Congratulations to the 2026 US Rugby Hall of Fame Inductees!

May 14, 2026

It is with great pride that we reveal the distinguished individuals selected for induction into the US Rugby Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Each inductee represents the pinnacle of rugby excellence in America, having shaped the foundation and future of our beloved sport.

The following remarkable athletes and contributors have earned their place in rugby immortality through their exceptional skill, unwavering dedication, and lasting impact on the game:

Alexander Goff

Alexander "Alex" Goff has been a pivotal voice in American rugby media for over two decades, helping to shape the sport's narrative and provide essential exposure to players across all levels. Since founding the Goff Rugby Report, he has dedicated himself to covering high school, collegiate, and senior club rugby, often bringing much needed attention to grassroots programs. His comprehensive coverage includes establishing rankings for high school and college teams, tracking American players overseas, and providing in-depth analysis of national team performances. He has frequently served as a commentator and analyst for major rugby broadcasts, bringing his encyclopedic knowledge of the game to a wider audience. In recognition of his contributions, he has received numerous media awards and continues to be a trusted authority within the rugby community.

Alexander "Mags" Magleby

Alexander "Mags" Magleby's remarkable career spans success as a player, coach, and administrator at the highest levels of American rugby. A standout collegiate player at Dartmouth College, Magleby went on to earn international honors, representing the United States as captain of the USA Eagles Sevens team. Following his playing days, Magleby returned to Dartmouth as the Director of Rugby and head coach, transforming the program into a national powerhouse and securing multiple Ivy League titles and national sevens championships. He later served as the head coach of the USA Men's Sevens team and General Manager of National Teams for USA Rugby, overseeing the high performance pathways for both the men's and women's programs. Most recently, as the co-founder and CEO of the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby, he built a franchise known for its strong community ties and competitive excellence, culminating in an MLR Championship.

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. 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. 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.

Irene Gardner

Irene Gardner's career in rugby is a testament to her athletic brilliance and her commitment to the well-being of her fellow athletes. A fiercely competitive player, Gardner was a standout for the Berkeley All Blues, leading her team to multiple national championships. Her exceptional talent on the field earned her a place on the USA Women's Sevens team, where she represented the United States on the global stage with distinction. Following her retirement from international competition, Gardner seamlessly transitioned into a role that combined her passion for rugby with her professional expertise. As a dedicated sports dietitian and medical professional, she has provided essential support to rugby players, focusing on nutrition, player welfare, and performance optimization. Through her advocacy, coaching, and medical contributions, she has helped elevate the standards of the women's game in the United States.

Kerrissa Heffernan

Kerrissa "Kerri" Heffernan has devoted her life to advancing women's rugby, making history as a player, coach, and administrator. Her international career began in 1987 when she was selected for the first official United States women's team to play an international match. A formidable presence on the field, Heffernan also claimed multiple national club championships with Beantown RFC. Transitioning to coaching, Heffernan became the head coach of the Brown University women's rugby program, leading the initiative to elevate the team to varsity status. Under her guidance, Brown secured seven Ivy League Championships and produced numerous All-Americans and national team players. As an administrator, she played a pivotal role in establishing the US Women's Rugby Foundation History Project, building archives and online museums to document the rich history of women's rugby in America.

Kevin Battle

Kevin "KB" Battle has been a transformative figure in American rugby, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to developing the sport at all levels. His journey began as a collegiate standout, earning Collegiate All-American honors in sevens. Following his playing career, Battle founded the Santa Barbara Rugby Academy, an innovative program that provided non-college track athletes with a structured pathway to play rugby and matriculate to four-year universities. His administrative expertise has benefited rugby on a national scale, serving as the USA Rugby Collegiate DI Commissioner and managing the USA Men's National Team during multiple World Cup campaigns. More recently, Battle has been a driving force in professional rugby as the General Manager for the LA Giltinis and CEO of Rugby LA, introducing flag and tackle rugby to thousands of inner-city youth.

William Sexton

William "Bill" Sexton has been a cornerstone of rugby coaching and administration in the Midwest for over 35 years. His most visible impact has been at Truman State University, where he has served as head coach since 1989. Under his guidance, the program transformed into a collegiate powerhouse, securing 12 Heart of America titles, multiple Western Championships, and making consistent appearances in the USA Rugby national playoffs. As an administrator, he served as President of the Heart of America union and led the Western Rugby Union for 22 years. His strategic vision was instrumental on the national stage during his ten years on the USA Rugby Board of Directors. Sexton played a crucial role in modernizing the sport's infrastructure, famously helping to create the original CIPP membership system and contributing to the establishment of the USA Rugby Coaching Certification program.