Morgan Morgan

Derek Nellmapius

• School Rugby History – Stanford University 1980 – 1984
• Club Rugby History – Back Bay Barbarians 1985 – 1992
• Rugby Travel – Australia 1983, Played for the University of Queensland Summer 1983, Spain 1992, Played for University of Barcelona
• Coaching History – Back Bay Sharks 2009 – 2013, USA Rugby Level 200 Coach
• Referee Experience – SCRRS Level 1 Referee
• Favorite international Rugby Team – All Blacks
• Favorite rugby moment, game or experience – Traveling to Australia and playing for the University of Queensland in 1983 at their stadium under the lights with 10,000 fans
• Why do you like to be involved with rugby – It is a sport with everything. The game requires intelligence, skill and endurance. The people are passionate and friendly and take the time to enjoy life together.
• What do you like about the Rhino Rugby Club – The coaches and managers are all dedicated to building a club which welcomes all players and their families. Our goal is to teach not only the game but how to be good sportsman. We want our players to succeed on every level and, for those with the skill and desire, to get to the top of USA Rugby.

I was lucky enough to grow up in a rugby mad country. I can remember going to an international rugby game at the age of 6, after that, I was hooked. In South Africa we start playing at around the age of 10, and the difference with South Africa is we played without shoes (barefoot) until the age of 13. This was until we went to high school. I will never forget getting boots (that’s what we called cleats); it felt like we had wings.

In the rest of the world rugby is played at school. My school had teams A through D (4 teams) in every age group. I excelled at a lot of sports but rugby has always been my true passion. After school I was lucky enough to play for a 1st division club in Johannesburg called the Wanderers. In the 2 years I played for the club I was lucky enough to play with and against some great players who went on to play for the Springboks and win the 1995 World Cup.

I came to the USA on a business trip in 1994, hoping to find a distributor for my swimming pool product (PoolRx). I came on a 3 month visa, with no intention on staying, but I fell in love with the business opportunity, people and Southern California so here I am 20 years on. The US is my home, and rugby is still my passion. There is nothing better that giving a positive influence and guidance to our youth. I believe that everybody can be a rugby player. All you need is heart and commitment to your team. There is a position for everyone’s athletic ability. We develop confidence and a positive attitude. We play hard, but we stay classy.