Best Rugby Experience

Standing across from the Haka.

Values

Grit, Humility, Integrity, A desire to give back to something bigger than myself.

Mentors

Probably too many to list but here are a few: 

Tony Palbicke
Introduced me to the sport in a time in my life where I needed guidance. Fell in love with rugby immediately

Johnny Walker, Ed Giangiorgi, and Wez Parks
Taught me the foundations of the game, the value in doing what you don’t want especially when it’s 6am runs on the beach, introduced me to the culture of rugby (respect for the sir, being a good host for the traveling team at a social, rugby is larger than the individual.) Pushed me to pursue rugby at a higher level at a time where I probably didn’t believe in myself enough. 

Blake Bradford
Taught me the beauty of the scrum, and how to scrum, something that has become an obsession of mine.

Ryan Fitzgerald and Gary Gold
For giving me my opportunities to play for Nola Gold and The USA Eagles respectively. When opportunity presents itself you take it, sometimes it just takes one person noticing you.

The Role Rugby has

Rugby has been the primary driving force behind most of my life. It’s allowed me to travel not just around the United States but also internationally. It introduced me to my closest friends in the world. At a moment's notice I could have a couch to crash on in 20+ countries, and likely every state in America. The contacts I have made through rugby I’m sure will provide me with opportunities after my professional career ends.