to USA Rugby Administrators that El Paso is a legitimate rugby community. In 2001, the El Paso Scorpions became a member of Major League Rugby (MLR), a competition that showcases some of the best teams and players in the country. The Scorpions give up their lease to Dudley Field at the end of 2001 season to enter into a mutual agreement with Ft. Bliss to build a rugby field of dreams. This beautiful rugby complex at Armstrong Field was ironically the first home field of El Paso Rugby in 1972. Bliss was one of mutual benefit. providing the scorpions with a quality facility to develop local youth, high school and club rugby and to also develop a military program for Ft Bliss under the Scorpions leadership. (We lost the use of this field after the floods in 2006). Spring 2003 saw three community based Under 19 / High School teams emerge under the guidance of the Scorpions coaches, Doug Park and Owen Raynel .These teams were the Canutillo Barbarians, Westside Crusaders and the Northeast Rebels. The Westside Crusaders won the first ever Rio Grande Union School Championships in Santa Fe, NM on May 17th, 2003 defeating Los Alamos, NM 38-12. In 2004, the El Paso Youth Rugby Foundation was founded to provide support to youth rugby organizations in the El Paso, TX. and surrounding areas east and north of the city into New Mexico. In 2010, the El Paso Area Rugby Union (EPRAU) was founded to guide the El Paso youth Rugby Foundation and Rugby El Paso.

Photos from El Paso Scorpions Rugby Club's post

09/11/2025

Galupaueli Satele 🖤

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the El Paso Scorpions Rugby Team mourns the passing of a truly great man, Galupaueli Satele.
Galupaueli was a important figure in our lives and in the entire El Paso and Fort Bliss rugby community. He was a beloved soldier, a loyal friend, a devoted father, and a cornerstone of our sport.
The difference he made to our club and to the growth of rugby in this region is immeasurable. Galupaueli wore every hat with honor and distinction:

🏉 Player: Fierce competitor and inspirational teammate.

Referee: Fair, knowledgeable, and always respecting the spirit of the game.

Coach: A dedicated mentor who helped shape the skills and character of countless players.

His passion was infectious, his commitment unwavering, and his spirit will forever be etched into the fabric of the El Paso Scorpions.

We will all miss his presence on the pitch, his wisdom on the sidelines, and his friendship off the field. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the Satele family during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace, Galupaueli. Thank you for everything.

— The El Paso Scorpions Rugby Team

22/06/2025

Danza Azteca Cuitláhuac kicking off our third annual Sun City 7s Rugby Tournament. Beautiful.

22/06/2025

🌞🏉 Sun City 7s 2025 — Thank You! 🙌

What an incredible weekend for our third annual Sun City 7s rugby tournament! We want to send a huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this event a success:

💥 To the teams who traveled near and far — thank you for showing up, playing your hearts out, and putting on a great show for the fans. Your talent and sportsmanship made this year’s matches some of the best yet.

🏆 A special congratulations to the Albuquerque Brujos Rugby team for playing exceptionally well and taking home the $1,000 cash prize! Well deserved, Brujos — we can’t wait to see you back next year to defend your title.

💃🏽 To Danza Azteca — your beautiful performance reminded us all of the rich culture and spirit of our community. Thank you for sharing your traditions with us.

🤝 To our sponsors — none of this would be possible without your generous support and belief in our mission. Your partnership helps us grow every year.

🏘️ To our community — thank you for showing up, cheering loud, and keeping the energy high. It’s your support that keeps this tournament alive and thriving.

We’re proud to keep building something special here in Sun City — where family, culture, sport, and community come together. FEEL THE STING!

See you all at Sun City 7s 2026! 🏉🌞🔥

06/06/2025

It's that time of year again! El Paso Scorpions Annual Sun City 7s Rugby Tournament is here. June 21st at Sue Young Park, kickoff at 10 am after an amazing performance by Danza Azteca Cuitláhuac 4 teams will battle for a chance to win the $1000 dollar cash prize! This wouldn't be possible without our sponsors supporting this tournament; Fyzical Northwest Therapy and Balance Center, Credo Rugby, First Degree Refrigeration, and Liv Activ gym. Come on out June 21st and enjoy an amazing performance by our friends Danza Azteca Cuitlahuac followed by fast paced 7s rugby! FEEL THE STING!

14/04/2025

Some highlights from this past weekend's Co**ha tournament

30/03/2025

Scorpions end 15s season putting 75 points on the albuquerque aardvarks.Stay tuned for our annual sun city 7s rugby tournament coming in June. FEEL THE STING!

29/01/2025

We're not here to participate, we're here to take over! First practice of the spring at Nations Tobin 7pm on February 4th! See you out there!

25/12/2024

From our Scorpion Rugby family to yours. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, FEEL THE STING!

11/11/2024

The El Paso Scorpions have a very strong relationship with our soldiers at Fort Bliss. We would like to thank all who have served, are serving, and who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you from your Scorpion family!

11/11/2024

Yeaterday your El Paso Scorpions had an amazing opportunity to meet Olympic bronze medal winner Sammy Sullivan. Such a great person! Thank you ! We wish you all the best!

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