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Overview
This week on the With You! Rugby Podcast, the President of the United States Rugby Foundation, Brian Vizard, spoke with past manager of several US National Rugby teams and 2021 US Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, Tristan Lewis.Tristan grew up in London and was first introduced to rugby in school. He played rugby at London University and played for several clubs including the London Welsh Rugby Club. Tristan also rowed and participated in motor racing, which eventually led him to the United States when he began managing a motor racing team.Over a long rugby career in the States, Tristan managed the US Men’s National 7s, US Men’s National 15s, and the US Women’s National 7s teams. He also served as Director of Rugby for the Chicago Lions, was Manager of the Midwest Thunderbirds, and served as Vice-President of USA Rugby.
Show Notes
0:30: Brian welcomes Tristan Lewis and asks him about the sports he played in his youth.
3:35: Tristan talks about coming to the United States in 1977.
4:50: How would you evaluate yourself as a rugby player?
7:00: What brought you over to the United States and what was it like to play with the Old Blue Rugby Club?
8:40: What are some highlights from your days with the Chicago Lions?
11:30: Tristan talks about the transition from player to administrator/manager.
12:40: Tell us a bit about what goes into being a manager for the US national teams.
15:20: Did you have a preference between the 7s and the 15s when it came to team management?
18:50: Out of all the tours and matches you were a part of as a manager, did any in particular stand out to you?
21:50: Did you have a favorite team to manage over the course of your career?
23:40: Was there an Eagle captain that really stood out to you or made a lasting impression?
25:00: What’s your favorite memory in rugby?
26:50: Tristan talks about the most rewarding moment he has had in rugby.
28:30: What is one piece of advice for any up-and-coming rugby administrators and managers?
Wrap Up
In this episode of the With You! Rugby Podcast, we heard from Tristan Lewis, the previous manager of several US National Rugby teams. Tristan helped organize dozens of matches and tours for the US national team across the globe and will soon be inducted into the US Rugby Hall of Fame for his contributions to the rugby community.