Ken Daly

Kenneth "Ken" Anthony Daly's rugby journey began in 1943 at Belvedere College in Dublin, Ireland. Born in 1935 in Dublin, Ireland, Ken has devoted over five decades to rugby as a player, coach, referee, and administrator. His playing career spanned multiple clubs, including Old Belvedere Rugby Club in Dublin (1953-1957), co-founding West Vancouver Rugby Football Club in Canada after emigrating in 1957, and Boston Rugby Club (1962-1965) where he served as team captain and was known for his accurate kicking and strategic play as a fly-half.

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While his playing accomplishments were notable, it is Ken's coaching leadership that has left an indelible mark on American collegiate rugby. In 1968, his coaching journey began when Boston College students approached him during a Boston Rugby Club practice, leading to the founding of the Boston College Rugby Football Club (BCRFC). Under his guidance, the men's program achieved a remarkable 66% winning percentage across 395 "A-side" games from 1968-1991, while the women's program, which he has coached since 1978, boasts a 69% winning percentage over more than 500 matches. His teams have secured numerous championships, including the Women's National Championship in 1992 and seven consecutive NERFU Women's Division I College Championships from 1987-1993.

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Ken's rugby administration experience includes being a founding member of the New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU) in 1968, serving on its Board of Directors (1968-1975), and later as Secretary and COO (1991-2007). He also contributed as a NERFU referee from 1969-1973 and has been a USA Rugby member since 1975, helping build essential infrastructure for the sport's growth in America.

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In recognition of his contributions, Ken received the Rev. William J. Donlon Special Achievement Award in the Boston College Varsity Athletic Club Hall of Fame in 2005. His impact extended far beyond formal recognition, as he developed five All-American players and two Women's Eagles (national team players) while coaching as a volunteer for 47 years alongside his full-time career with Aer Lingus and raising three children with his wife Rosalie.

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Ken has created a lasting rugby community that continues to support player development. His former players consistently highlight his teaching of values that transcend the sport—teamwork, perseverance, self-belief, and service to others—with many becoming coaches, referees, and administrators themselves, ensuring his impact on American rugby endures.

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Throughout his five-plus decades in rugby coaching, Ken's underlying philosophy embodies the Jesuit principle of "Men and Women for Others." As Dr. Lyle Micheli, Chair of the Medical Committee of USA Rugby, wrote: "Ken Daly has been an exemplar for the sport of rugby and has always represented the highest level of sportsmanship and coaching ethics." Former player and first female NFL coach Jen Welter noted: "Ken 'Lighting' Daly is not just a BC Rugby legend, he's a LEGEND. PERIOD. His ability to push athletes to their best level of self through his selflessness has changed generations of people through rugby." His ability to build relationships, develop players, and consistently pursue excellence has transformed countless lives and significantly advanced collegiate rugby in America, creating pathways for future generations to enjoy the sport.

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