The club was formed in 1987 as the DIT (Darwin Institute of Technology) Pirates. A number of leading players in the Darwin competition who were dissatisfied with their clubs decided to breakaway and form their own club. DIT had the facilities, but no sports club so it was a perfect match.
In 1989 DIT became the Northern Territory University and the Pirates changed their name accordingly. They also won their first A grade premiership that year after only two seasons in the competition. A grade premierships in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994 followed as well as premierships in B and C grades. The University Pirates pioneered women's rugby in the Territory winning five out of the eight seasons that the women's competition has existed. The University Pirates women's side has provided five Australian representative players and a coach/selector.
As the University has evolved so has the University Pirates RUFC. The club's management team has become increasingly professional and progressive in the running of the club. In 1995 the Pirates became part owner of the Casuarina All Sports Club which has in turned provided the finance for Brand Pavilion. The Pirates reached an agreement with the university to build their clubhouse on the oval and building was completed in June 2001.
The Brand Pavilion is named in honour of Dr Stephen Brand who died tragically in 1992. Steve was one of the original Pirates, a Phd student and the University's first Blue recipient so it was a fitting tribute to him to name the building after him.
Timeline
1987 Club founded as DIT Pirates
1989 A grade premiership and DIT becomes NTU
1990 A grade premiership
1992 A grade premiership
1993 A grade premiership
1994 A and B grade premiership
1995 Club becomes part owner of Casuarina All Sports Club
2000 A, B, C grade premierships & Australian Club of the Year
2001 Completion of Brand Pavilion
2003 Worst ever season with wooden spoon in A and B grade
2004 A grade premiership and B grade runner up
2005 B grade premiership and A grade runner up
2006 A grade premiership
2007 20 year anniversary & full range of junior grades fielded