Play Rugby at Fairfield University
Learn about the many benefits of playing rugby at Fairfield University. In its more than fifty year history, Fairfield Rugby has built a powerful legacy of excellence on and off the field. Our players, coaches, administrators and alumni field a formidable team in support of the program – and each other.
Director of Rugby
Austin Ryan was named Director of Rugby at Fairfield University on January 3, 2022. Ryan first came to Fairfield in 2014 as the Head Coach for Women’s Rugby, but had to step down after one year to pursue his career in fundraising. Ryan returned to Fairfield in 2019 as the Head Coach for Men’s Rugby before being promoted fulltime.
Prior to coaching at Fairfield, Ryan coached the inaugural Connecticut Men’s Select Team in 2020. This team defeated the DC Capitol Selects before being canceled due to COVID-19. Ryan’s coaching résumé also includes Westport U12/U14 in Connecticut, a 2x state runner-up with Jesuit Dallas H.S. Boys in Texas, and a national semifinalist as Head Coach for Brookfield Girls H.S. Rugby in Wisconsin.
A 2006 graduate of Fairfield Prep and a 2010 graduate of Marquette University with a BS in Secondary Education and a BA in English, Ryan captained Prep Rugby as a senior and Marquette Rugby his entire career, and earned three selections to the Wisconsin Collegiate All-Star Team. After college, he pursued his teaching career in Dallas, where he played for the Reds at the D1 Club level. Making the national playoffs every year, the Reds finished 3rd in the country in 2014. Ryan also played for the North Texas All-Stars that year. Returning home to Connecticut, Ryan joined the Fairfield Yankees, who won the D3 Club National Championship in 2016.
Meet Our Coaches
Fairfield has actively pursued top level coaches with outstanding credentials on an international level. Players can hone their skills and elevate their game with the insight and experience only such professional coaching can provide.
Austin Ryan – Head Coach Austin Ryan joined the Fairfield Men’s Rugby Club in 2019. His background at Fairfield Preparatory College and Marquette University prepared him for a victorious coaching career with Fairfield. He believes that rugby is the purest team sport in which anyone who wants to work hard enough physically and mentally is rewarded. Email Coach Ryan at aryan3@fairfield.edu
Jane Kim – We welcome Jane Kim as the 4th head coach for the Fairfield University women’s rugby team. Jane comes to us with a strong rugby pedigree at Harvard and the USA Rugby Eagles along with the high energy and passion for the game that we all love. With assistant coach Eric Anahory, Jane brings leadership skills, rugby knowledge, and the ability to relate to our lady ruggers that positions our program for new levels of success in our quest for national rankings and recognition. Email Coach Jane at jkim@fairfield.edu