Paul Barford New Head Coach of Pro Rugby’s Ohio Team

“PRO Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Barford as Head Coach for the Ohio team in PRO Rugby’s 2016 inaugural season. Barford is a native of England where he played for the storied Leicester Tigers. Not only is he a certified World Rugby educator, he holds the highest World Rugby Level 3 certification. For the past 35 years, Barford has dedicated himself to USA Rugby and has been a key figure in the development of many Eagles from his work with U17, U18, U19, and U20 programs. He has also coached with the USA Men’s A side, the South, and Life University.”

Many might not know that Paul Barford also has had a long history with Monmouth Rugby Club. I have known him for many years as both a player for the club and as a friend.

Monmouth Rugby Club has had a rich history of players coaching rugby. The Club is also among the leading rugby clubs nationally for participating in rugby tours. Paul has been part of this rich tradition in giving back to rugby through his coaching and being a Coach Educator. He also has gone on many of Monmouth’s rugby tours and has long since gravitated to those involving USA national teams.

Paul, as well as his wife Ann, who played for the USA Women’s Eagles, are also members of the Monmouth Rugby Hall of Fame. A number of pictures of him line the walls in Monmouth’s Club House, the Wilde Rover in Red Bank, New Jersey.