Watch
Listen
Overview
This week on With You! Rugby Podcast, the President of the United States Rugby Foundation, Brian Vizard, speaks with Salty Thompson, rugby coach for several USA Age-Grade National Teams and founder of Eagle Impact Rugby Academy. Due to his accomplishments as a player and coach, paired with his continued commitment to the sport of rugby, Salty is being inducted into the US Rugby Hall of Fame.Salty grew up in a small village in Northern Ireland called Portavogie where he got involved with rugby at a young age. With experience playing rugby at many levels and a passion for the sport, Salty made his way to the United States and became a coach. Over his career as a rugby coach for numerous USA National Teams at the U19, U20, and High School All-American levels, Salty helped nurture over 40 Eagles 15s, 35 Eagles 7s, and 45 Collegiate All-American players. “Helping to advance careers has probably been the most rewarding thing for me,” Salty says.
Show Notes
0:30: Brian introduces Salty Thompson and he talks about his youth and the sports he played growing up.
1:30: When did the nickname “Salty” come along?
2:05: Tell us about your experience with rugby and other sports during your time at Loughborough University in England.
4:10: What brought you over to the United States?
5:20: Salty talks about the differences he noticed in rugby between England and the US.
6:05: What is a highlight from your playing days?
7:00: Salty talks about what the transition was like from player to coach.
8:45: Tell us about some of the highlights from your coaching career.
9:50: Was there any tour or competition that you coached or played in that really stands out in your mind?
11:30: Salty shares the inspiration and goals of Eagle Impact Rugby Academy.
13:00: Which tours that you’ve gone on stand out the most for you?
14:15: Salty talks about some of the rugby players that have left a lasting impression on him.
15:30: What do you think is so special about rugby, and what keeps you involved?
16:30: What are you the proudest of in your career?
17:30: What does it mean to you to be a member of the US Rugby Hall of Fame?
Wrap Up
In this episode of the With You! Rugby Podcast, we heard from Salty Thompson, rugby coach for several USA National Teams and the founder and director of Eagle Impact Rugby Academy. Salty has helped advance the careers of numerous rugby players and will soon be inducted into the US Rugby Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.
