Edward Ayub

Edward "Ed" Ayub is one of the most important medical figures in the history of American rugby, serving as the USA Men's 15s and 7s Physical Therapist from 1987 to 2001. Introduced to rugby by OMBAC head coach Bing Dawson, Ayub joined the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club as team physio in 1987, a role he held for 23 years. During that span, OMBAC captured a Rugby Super League championship, six National 15s championships, and five National 7s championships, with Ayub's ability to keep players healthy and field-ready central to that sustained success.

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His excellence at the club level earned him a call-up to the United States Men's National Team, and he went on to serve as Eagles physio across the majority of their 85 test matches during his tenure. He was part of the US Men's Team at the 1991 Rugby World Cup in the United Kingdom and the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Ireland, and served as physio for the USA Men's 7s team at the 1993 World Cup in Edinburgh and the 1997 World Cup in Hong Kong. Known for being the first to rise and last to go to bed on tour, Ayub's hotel room became a training quarters and gathering place where players received treatment, found community, and were supported well beyond the physical.

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His contributions extended off the pitch as well, he worked with the Sweetwater Union High School District in the San Diego area to establish onsite physical therapy programs at local high schools, helping to transform the culture of athlete care for a generation of young players. In 2012, Ed Ayub was inducted into the USA Rugby Sports Medicine Hall of Fame in recognition of a career defined by selfless service, pioneering professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of every athlete in his care.