2023-24 Preston Worth Scholarship Recipient: Harry Moore

For Harry Moore, rugby has been a lifelong passion deeply interwoven into his identity. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, Moore's British parents introduced him to the sport at the tender age of 8.

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"In those days, it was hardly rugby and more of running around with other little kids having fun in the mud," Moore reminisced. It wasn't until 7th grade that he began playing competitive, full-contact rugby.

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Throughout his years at Grover Cleveland High School, academics took top priority, but sports stoked Moore's fire. In addition to rugby 15s and 7s, he played basketball, futsal in a men's league, wrestled briefly, and ran track for a season.

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"I couldn't imagine my life without rugby. Sport has always been extremely important in my life, and rugby encapsulates everything that my athletic career has led to," Moore said. "It's the best game in the world and I love playing it so much."

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For 8 years old until college, Moore suited up for the Eastside Tsunami club alongside his dad, brother and friends from around the globe. His rugby infatuation extends beyond the laws to the sport's culture.

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"I have made lifelong friends because of rugby. I now live in a house full of guys I've met from the team. To me, that surpasses sport. It's a massive part of my life, and I am still making these connections and memories today."

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After a heartbreaking one-point loss in the national semifinals this past season at Western Washington University, Moore has honed in on his driving goal: "Win a National Championship. We were one point away from the final this year, and that hurt. Next year I hope to be captain and lead WWU to our first 15s title."

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Off the pitch, academics remain a priority as Moore aims to secure his Environmental studies major and continue thriving in classes. He's also working this summer to earn enough for a special purchase - buying his mom's car so she can upgrade to a new set of wheels.

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After college, Moore hopes to land a job in the field of environmental conservation, specifically focused on environmentally sustainable farming practices and teaching those techniques. This would allow him to return to his hometown of Portland, Oregon and live independently near the family he dearly misses.

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On the field, the 6'4" Moore patrols the openside flanker position, where he can unleash his physicality as a tall, fast loose forward. His versatility shines through after previously playing outside center, inside center and fullback.

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"Being a loose forward is by far my favorite position. I know the game well, and we can make the most physical impact in open field play," Moore said. "I do well in lineouts stealing throws, tackling, and ball carrying. I also thrive in 2v2 or 3v3 situations because of my speed and passing ability from playing in the backline."

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With his rugby IQ and voice to connect the forwards and backs, Moore has found his ideal fit at flanker as he chases championship glory. His lifetime of experiences on and off the pitch have molded him into the ultimate student-athlete and teammate.