SC Neuenheim - History

History

Formed in 1902, the club is the second-oldest rugby club in Heidelberg, one of the two centres of German rugby (the other being Hannover). Fußballclub Heidelberg-Neuenheim, the club's original name, was formed in the Neuenheim suburb of Heidelberg. Their first two titles were achieved still under this name, including winning its first German championship in 1912.

In 1923, the club changed its name to SC Neuenheim since the term football club did not reflect its orientation any more.

The club developed to become the most victorious rugby club in Heidelberg, collecting a large number of titles in men's and women's rugby. It prides itself as the biggest rugby club in Germany in regards to membership.

With the interception of the Rugby-Bundesliga in 1971, SCN fell behind other clubs, especially the strong clubs from Hannover. After 28 years without a championship, the club pulled off a surprise win over TSV Victoria Linden in the 1995 final, beating the favourite 14-13 in extra time.

Another surprise championship came in 2003, when DRC Hannover, winner of the previous five championships, could be beaten 18-6. The year after the club won its last men's championship to date, defeating DRC once more.

In 2006, in the first ever all-Heidelberg final, it lost to RG Heidelberg 9-13.

In 2007, it finished fourth in the league, three points outside the finals ranks. The season after, only a fifth place could be achieved and the SCN was well clear of the top-two positions in points.

The club improved in 2008-09, having hired a new coach for this purpose, finishing third in the league and reaching the semi-finals in the championship, where it went out to Heidelberger RK in extra time. It took until 2011-12 to finish in the top four again and reach the post season. The club was however outclassed in its semi-final and lost 71-21 to regular season champions Heidelberger RK. At the end of the season the contract with coach Mark Kuhlmann was not extended.

SCN finished first in their group in the 2012-13 season and qualified for the south/west divison of the championship round, where it also came first. The club advanced to the German championship final where it lost 41-10 to Heidelberger RK.

Its reserve side joint with Heidelberger TV in the 2nd Bundesliga to form SG Heidelberger TV/SC Neuenheim II for 2008-09. Since 2009-10 the reserve side played in the Regional League.