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56
Jan 13

With You! Rugby Podcast - Andrew McPherson

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Overview

In this episode of the "With You!" podcast, host Jon Hinkin sits down with Andrew McPherson, a founding member of the official University of Texas at Austin Rugby Club in 1985. Andrew shares his personal history with the sport, which began in high school and flourished during his time as a Longhorn.

The conversation centers on Andrew’s deep-rooted passion for rugby and his desire to give back to the program that shaped his early life. They discuss the recent announcement of the Andrew S. McPherson University of Texas at Austin Scholarship, a $3,500 annual award designed to support student-athletes who balance academic excellence with leadership on the pitch. This episode explores the power of alumni investment and the vital role that scholarships play in the sustainability and growth of collegiate club rugby in the United States.

Show Notes

  • 0:40 - How the "Rugby Saturday" emails sparked his interest in the US Rugby Foundation and collegiate scholarships.
  • 2:00 - Discussion of the various teams Andrew played for and the physical challenges of injuries sustained during his career.
  • 3:40 - Reflections on the founding years of the UT Austin Rugby Club and the camaraderie of the early teams.
  • 6:30 - Andrew discusses his motivation for the current award and his long-term goals for expanding scholarship opportunities.
  • 9:30 - Andrew’s vision for where the program can go in the next 10–20 years with the right alumni support and infrastructure.
  • 13:20 - Final thoughts on the legacy of the sport and thank yous to the Foundation.
  • Wrap Up

    In this inspiring episode, Andrew McPherson shows how simple engagement with the rugby community can turn into a life-changing opportunity for student-athletes. By bridging his history in the '85 and '86 seasons with his current role as a benefactor, Andrew provides a clear path for how alumni can strengthen the future of collegiate rugby. We hope this conversation inspires you to think about your own rugby legacy.