By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
EP
0
36
Jun 10

With You! Rugby Podcast - Denis Shanagher

SpotifySpotify
Share

Watch

Listen

Overview

President of the United States Rugby Foundation, Brian Vizard, sits down with former Stanford and BATS star, and USA Eagles 7s & 15s standout, and 2024 U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, Denis Shanagher. Growing up in San Francisco to Irish immigrant parents, Shanagher originally played baseball and football before finding his true passion in rugby at Stanford. Hear about his memorable career highlights like captaining Stanford, playing for the renowned BATS, participating in the first six Hong Kong 7s Tournaments and winning the Plate title in 1986, and representing the Eagles at the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup. Shanagher also discusses his extensive work in rugby administration with the Stanford Rugby Foundation, U.S. Rugby Foundation, and USA Rugby. Get insights from this true legend's incredible rugby journey in this must-listen to episode.

Show Notes

1:03 - Tell us about your childhood, where you grew up, what sports did you play as a kid?

1:27 - And it's after high school you enrolled at Stanford University. Did you have a choice of colleges, or was Stanford always your number one choice?

1:47 - Now, it was at Stanford that you really found your love and passion for the sport of rugby. You're around the game your whole life. What changed at Stanford to bring about the love for the game?

3:51 - You captain of the Stanford side your last two years at school there. What were the Stanford teams like back then? And what two or three memories stand out from your time playing with Stanford?

5:10 - After school, you played for the San Francisco rugby club for a couple years, but then you joined the Bay Area touring side, better known as the Bats in the 1980s. You had some very strong teams back then. A lot of great teammates. What are some of your fondest memories from your days with the bats?

7:12 - Yeah. Now, in addition to your success with the bats, you were part of many successful Pacifico's Grizzly teams. I love the ITTs. I'm sure you do too. I always thought it was the greatest weekend of the year. What are your favorite memories of your days with the Grizzlies?

8:40 - You made your US Eagles debut against the Oblix in 1980, went on to play further, a further eight tests for the Eagles, including matches at the inaugural Rugby World cup in 87. Is there a moment or two that stands out during your time with the Eagles 15s?

9:50 - You're an accomplished sevens player as well for the US, representing the Eagles at the first six Hong Kong sevens tournament, playing a total of 29 international sevens matches. And back then, maybe even still today, the Hong Kong sevens was the absolute best tournament to play in. What were some of your best memories from your tournaments in Hong Kong?

13:21 - Dennis, like your dad, you had given back to the sport in a big way. You were found. You were a founder and board member of the Stanford Rugby foundation since 1989, and you're now the chair of the board. How important has the creation of the Stanford Rugby foundation been for the program there, and how has it benefited the Stanford rugby teams?

15:06 - Now, you've also been a director with the US Rugby foundation since 2013, serving as our finance committee, on our finance committee and as co chair of the Shanaher Morrison Referee Development Fund. Tell us why the Shanaher Morrison Fund was created and what it supports.

16:45 - And more recently, you've joined the board of USA Rugby. Tell us about your roles and responsibilities within USAR.

21:01 - Well, let's look back now to 1981, USA versus Springboks. I know there's a lot of drama involved. Nobody is at the game. I think there was a, like a covert operation. What do you recall from that game leading up to it and the game itself?

24:05 - There's another big game the year before that, your debut, New Zealand. What do you remember about that game in San Diego?

25:32 - Now then, you've been involved with the sport for a long time. You've accomplished a lot of all your rugby memories. Is there one that stands above the rest?

27:28 - Of all your tours, eagles or otherwise, which one stands out and why?

28:29 - Now, looking back on your rugby career, what are you most proud of?

30:17 - What does it mean to you being selected to the US Rugby hall of Fame?

Wrap Up

The episode covered Denis Shanagher's legendary rugby career, from his college days captaining Stanford to representing the U.S. Eagles 7s and 15s teams, including the inaugural 1987 World Cup. He recounted fond memories like the iconic 1986 Hong Kong 7s plate win alongside Brian Vizard. Shanagher also discussed his extensive work supporting rugby through the Stanford Rugby Foundation, U.S. Rugby Foundation, and currently serving on the USA Rugby board.