A Titan of Medicine and a Pillar of American Rugby
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that the US Rugby Foundation marks the passing of a legendary figure in our community, Dr. Lyle Micheli.
For decades, Dr. Micheli served as a cornerstone of our leadership. As a long-standing member of our Board of Directors and now as an Emeritus Director, he volunteered his immense expertise to help grow the game he loved. A world-renowned leader in sports medicine, Dr. Micheli brought a unique blend of academic brilliance and athletic passion to our mission.
His contributions were instrumental in establishing the safety and development standards upon which youth rugby in the United States stands today. His legacy remains woven into the very fabric of the Foundation.
Championing Player Welfare: Health & Safety
Dr. Micheli’s impact was perhaps most felt through his leadership of our Health & Safety pillar. He was a tireless advocate for minimizing the risk of injuries among youth and high school players, ensuring that the physical well-being of our athletes was always the top priority.
He was a driving force behind the Foundation's Medical Bag Grant program. Understanding that proper preparation is the first line of defense on the pitch, Dr. Micheli was a big part of the initiative to provide youth and high school teams with the essential medical kits needed to keep players safe. To learn more about the safety standards and resources he helped champion, please visit:
Honoring His Life and Legacy
The funeral Mass for Dr. Micheli was held on Saturday, February 21st. For those in the rugby community, colleagues, and friends who were unable to attend or wish to revisit the celebration of his life, the service remains available to view in its entirety.
Watch the Memorial Service: The recording of the funeral Mass has been preserved online for the community to take part in remotely.
Tributes and Memories: We also encourage the rugby family to visit Dr. Micheli’s official memorial page. The guestbook and photo gallery continue to grow with stories and tributes from the many lives he touched throughout his storied career and his time with the Foundation.
A Lasting Impact
Micheli's commitment to the US Rugby Foundation was a testament to the Rugby Ethos. He believed deeply in the power of the sport to build confidence, foster teamwork, and improve physical health for young athletes.
As we look toward the future of American Rugby—from grassroots pitches to the upcoming World Cups on home soil—we do so on the shoulders of giants like Dr. Micheli. The US Rugby Foundation extends its deepest condolences to the Micheli family. We remain dedicated to continuing the work he championed, ensuring that his passion for the game lives on in every player we support.
#GrowTheGame #WithYou
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