Joining forces with one of the Netherlands’ original student rugby societies, A.S.R.V. Ascrum brings decades of tradition, camaraderie, and spirited competition to town. Founded in 1962, this Amsterdam institution stands tall on its history, student energy and competitive edge, and now Rugby Culture is translating that into a sharp new rugby polo.
A History Rich in Tradition
Established on 1 November 1962 as the Amsterdam Student Rugby Association (Amsterdamse Studenten Rugby Vereniging), Ascrum was almost christened "Scrum", but the founders opted for Ascrum to emphasise ties with the Amsterdam Student Corps (ASC).
What began with just 20 members, all from ASC, has grown into the largest student rugby association in the Netherlands, with five senior teams and a strong tradition of cultural identity.
Teams, Emblems & Identity
Ascrum runs five men’s sides, from first through to fifth teams, including a veterans’ squad, and a Jonghe Honden team designed for newcomers and newcomers only matches.
The club’s colors, red, black and white, reflect Amsterdam, ASC ties, and early practical kit choices. The crested shield logo, quartered into symbols like a Maltese cross, grapes, unicorn and Amsterdam’s three crosses, is a proud emblem of their heritage.
Home Turf & Culture
Ascrum is among the few student rugby clubs to own its own clubhouse, the aptly named IJzeren Huisch ("Iron House"), located at Sportpark de Eendracht, Amsterdam. It has become the hub for training, third halves and flat out student bonding.
Off the pitch, Ascrummers stay busy with annual trips (think Cardiff, beach rugby on Ameland), international clinics (including Western Province in South Africa), participation in Amsterdam Sevens, and post match gatherings in kilts and good humour.
Playing at the Top
Ascrum’s 1st XV competes in the Eerste Klasse, the second tier of Dutch rugby, while their 2nd, 3rd and 5th teams cover all levels, ensuring every member gets game time. Ascrum also featured in the 2014, 15 Ereklasse, the top flavour of Dutch rugby, although relegation followed that season. As of the 2022, 23 season, Ascrum continues participation in the Ereklasse as one of the top student representatives.
The Rugby Culture X ASCRUM Polo, Amsterdam Soul in Every Stitch
When Rugby Culture teamed up with Ascrum, our goal was to weave their robust culture and heritage into wearable form. The result is a rugby polo that speaks of red, black, white identity, student riotousness, and a clubhouse where half finished pasta and pints count as cultural landmarks.
It works pitch side, pub side, and everything in between, a bold double stripe of student tradition and fashion.
Want to Collaborate with Rugby Culture?
If your club wants to team up with Rugby Culture to create a custom polo or collab piece, we’d love to hear from you.
📧 Email us at info@rugbyculture.store
📱 Or DM us on socials: @RUGBYCULTURE
📍 Address: Sportpark de Eendracht, Bok de Korverweg 6, 1067 HR Amsterdam
🌐 Website: www.ascrum.com