HISTORY OF THE SLAYERS

The Washington D.C. Slayers otherwise known as “The Slayers” were founded in 2003 By USA Tomahawk Martin O'Donoghue. Mr. O’Donoghue, an avid rugby player from birth who played Rugby League for a number of years overseas. Upon his arrival in the United States, Martin would go on to become a USA Tomahawk but his vision was to start a full league. O’Donoghue then turned his attention to help in the founding of the American National Rugby League (AMNRL).
From that vision the Slayers were born in Washington, D.C. The original team was comprised of Rugby Union players from teams in Washington D.C. Virginia and Maryland. For the first few seasons the team was comprised of Martin’s close friends because they shared his vision, passion and desire to see the game flourish in the United States.

As coach for the first few seasons Martin built the team, and in 2003 The Slayers advanced to the second round of the AMNRL playoffs only to lose to the team that would become league champions. The Slayers ended up exceeding the expectations the rest of the league placed on them. The 2004 season saw the Slayers knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. Once again they fell to the team that went on the win the Grand Final. The 2005 season was almost the end of the Slayers. The Slayers coach and founder Martin O’Donoghue moved back overseas to take on other responsibilities. The Slayers were without direction due to the loss of the back bone of the team.

The 2005 Slayers were held together by the hearts of eight players who refused to let the team die. The Slayers played all of the games in the 2005 season eight on 13 with no subs no reserves and they never lost a match by more than eight points. Unfortunately the Slayers did not make the playoffs in the 2005 season. This is the only year the team has failed to reach the post season.

With the efforts of the 2005 season, and those eight players, the team was able to rebuild by forging new relationships with Union Clubs in the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland areas; and by finding ways to get in touch with other past players who had been lost. During the 2006 and 2007 season the team was rebuilding again with more numbers, old and new players, skilled and unskilled. Both seasons the Slayers made their way to the playoffs, both times being knocked out in the first round by the team that would go on to win the championship.

The 2008 season was a dubious one for the Slayers despite making it to the playoffs again. Due to a league mandating a penalty for administrative errors the team was fined 3 points dropping them to a low seed in the playoffs. The team lost in the first round of the playoffs for yet another year. Entering the 2009 season there are more returning players, and the Rugby League buzz has been stirring in the Washington, Virginia, Maryland area bringing more interested players. The Slayers are gearing up for an intense hard hitting season, and is being watched closely by other teams due to their progress last year, and ability to be the number one team this year.

Other Facts About the Team:

* At the end of the season in 2006 and 2008 the Washington D.C. Slayers have hosted The New Zealand Police Rugby League team.
* The Slayers have produced 4 players to the USA Tomahawks and 3 players that are in the Players Pool.
Tomahawks- Martin O'Donoghue, Ric Dortone, David Faimanifo, JC Roche

Pool players – Richard Nolte, Bill Weeks, Jaron McLaurin

Note:

The Washington D.C. Slayers are fully funded by the player dues and fundraising. There are no Major sponsors involved with the Slayers.