Mike Dunafon
2020
Lifetime Achievement Award
Inductee
Mike Dunafon’s American football career started in the 1960s and ended in 1977 after a stint with the Denver Broncos.
He discovered rugby after moving to the British Virgin Islands in 1978, and played there until 1992.
Mike went on to manage the United States U-19 National Team from 2000 – 2001, taking them on three international tours to Australia, a World Cup Qualifier in Trinidad, and the 2001 Junior World Cup in Chile.
Mike’s real impact on rugby in America, though, is in the development of RugbyTown USA in Glendale, Colorado. As Mayor of Glendale, Mike’s vision was to revitalize a community by embracing the ethos that he saw in rugby—the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and commitment to community. Infinity Park, the only municipally-owned, rugby-specific stadium in the US, is the fulfillment of that vision; and is widely considered to be the finest rugby training facility in the country.