Say hello to EZRC Oemoemenoe, the first rugby club ever founded in Zeeland, and still going strong. Based in Middelburg, this spirited club represents values of respect, discipline, camaraderie, and more than that, it was born from a cheeky Zeeuwse phrase that captured that timeless “what now?” moment. Now, Rugby Culture is partnering with Oemoemenoe to celebrate their story in a new rugby polo that’s as bold as it is meaningful. Ready to feel the Zeeland pride?
Club Roots, Spirit & Origin of the Name
Founded in 1971, Eerste Zeeuwse Rugby Club Oemoemenoe emerged when rugby enthusiast Cor de Heus settled in Middelburg, eager to grow the sport in a region that had none. The name “Oemoemenoe” came from a casual Zeeuws expression during a tense club naming meeting, where one member exclaimed, “Oe moe me noe?” (“What should we do now?”), and just like that, the club had its unforgettable name.
Oemoemenoe began at the very bottom of the Dutch rugby ladder but jumped swiftly to promotion within five years.
Climbing the Ranks & Making History
-
After their rapid rise, Oemoemenoe reached the Hoofdklasse, but slipped back after one tough season.
-
The club resurged in 1992, earning promotion again, only to face immediate relegation.
-
In 2013, they staged another comeback, winning the Eerste Klasse championship and earning promotion to the Ereklasse, this time, staying up for a full season.
-
By the 2016, 2017 season, Oemoemenoe secured an impressive 5th place, earning a spot in the championship group.
-
The very next campaign they climbed even further, finishing 4th, their best ever Ereklasse ranking, granting them entry into the Benecup, a cross-border tournament featuring top Dutch and Belgian clubs.
Women & Youth, Community & Growth
-
The damen (women’s) team, founded in 1979, quickly made their mark by winning the national championship in 1983 (three titles in four years), before fading out and later being reestablished in 2006.
-
Oemoemenoe has always been about community, from youth programs to senior teams, continuing to grow in a region where long travel distances were the norm early on.
-
The club operates from Sportpark De Sprong in Middelburg, with excellent facilities added over time, including a new clubhouse and well-lit training grounds.
The Rugby Culture X Oemoemenoe Polo, Zeeland Pride in Every Stitch
When Rugby Culture teamed up with Oemoemenoe, our goal was to capture their rugged Zeeuwse spirit and striking black and white colours. The result is a rugby polo that reflects their core values, discipline, respect, belonging, and carries the name’s playful, grounded heart.
Wear it proudly on or off the pitch, it symbolizes belonging to a club that dared to start something special in Zeeland.
Want to Collab with Rugby Culture?
If your club wants to team up with Rugby Culture to design 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 Sprong, Olympiaweg 10, 4337 XV Middelburg
🌐 Website: www.oemoemenoe.com