The 2026 US Rugby Hall of Fame Class Takes Its Place in History
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The 2026 US Rugby Hall of Fame Class Takes Its Place in History
On Friday, August 14, seven of American rugby's most influential figures were welcomed into the US Rugby Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was the centerpiece of a weekend that brought the rugby community together to celebrate the careers, and the character, that have shaped the game across the United States.
The 2026 US Rugby Hall of Fame class is Edward Ayub, Kevin Battle, Irene Gardner, Alex Goff, Kerrissa Heffernan, Alex Magleby, and William Sexton. They were joined by two special award recipients, Kevin Kitto with the Chairman's Award and Karen "KJ" Feury with the Lifetime Achievement Award, at the induction ceremony held at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel.
Meet the Class of 2026
This year's inductees represent nearly every corner of the game, from the pitch to the sideline to the press box and the medical tent. Seven names now take their place in the Hall:
- Edward Ayub, a leader in rugby sports medicine and a trusted presence for players across the country
- Kevin Battle, whose career spans playing, coaching, and administration
- Irene Gardner, a player and sports medicine professional who helped grow the women's game
- Alex Goff, one of the most recognized voices in American rugby journalism
- Kerrissa Heffernan, a player, coach, and administrator devoted to developing the next generation
- Alex Magleby, a player, coach, and administrator with a lasting mark on the collegiate and national game
- William Sexton, a coach and administrator whose influence reaches players at every level
Together, they reflect what the Hall of Fame is meant to honor: decades of service to American rugby and a commitment to leaving the game better than they found it. For full profiles of each honoree, read the complete Class of 2026 announcement.
Special Award Recipients
Alongside the induction class, the US Rugby Foundation recognized two individuals for extraordinary contributions to the sport. The late Kevin Kitto, who devoted more than four decades to growing the game in the United States, received the Chairman's Award, and Karen "KJ" Feury, a champion of youth rugby for over 25 years, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Read more about this year's special award recipients and the careers of service they represent.
The 2026 Prusmack Award
The weekend also recognized the Prusmack Award, which honors the pinnacle of collegiate sevens rugby in America. This year the award went to two standouts from Life University, James Rose and Hattie Greenwood, whose performances at the CRAA 7s finals set the standard for the college game.
A Full Weekend of American Rugby
The induction ceremony opened a weekend built around the sport at every level. On Saturday, August 15, the Class of 2026 was recognized on the field at halftime as the USA Men's Eagles hosted Argentina XV at Inter Miami CF Stadium, giving the honorees a moment in front of thousands of fans. That same weekend, coaches from across the country gathered for the American Rugby Coaching Conference, a national initiative focused on raising coaching standards and supporting the growth of the game.
None of it would have been possible without the community that showed up to celebrate. A special thank you goes to our presenting sponsor, Major League Rugby, whose partnership helped make the weekend a fitting tribute to this remarkable class.
Relive the Weekend in Photos
Cornerstone Photo & Film captured the entire weekend, from the ceremony to the celebrations that followed. Browse the complete gallery and find your favorite moments in the full photo album.
Support the Future of American Rugby
For six decades, the US Rugby Foundation has supported the growth and development of youth rugby in the United States through grassroots programs, college scholarships, coach and referee development, and health and safety initiatives. Every gift helps build the pathway for the next class of rugby leaders. Donate to the US Rugby Foundation and help write the next chapter of the game.
