Ereklasse · 2026-27
RC The Dukes
About RC The Dukes
- Founded
- 1974
- Home town
- 's-Hertogenbosch
- Ground
- Limietlaan
- Colours
- Website
- dukesrugby.nl (opens in a new tab)
Honours
Dutch champions · 1
2008
Dutch Cup · 3
2005, 2006, 2008
Dutch sevens champions · 1
2008
Notable players and coaches
- Bart Viguurs — Netherlands international, long-serving Dukes player
- Henrie Eikemans — Netherlands international, later assistant coach
- Oliva Sialau — Samoan-born centre capped by the Netherlands
- Lars Linnenbank — Netherlands international hooker
- Andy Egonu — Head coach; formerly a coach at Stade Français
History
The Dukes were founded in 's-Hertogenbosch in February 1974 and climbed from the Third Class to the Ereklasse, which they first reached in 1984. Their best season was 2007-08: a 19-18 win over RC Hilversum in the national final, plus the national cup and the Dutch sevens title. They have lost six national finals since (2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2026, the last 24-32 to Haagsche RC). The club plays on the Limietlaan beside the city park, on an artificial pitch built for rugby in 2013, and its youth teams have won many national age-group titles.
Sources: dukesrugby.nl · dukesrugby.nl (2) · dukesrugby.nl (3) · rugby.nl · nos.nl (opens in a new tab)