Seven New Members to be Inducted Into US Rugby Hall of Fame

The US Rugby Foundation has announced the seven new inductees into the US Rugby Hall of Fame, as well as the Foundation’s special award recipients, including longtime SportsTravel columnist Bob Latham.

The US Rugby Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on September 16 in Salt Lake City, the day before the USA men’s team plays Stade Toulousain.

Along with Latham, those being inducted are Mike Flanagan, Roy Helu, Julia McCoy, Chris O’Brien, Mike Petri and Peter Watson. John Fowler will receive the Chairman’s Award, while Dale Toohey will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

From 1983 to 1996, Latham played for the Dallas Harlequins and served as the club president. A two-time chairman of USA Rugby, Latham is the only American to have served on the World Rugby Council, where he worked to get a seat for USA Rugby, and serves on the executive board of World Rugby.

Flanagan was the coach at the United States Naval Academy for 27 years, where he led the midshipmen to over 450 victories with an 80% winning percentage. Between 1991 to 2017, he coached Navy to 17 National Collegiate and Varsity Cup semi-final appearances and developed 47 All-Americans.

Tonga native Helu became the first Tongan to play for the USA Eagles, which opened the door for many players of Tongan descent to come. He was also a member of the inaugural 1987 USA Rugby World Cup team.

McCoy began her rugby career in 1991, playing for the New Orleans Halfmoons Club and helping lead the team to a nationally ranked third place finish in her first season. McCoy would become a two-time head coach of the Eagles Women’s 7s team, served as a USA Rugby Board member, and set up a database that recruited crossover athletes.

O’Brien played for the USA Eagles from 1988 to 1994. He participated in four Eagle 15s tours, including two starts in the 1991 Rugby World Cup. He simultaneously played for the Eagles 7s squad earning 72 total caps and playing in the 1993 Rugby World Cup

Petri played professionally in the Premiership in England, the Pro 12 in Wales and in the USA with Major League Rugby. His career with the USA National Team spanned three Rugby World Cup tournaments between 2007 and 2015, amassing 57 test caps in 65 appearances.

Watson refereed consistently from 1987 until 2005, including six years at the level of the National Panel, the highest domestic level attainable for a referee in the United States. He oversaw matches in the Rugby Super League as well as top-tier collegiate matches.

Fowler played for various clubs between 1975 and 1986, including appearing in 27 games and earning 7 total caps for the USA Eagles. He was also a member of the Eagles 7s squad from 1981 to 1986.

Toohey made his mark on the collegiate rugby community in America serving as the Long Beach State University head coach from 1974 to 2003. Toohey was a member of the USA Rugby National Technical Committee for eight years and was the first chairman of the National Collegiate Committee.