Coaches
Declan Connolly- Head Coach
Declan Connolly took over as head coach of the men’s rugby team at the University of Vermont in 2002. During his tenure as head coach, the team has improved from being marginally competitive to being one of the top powerhouses in the league and potentially the country, having been ranked as high as number 13 in 2008.
Starting at the age of six, he grew up playing Gaelic football and rugby in Ireland. After graduating from university, he went on to play in the Heineken League in Wales and for Oregon State University in the United States, and now has over 35 years of playing experience.
In 1995, he moved to Burlington to teach at UVM. He joined the Burlington men’s team that same year, and the program went on to win six NERFU championships, making two final four appearances. His performance with Burlington won him a spot on the United States over-35 select side in 2002.
Then, in 2004, he threw in the towel, ending his career playing rugby so he could focus on coaching and family. It quickly became his goal to develop the UVM rugby team into one of the premier teams on the national level. The 2009 Ireland Tour was instrumental in moving the team closer towards those national aspirations.
There is no question Declan has achieved his goal, but we hope he doesn’t leave the team anytime soon. His contribution to the club has been immeasurable. Everyone who has played for him has appreciated his devoted commitment and heartfelt support, his insights into the game, and his passion for excellence. Without him, the UVM rugby team would have floundered.
Declan is also a Professor of Exercise Science. He resides in Burlington with his lovely wife and four energetic children. And in the past four years, he has run not one, but two, ironman races.
Charles Bates- Assistant Coach
Charlie has been assisting UVM Rugby since 2006. Along with starting a local U-19 program (Mad River U-19 Rugby) in 2002 with his sons Jack (‘11) and Eric, Charlie has coached New England U-19 Boys Select Side, New England Collegiate All-Stars (North), and Vermont U-19 Boys Select Side for 3 tours to Ontario.
Jim Osborn- Assistant Coach
Jim came to UVM from North Carolina State University in the spring of 2009.
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