OUR MISSION

Stamford Rugby Club, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2023 to grow and develop rugby union in Stamford, Connecticut. We provide youth and high school rugby programs for boys and girls from elementary through high school, creating a safe, educational, and enjoyable environment where players can learn, develop, and love the game.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR COACHES

Our coaches bring rugby experience and a commitment to helping players develop their skills, understanding of the game, and love of rugby. We prioritize coaching education, player safety, and a positive learning environment.

Rugby Playing Experience — Our coaches bring playing experience across youth, school, university, and club rugby.
Coaching Experience — Our coaches contribute experience developing players and delivering quality coaching.
World Rugby Certified Coaches — All head coaches and some assistants are World Rugby certified.
USA Rugby Registration — Coaches are registered with USA Rugby.
SafeSport Training — Coaches complete required SafeSport training.

MEET OUR COACHES

John Barrot

John is a Stamford Rugby Club parent and member of its coaching staff, with a lifelong background in rugby. He most recently played for New York Athletic Club, having previously played at men's, university, and high school levels in Australia. These days, he plays touch rugby with Fairfield Rugby Club and Darien Old Boys. John holds a World Rugby Level 1 coaching certification.

Carlos Martinez

Carlos played for the original Stamford Spartans RFC and continues to play with the Greenwich RFC men's team. A coach with Stamford Rugby Club since its founding, he began coaching the U14s and has followed that group through its development to varsity rugby.

Chris Moran

Chris played rugby with the Greenwich RFC men's team and brings his playing experience to developing young players at Stamford Rugby Club. He holds a World Rugby Level 1 coaching certification.

Mac Marrone

Mac is a Stamford Rugby Club parent and member of its coaching staff who holds a World Rugby Level 1 coaching certification. He contributes to the club's commitment to developing players' rugby skills, building confidence, and fostering a positive team environment.

Kris O'Brien

Kris is a Stamford Rugby Club parent and member of its coaching staff, with previous youth rugby coaching experience at Fairfield Rugby Club. He also brings extensive youth coaching experience in football, baseball, and soccer in Stamford.

Ric Gordon

Ric is a Stamford Rugby Club parent and member of its coaching staff, supporting the development of the club's players. He contributes to an environment focused on learning the game, improving rugby skills, and building strong team connections.

Simon Walker

Simon began playing rugby in 2009 with the original Stamford Spartans RFC and has competed with men's clubs at the DII and DIII levels, including White River RFC and Greenwich RFC. A coach with Stamford Rugby Club since its founding, he began with the U14s and has followed that group through its development to varsity rugby. Simon holds a World Rugby Level 1 coaching certification.

HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER COACHES

Our high school players help coach younger flag rugby teams, building connections across age groups and strengthening our club community. They receive appropriate training and any required certifications to help deliver a safe, positive, and engaging introduction to rugby.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Barrot

John is a lifelong rugby player, coach, and fan with experience spanning school, university, and club rugby in Australia and the United States. He holds a World Rugby Level 1 coaching certification and previously coached youth rugby at Fairfield Rugby Club.

Kris O'Brien

Kris has coached youth rugby at Fairfield Rugby Club and Stamford Rugby Club. He also brings significant experience coaching football, baseball, and soccer in Stamford.

Bridget Barrot

Bridget brings extensive expertise in business, sales, marketing, and customer success, with a background in working with startups and scaling organizations.

GOVERNING BODIES

Stamford Rugby Club operates in accordance with the rules, regulations, and governance requirements of Rugby Connecticut, USA Rugby, and World Rugby.

OUR PARTNERS

We are grateful to the local businesses, nonprofits, and community partners who share our commitment to youth development and growing the game of rugby. Their support helps us build a stronger club and create opportunities for more young people to play, learn, and thrive.