Monthly Archives: November 2015

All Tied Up

Steuber Rugby Stadium, Stanford, CA – October 25, 2015

The annual alumni matches were played on Sunday, October 25, as part of the Reunion Homecoming 2015. While pulled together at the last minute, there was a good turnout from the alumni for men and women. In quite possibly a first ever, both matches ended in dramatic draws. With the alumni in both games pulling level late in the match.

We would like to thank the alumni for their continued support of the program and for two matches played in great spirit. We look forward to your continued support as the year continues.

Back to The Farm

Stanford, CA — Stanford Rugby announces that Josh Sutcliffe will be the new Director of Rugby/Head Coach. Sutcliffe returns to The Farm in his new role after a previous stint as an assistant coach from 2005-08. He returns to Stanford on the back heels of a stint with USA Rugby as the Director of Coach Development.

“It’s great to have Coach Sutcliffe back at The Farm,” says Chairman of the Stanford Rugby Board Denis Shanagher (Class of ’78). “He brings a vision for growth on and off the field.”

A native of Australia, Sutcliffe grew up playing Rugby in Australia and New Zealand. His early years were highlighted with the award of South Australian Rugby Most Outstanding U21 Player (2001) and an appearance for the Australian Universities XV (2004). On moving to the USA, Sutcliffe played in the Rugby Super League for San Francisco Golden Gate and Charlotte Rugby before finishing his playing career as a member of the Pacific Rugby Premiership Champion Glendale Raptors in 2015. Sutcliffe earned his international caps for the Philippines (2007-09) qualifying via Filipino mother.

Throughout his playing career, Sutcliffe has held many coaching positions at various clubs and universities. Recently, he has worked with the women’s national team players before the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014. This was complemented by his role as scrum/forwards coach for Women’s Premier League Glendale Raptor Women.

While completing his bachelor’s, Sutcliffe was an assistant coach of UNC-Greensboro Men. During this 3 year period, UNCG experienced it’s most successful period with a conference championship. This lead to an invitation in 2010 to be an assistant coach for the North Carolina Collegiate All Stars, which include a win over arch rivals the Palmetto All Stars (SC).

“It’s an honor to be invited to help write the next chapter in the Stanford Rugby legacy,” said Sutcliffe. “The program has a great history and we will continue to add to it in the future.”

Sutcliffe will relocate from Colorado with his wife, Julie, and their three daughters. Julie returns home to Palo Alto and looks forward to Brynn, Hadley and Kenna growing up near family and friends.

About Stanford Rugby:
Rugby has been played at Stanford since 1891, and continuously since 1906. The team has always been made up of a blend of players new to the game and those with prior experience to coming to Stanford, and the team welcomes both. Over their proud 100+ year history, the Stanford Rugby program has won numerous National Championships, produced scores of All-Americans, Stanford Hall of Fame members, and multiple National Team Players and Olympic Gold Medal Winners