Johnson City Rugby was established in 1981 by Englishman, Pete Chorlerton.

He recruited men from the local community and East Tennessee State University. Over the years Johnson City Rugby was back-to-back Midsouth Champions in 2010 & 2011 and more recently the Carolinas Rugby Union D IV Champions. Former club players have gone on to represent the club internationally playing for USAR South Panthers and the USA Eagles (USA National Team). Johnson City Rugby is currently members of USA Rugby and the Carolinas Rugby Union.