The Austrian Rugby figurehead was founded in 1989. Since 2003 Donau won consecutive titles in the ‘Staatsmeisterschaft’ – the Austrian Rugby State Championship. The Viennese club also provides the majority of the national team squad. Due to the lack of native competition, Donau expended in 2008 and started an international project. The Austrian champs joined the CEE-Cup. In the beginning the club was taught a lesson and always ended up with the Wooden Spoon trophy. In 2011 Donau shocked the rugby world by achieving a spot in the „small final“. The Austrians had a cracker of a game with Hungarian rivals Vitezek and only lost by two points. Since that battle in April 2011, Donau did not lose a single game, neither national nor international.
Players to watch:
Maximilian Navas sure is one of the most important players manager Stiig Gabriel can choose from. Gifted with speed and agility, the young winger already scored some thrilling tries. But his weapon of choice is the boot. „Never nervous Max“ always keeps his calm and slots over penalty after penalty. Soon he became Donau´s top scorer.
‘Captain Fantastic’ – Yvan Wever is a leader on and off the pitch. The South African born fullback/fly half joined the club a couple of years ago and since then Donau is making huge progress. His quick feet and his overview of the rugby pitch makes him Donau´s most exciting attacker.
Andreas Gaul: This name stands for hard work and sheer muscle. ‘The Austrian Powerhorse’ is the most capped player for the national side and used to captain it too. Nowadays he puts his focus on his own game again and is leading his young forward pack from top. His scrummage abilities and his fearless tackles are well known all around austrian rugby pitches.