Bill Leversee
2025
Inductee
Bill "Chief" Leversee began his rugby journey relatively late, starting to play at age 18 in 1982 as a freshman at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Though he didn't play rugby in high school, his athletic background was strong, having played football at La Canada High School (1978-1979) and later at Lovett High School in Atlanta, Georgia (1980-1982), where he was an All-State tight end and accomplished wrestler.
At UCSB, Leversee quickly established himself as a standout player. From 1982-1987, he served in various leadership roles including Social Chairman, Rugby Club President, and Tournament Director. His collegiate achievements include being part of the All-Cal Tournament Champions team, earning MVP honors at the SB Tournament, and being selected as a First Team All-American. He was also part of the Pacific Coast Grizzlies tour to Argentina in 1986 and played with the Coast Grizzlies, who went on to become the eventual National Champion.
Leversee's international career with the USA Eagles began in 1988, and over the next eight years he earned 15 caps as a second-row forward. His Eagle career includes participation in numerous tours: England, Russia and France (1988), New Zealand (1989 as Junior Eagles Captain), Argentina and Uruguay (1989), British Columbia (1990), Australia (1990), Japan (1990), and the 1991 Rugby World Cup in England, where he started against Italy and was a reserve for New Zealand and England matches. He continued representing his country through 1996, concluding with a tour to Canada.
Despite his 6'4" frame and 235-pound physique, Leversee was recognized as one of the youngest locks of his era to receive a cap at age 24. His ability to compete with the world's best players despite being undersized for an international lock speaks to his exceptional talent and determination.
Leversee's club career was equally impressive. He joined Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) in San Diego in 1987, where he remained until 1997, with a brief hiatus to play professionally in Italy and South Africa. With OMBAC, he contributed to five USA Club National Championships (1988, 1989, 1991, 1994, and 1996). In 1989, he had the opportunity to play in New Zealand with Auckland University, the home club of All Blacks legends Grant Fox and John Drake. During this time, he earned recognition as Man of the Match in two top league games. His professional experience continued in 1992-1993 with Berea Rovers in Natal, South Africa, where he played alongside Springbok internationals.
After his playing career, Leversee devoted himself to coaching and developing youth rugby in San Diego. Since 1994, he has coached the San Diego Youth Rugby (Mustangs), leading teams to multiple Southern California Championships. From 2012-2017, he coached Torrey Pines High School to three consecutive first-place Southern California High School Championships. In 2017-2020, he led La Jolla High School to back-to-back Southern California High School Championships.
Leversee's contributions extend beyond coaching to announcing youth and high school rugby games in San Diego since 2017 and providing medical awareness for player welfare, ensuring players are properly consulted and cared for. His lifelong dedication to rugby embodies the core values of honor, duty, respect, discipline, loyalty, and love for others that he attributes to the sport.
Currently residing in La Jolla, California, Bill "Chief" Leversee continues to be an influential figure in American rugby, inspiring new generations of players with the passion, leadership, and commitment that defined his remarkable career.