Stanford Rugby

Dear Friends of Stanford Rugby,

As we enter the final weeks of the 2006-07 academic year, we would like to reflect on some of the many accomplishments of the Stanford Rugby Men’s and Women’s Rugby programs, and their student-athletes during this year. These would not be possible without your generous support of the Stanford Rugby Foundation and its programs.

The two-time defending National Champion Stanford Women made their 3rd straight appearance in the Collegiate Final Four held again at Stanford, barely losing 22-21 to Penn State in the thrilling Championship match. The Stanford Men made the Northern California play-offs and lost an exciting match to St. Mary’s College, which denied the Men an appearance in the National Championship round of 16. The Men’s team has made a remarkable turnaround on the field in the last several years.

Stanford Rugby became the largest participant sport – Club or Varsity - on the Stanford campus, attracting a combined 150 student-athletes. In December, a banquet commemorating 100 years of Men’s Rugby at Stanford and the 30th year for the women’s program, included the induction of Pete Kmetovic, Jennifer Crawford and Tom Klein into the Stanford Rugby Hall of Fame.

Select side recognition for the women was lead by Olivia Anglade who was recognized as the Best Collegiate Women’s Rugby Player in 2006 and a member of the USA World Cup 7s squad.    Jossy Tseng and Melissa Smit joined Olivia in being selected to the USA Under 23 side in 2006. Mae Ryan, Jessica Watkins, Kelsey Moss were all selected to the 2007 USA Under 19 Side. Melissa Smit and Jossy Tseng have been nominated for the Women’s 2007 USA Under 23 side.

The men attracted four cross-over athletes from Stanford Football in Alfred Johnson, Taualai Fonoti, Pat Danahy and Aaron Smith, and the latter two will return for the ’07-’08 season. Freshman Ronnie Tisdale made the USA 7’s squad and played for the USA Under 19 team. John Clark and Pat Danahy were selected for the 2007 Collegiate Grizzly Side for the All American trials.

The men started the season with a successful tour to Ireland and the women will tour Spain and France in June. The men participated in the PAC 10 tournament and the women in the Stanford 10s, Stanford Invitational and the Women’s Champaign Classic in San Diego.

Head Coach and Director of Coaching Jonathan Griffin served as the Northern California League Commissioner, Head Coach of the PCRFU Collegiate Grizzly side, Head Coach of the Grizzly Men’s Senior side and a member of the USA Rugby Elite Coaching Group. He was also selected to attend the Churchill Cup Eagles Camp in the United Kingdom in May. Josh Sutcliffe became a full time assistant coach to the program and was named Head Coach for the Under 23 Women’s Grizzly team. The Men’s program also attracted former All American and USA Eagle Chris O’Brien as an assistant coach, and he was also selected as Assistant Coach for the Men’s Collegiate Grizzly side. Heather “HP” Smith ’99 completed her third season as the Women’s Assistant Coach. Rachel Blakeman was trainer for both programs.

As we celebrate the success of the teams and individuals, I hope you take pride in your contribution to the ongoing success of Stanford Rugby. While a Club Sport, Rugby is the most successful combined program on campus, and with your help, we can continue to provide financial aid and program support for all of our student-athletes, while creating athletic memories that will last a lifetime.