Rugby Imports was founded in 1971 by former President, Bob Hoder. Bob
found his way to rugby after many years of playing football, both as a college
athlete at the University of Rhode Island and later, professionally, for the
Providence Steamrollers. In 1966, Bob began playing rugby. After noticing
a lack in the availability of rugby jerseys in America, he started exploring
opportunities to bring English style jerseys to America. In 1971, Bob first
began importing Halbro rugby jerseys to the United States and Rugby Imports
was born. At first, the business ran out of the Hoder home with no more than a
desk and a telephone, but by 1975 demand was such that the business
expanded to its current headquarters and retail location in East Providence, RI.
Almost 50 years later, Rugby Imports has expanded online to provide a huge
variety of products to rugby players, fans, and teams with products from our
own Rugby Imports brand as well as apparel and gear from other top rugby
brands. We specialize in team and lifestyle products for college and club
teams - ranging from country and slogan casual apparel to fully customized
bespoke uniforms for teams.
After Bob's passing in 2018, Bob's son and long-time Vice President, Mark
Hoder, has taken the helm as President of Rugby Imports and has ambitions
to continue to build upon the brand while keeping to the authentic spirit of
American rugby.
