Tony Ridnell
2025
Inductee
Tony "TR" Ridnell's remarkable rugby journey began in Sydney, Australia, where he played from 1970-1973 for Mosman Prep and The Cranbrook School. Born January 1, 1961, he represented General Public Schools (GPS) Under 13s in 1972 before moving to the United States with his family in 1974.
In America, Ridnell attended Bronxville High School in New York, where he was an accomplished multi-sport athlete in baseball, wrestling, and soccer before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. At West Point (1978-1982), he embraced rugby, earning recognition as Most Valuable Forward in 1982 and selection to the Eastern Rugby Union (ERU) Under 23s team.
After graduation and commissioning as an Army officer, Ridnell was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he remarkably drove 160 miles roundtrip multiple times weekly to play with Oklahoma University RFC. His dedication to rugby continued in Hawaii, where he joined the Hawaii Harlequins RFC (1983-1985) while also becoming a stalwart of the newly formed US Combined Services team in 1984.
Ridnell's international career began in 1985 with selection to the Eagles' tour of Japan. He earned his first USA cap at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, playing against Australia in Brisbane. Throughout his Eagles career (1985-1993), he earned 14 caps, playing in 40 matches across both the 1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cups. Versatile and skilled, Ridnell played lock, flanker, and number 8 during his Eagles career.
In sevens rugby, Ridnell represented the USA from 1989-1993, earning 16 caps and playing in 71 games. He competed in four consecutive Hong Kong Sevens tournaments, the 1993 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Edinburgh, and tours to Benidorm, Spain, Fiji, and Australia. He captained the USA Cougars on their tour to the Melrose 7s in Scotland in 1993.
At the club level, Ridnell played for Old Puget Sound Beach RFC (1986-1994), helping them win four National 7s Championships (1988, 1990, 1991, 1992). He was named MVP of the 1990 Club 7s Championships and received numerous tournament MVP selections, including at the CanAm 7s in 1988. He also represented the Pacific Coast Grizzlies (1986-1992), competing in various Inter-Territorial Championships.
Professionally, Ridnell left the Army as a Captain in 1988 and founded TR International (TRI), a chemical distribution company, in 1994. He has maintained his connection to rugby long after his playing days, serving as chairman of USAR Competitive Region 1 (2018-2020) and currently serving on the USA Rugby International Athlete Council as the "over 10 year" male representative.
In 2018, he founded the Eagles XVs Club, a philanthropic organization supporting USA Rugby men's and women's national teams, raising over $60,000 before COVID disrupted activities. Since 2022, he has served as the public announcer for the Seattle Seawolves Major League Rugby team, becoming known as the "Voice of the Seawolves."
Throughout his post-playing career, Ridnell has been recognized for his passionate support of women's rugby, actively promoting women's teams and players through social media, following their careers, and advocating for their advancement in the sport. His lifelong dedication to American rugby, from player to administrator to supporter, exemplifies the values of leadership and service that define his legacy in the sport.