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Overview
This week on the With You! Rugby Podcast, the President of the United States Rugby Foundation Brian Vizard spoke with 2022 U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, Blane Warhurst.Blane played rugby for Cal, the Old Blues, and the USA Rugby National Team, the Eagles. He grew up in Claremont, California, and played many different sports in his youth, including baseball, basketball, and football. He got recruited by Cal for football and also played rugby for 5 years throughout college. After graduation, he joined the Old Blues and eventually, the Eagles.Blane played for both the 15s and 7s. He has 6 caps and attended the first Rugby World Cup in Australia in 1987. Additionally, Blane played on three tours with the Eagles 7s team. After his playing days, he coached the Hayward High School Griffins from 1999 to 2015.
Show Notes
0:32 – Brian introduces Blane Warhurst, former USA Rugby 15s and 7s star, and 2022 U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame inductee.
0:47 – Can you tell us about where you grew up and the sports you played as a kid?
1:45 – How did you decide on going to Cal?
2:24 – What position did you play in football at Cal and what was your best memory from that time?
4:01 – Did you get Rick Bailey involved in rugby at Cal?
4:49 – How many years did you play rugby at Cal, and what were some of the team’s main successes?
5:38 – How many national championships did you win during your time with the Old Blues?
6:26 – Is there one championship that stands out to you among all those Old Blues wins?
7:08– Other than the championship titles, what else do you remember fondly from your time with the Old Blues?
8:19 – What are some of your favorite memories from the first Rugby World Cup in 1987?
10:17 – Where were your Eagles 7s tours and what are some of your favorite memories from those tours?
11:04 – Who was the most difficult opponent you ever faced internationally, and why?
12:38 – Name two or three teammates that you really enjoyed playing with.
14:08 – What are some challenges you faced coaching the Hayward High School Griffins?
15:48 – Blane talks about Hayward’s winning records and some of their biggest accomplishments.
17:07 – Of all your rugby memories, is there one that stands out against the rest?
17:50 – Of all your tours, is there one that stands out to you? Why?
Wrap Up
In this episode of the With You! Rugby Podcast, we heard from Blane Warhurst, former star of the USA Rugby 15s and 7s. Earlier on in his rugby career, Blane played for Cal and the Old Blues. His commitment to the sport of rugby was far from over after his playing days ended. He supported young rugby players by coaching the Hayward High School Griffins for over 15 years. Blane will be inducted into the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame in 2022.
