Barb Fugate

Barbara "Barb" Fugate's 40-year rugby career exemplifies dedication and pioneering leadership that has shaped women's rugby in America. Born April 30, 1958, Barb began playing rugby in 1985 at age 26 with Belmont Shore in Long Beach, CA, followed by San Diego Rugby Club and the Valkyries in Minneapolis, where her team reached the finals of Women's Club Nationals for three consecutive years (2003-2005). Her representative career included playing for the Southern California Griffins (1987-1989), Pacific Coast Grizzlies (1988-1989), and Midwest Select Side (1990-1997), where she served as captain from 1995-1996.

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In 1989, Barb broke new ground by organizing and managing the first-ever tour to New Zealand by a women's territorial union, establishing that American women could compete internationally and laying crucial groundwork for future women's national teams. Her international career began when she was selected to the USA Eagles in 1990, earning 4 caps as a scrumhalf. She participated in the 1990 Women's World Rugby Festival in Christchurch, New Zealand—the first-ever National Team tour—and was part of the historic 1991 Women's World Cup Championship Team in Cardiff, Wales.

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Barb's administrative contributions include serving as Secretary on the Southern California Rugby Football Union Executive Committee (1988-1989), National Events Coordinator for women's rugby (1989-1990), and representing international athletes on the USA Rugby Board of Directors (1996-2004). During this tenure, she chaired the Strategic Planning Committee (1996-2000), served as Treasurer, and was part of a four-person group that presented rugby to the USOC Affiliate Sports Organization in 1998, helping advance rugby's path toward Olympic inclusion.

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As a coach, Barb led the U23 Women's National Team from 2000-2008, creating an essential player development pathway. Under her guidance, the team toured internationally and won the 2006 Senior All-Star Championships. She also served on the Minnesota Amateur Rugby Foundation Board (1998-2008), including terms as President (2001-2002, 2006-2007).

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Barb's achievements have been recognized with multiple honors, including induction into the US Rugby Foundation Hall of Fame as a member of the 1991 Women's World Cup Championship Team (2017), induction into the Metropolis/Valkyries Rugby Football Club Hall of Fame (2023), and receiving the inaugural Kathy Flores Lifetime Achievement Award from the US Women's Rugby Foundation (2023). She continues to serve rugby as the Rugby Development Officer for Metropolis Rugby Football Club (2002-present) and joined the US Rugby Foundation Board of Directors in 2024. Outside of rugby, Barb built a remarkable career in banking technology, retiring in 2024 as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Security Officer at United Bankers' Bank.