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Overview
The President of the United States Rugby Foundation, Brian Vizard, speaks with rugby pioneer Tom Pirelli, whose career spans over five decades. Discover Pirelli's journey from Princeton University player to founding multiple rugby organizations, including the Princeton Alumni Rugby Association and the Jupiter Sharks Rugby Club. Learn about his extensive roles as a player, coach, referee, and administrator across various levels of the sport. Hear about Pirelli's significant contributions to youth rugby development and his role in creating the Prusmack Award for collegiate rugby excellence. This episode offers unique insights into the career of a true rugby visionary and his lasting impact on the growth of American rugby.
Show Notes
1:14 - Tom, as we do with everybody, tell us a little bit about your upbringing. Where'd you grow up? How big was your family? What sports did you play as a kid?
4:05 - Tom, did you have a choice to go to other colleges, or was Princeton your number one choice all along?
4:39 - Well, how'd you get introduced to rugby at Princeton? How'd that happen?
6:22 - Now, you had great success with the rugby teams at Princeton did. You won the Ivy league title in 69, 71 and 73. What are some of your fondest memories from those championship years.
8:25 - Princeton won the Washington sevens tournament in 1968 with a special group of players. Tell me about that team and what made it so unique.
14:29 - After you graduated, you founded the Princeton Alumni Rugby association. What inspired you to found that group? And what has been some of the highlights since you created that organization?
16:42 - In 1972, you volunteered to be the head coach of the Lawrenceville high school rugby team. How did that opportunity come about and how did you enjoy that experience?
19:02 - And two years after that, you founded another program. The Princeton Athletic club became the team's first captain. What were some of the important moments from the early days of that team? And is it still around today?
21:36 - You moved to Chicago in 1976. Was that for work or rugby?
22:14 - When I started my rugby in Michigan in 1978 and the Lions were the team back then in the midwest, those must have been some fun times for you, and there must have been a few legendary figures on those lion teams back in those days.
23:43 - And while you're in Chicago, you volunteered as the head coach of the Great Lakes naval base. How did that coaching opportunity come about? And what are some of the memories coaching that team?
25:37 - Now, you talked about old boys a little bit. You continue to stay involved in the game by playing some old boys rugby. What are some of your highlights from playing in some of those old boys tournaments? I don't need detail.
26:54 - Before the golden Eagle days, you did stay involved in the game. You weren't playing, but what other things did you do to stay involved in the sport?
29:32 - What were some of the highlights of the sevens program since the Golden Eagles provided their support? I mean, there's been many over the last ten years or so.
30:50 - And, you know, you're providing support. The Golden Eagles are also providing support now to the women's program. Is that right?
32:52 - And, Tom, another team you founded, three years after helping form the Golden Eagles, you founded the Jupiter Sharks Rugby club. You go from a group of older former players to a group of high school kids. What motivated you to create the Sharks?
36: 13 - You mentioned Sammy Sullivan was the winner of our Prusmack award, and you served on that committee under our umbrella to endow the Prusmack award, presented annually top male and female women's collegiate. Top male and female collegiate sevens players of the year. It's great to honor John Prusmack's legacy, isn't it?
37:06 - I know you're still involved in the game on a number of fronts. Where does your passion for the game lie now? And what do you see as the way forward for the game here in the US?
39:00 - And you said rugby has been a lifelong habit of yours. Of all your rugby memories, is there one or two that stand above the rest?
41:42 - For the past 60 years, you were a player, a high school coach, a college coach, club coach, referee, administrator, youth rugby sponsor, tour organizer, Eagle supporter. Looking back on your long rugby career and all your accomplishments, what are you most proud of?
42:39 - What is being selected as this year's United States Rugby hall of Fame lifetime achievement award recipient mean to you?
Wrap Up
Tom Pirelli's rugby legacy: From Princeton star to US Rugby Hall of Fame. The discussion traced Pirelli's journey from his early life and introduction to rugby through his notable achievements at Princeton University. It highlighted his pivotal role in founding alumni associations and new teams, his steadfast support of the Golden Eagles, and his significant contributions to promoting youth rugby. The conversation culminated in exploring Pirelli's lifetime achievements in rugby, including his selection for the prestigious US Rugby Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his enduring impact on the sport.
