Congratulations to the 2025 US Rugby Hall of Fame Prusmack Award Recipients!
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Prusmack Award. Each recipient represents the pinnacle of collegiate sevens rugby in America.
Prusmack Award
Alyssa “Aly” Cunningham’s success in the rugby world feels almost inevitable — she was immersed in the sport before she could lace her boots. Though she excelled in multiple sports, she narrowed her focus in high school to pursue her true passions: rugby and ski racing. At Catholic Memorial High School (CMH) in Wisconsin, Aly was a key figure on a strong rugby team that regularly competed at the State, Midwest, and National Championship levels — winning the State and Midwest titles and finishing as national runners-up. She capped off her high school career as CMH’s 2021 Athlete of the Year. Aly continued her rugby journey at Sacred Heart University (SHU) where she captained the Pioneers to several milestone victories over traditional rugby powerhouses. She was selected All-NIRA First Team 3 years in a row and given the 2024–25 SHU Athletic Director’s Award her senior year. After graduating in May 2025, Aly has joined the New York Exiles for the inaugural Women’s Elite Rugby season and is also planning a late summer of 7s competition before heading to the University of Edinburgh, where she will pursue an MSc in management and continue playing rugby at a high level in Scotland.
Manulua “Manu” Taula was born in New Zealand, and came to the US to live with his Uncle Tony and Aunty Susana in May 2019. Despite the fear, pain, and sacrifice – especially of not knowing when he’d see his family again – he cherishes the experience. He is extremely thankful for his mum, dad, and family for being so supportive and loving throughout his journey here in the states and back home in New Zealand. Manu is currently studying and playing for St Bonaventure University. His rugby goal for the future is to play in Europe someday, but right now he is going with the flow of his college career, and sees whatever opportunity he gets during or after as a blessing.
