Our Mission

Stamford Rugby Club, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2023 to foster the growth and development of rugby union in Stamford, Connecticut, and neighboring towns. Our mission is to provide youth and high school rugby programs for boys and girls from kindergarten to high school, offering a safe, inclusive, educational, and enjoyable environment for learning and playing rugby.

Our People

John Barrot, Board Member / Coach John is a lifelong rugby player, coach, and fan. He played rugby in middle/high school at St Stanislaus’ College in Bathurst, then at University of Sydney RFC, Waverly Rugby Club, and later at New York Athletic Club. John is a Level 1 coach and previously coached youth rugby at Fairfield Rugby Club and now at Stamford Rugby Club.

Kris O'Brien, Board Member / Coach Kris previously coached at Fairfield Rugby Club's youth program and now at Stamford. He has coached football, baseball, and soccer in Stamford for several years.

Bridget Barrot, Board Member Bridget brings considerable business, sales & marketing, and customer success acumen to our club with experience working with startups and scaling organizations.

Simon Walker, Coach - HS Boys Simon Walker has played rugby for 12 years, starting in 2009 for the original Stamford Spartans RFC. He has played for various men's clubs at the DII and DIII levels, including White River RFC and Greenwich RFC. Recently becoming an L200 coach, he is excited to be a part of the revival of rugby in his hometown. In 2023, he coached the Stamford U14 team and will move up to High School Boys for 2024.

Mac Marrone, Coach - Youth Flag Mac learned rugby at Cobham Rugby Club, UK, beginning a lifelong love for the sport. He moved back to CT for high school, played for Fairfield Prep, then the US Naval Academy, and the Norfolk City Blues Men’s DII. Mac led our Flag Rugby program in 2023 and will continue in this role in 2024.

Pia Suzanne Reyes, Coach - Youth Flag Pia is a current player for the Fairfield Lady Yankees and has been playing rugby for several years. Pia is an elementary school paraprofessional in Greenwich.

Carlos Martinez, Coach - HS Boys Carlos played for the original Stamford Spartans RFC and is a current player with the Greenwich RFC men's team. In 2023, he coached the Stamford U14 team and will move up to High School Boys for 2024.

Ande Holcombe, Coach - Youth Tackle Ande is a former rugby player and was an assistant coach for Stamford Rugby Club’s U14 team last year. He will coach the U12 team in 2024.

Jack Hague, Coach - Youth Tackle Jack played rugby at the University of Niagara and is an avid rugby supporter. He coached our U12 tackle team in 2023 and will continue to assist with our U14 in 2024.

Joe Kestebaum, Coach - HS Boys Before joining Stamford Rugby’s coaching staff, Joe played rugby at Ursinas College and is an active player at Greenwich RFC.

Our Partners

We extend our gratitude to our partners, nonprofits, and local businesses who share our passion for community, youth programs, and rugby. They are integral to our club's success.

Governing Bodies

Stamford Rugby Club operates under the governance of Rugby Connecticut, USA Youth & High School Rugby, and World Rugby.