Austin Elite Rugby – Allan Hanson

Austin Elite Rugby Management announced the signing of Allan Hanson as a utility back for the 2018 Major League Rugby season.

Allan, age 23, is from Cape Girardeau, Missouri and grew up in Hudson, Ohio. He played rugby for four years at Hudson High School, earned varsity letters twice for football and wrestling and also played baseball. While at Hudson, He was a member of the Rugby Ohio High School 7s State Champions his senior year in 2012.

Upon graduation, he went to Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia in 2012. While there, he played under head coach Eric Jerpe, and later his Junior year under Tal Bayer and his Senior year under Tommy Duffy. Prior to Duffy’s arrival in Fall 2016, he and team-mate Peter Malcom, coached the team for three matches and were co-captains of the team. That was his final semester in College, as he graduated that December with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance.

During the Summers from 2013 to 2015, he played for 1823 Sevens and was the youngest player In the 2014 USA Rugby Club 7s Nationals.

On October 31-November 1, 2015 Allan played in the Halloween 7s at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. Eight teams were part of this high performance event. “The tournament consisted of four domestic, city-based select sides: Denver 7s, Ohio 7s, New York City 7s, and Rugby Utah. Additionally, the USA Falcons and USA Hawks, made up of current residents of the Olympic Training Center and players brought in for recent High Performance camps, were apart of the eight-team field. Finally, Argentina Rugby and Rugby Canada each sent a squad that didn’t lack experience on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.”

Hanson, who helped captain Ohio-based 1823 over the summer, was part of AIG Men’s Junior All-American Sevens Head Coach Paul Holmes’ Ohio 7s roster. In reflecting about the tournament, Hanson explained “The biggest difference as compared to a college match is the minimal room for error. If you make even the smallest of mistakes, these boys will make you pay.”

Allan also played with Tiger Rugby and at the Tiger Rugby Academy. By 2016, he was a member of the Ohio Aviators in the inaugural professional rugby league in the U.S.

Hanson has also played for Tri-Village RFC and his home club is Scioto Valley RFC in Columbus.

Coach & Player Comments

Paul Holmes, who has coached Allan with Tiger Rugby, their Academy, 1823 Sevens and with the Ohio Aviators said that “I have known Allan since he was a young high school player. Allan, when healthy, has a lot of potential and is very versatile. He is a huge asset as a team player and someone that adds value into team culture.

Tommy Duffy, who coached Allan his last semester of his Senior year at Wheeling Jesuit University, indicated that “he is one of the best players I have had the honor of coaching. First off, I want to say how proud I am of him for the hard work and dedication he has put in to reach this point. He has one of the best young rugby minds I know. His vision on the pitch, coupled with his knowledge and overall athleticism will make him a stron factor in teh Austin Elite organization.”

Duffy continued saying that “Allan was one of several major cogs in my attack at Jesuit. I am so glad to see him back with Peter Malcolm as team-mates. Allan has got a very long career ahead of him in this game. Because when he is done playing, he will become one of the best coaches in the USA or even overseas.

Allan Hanson commented that “ I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to continue playing this beautiful game! I couldn’t have asked for a better landing place than Austin and am excited to begin the championship process!

HUGE shoutouts to my family, friends, teammates, teachers, trainers and coaches in both Ohio and West Virginia that stuck with me, pushed my mental and physical skills and challenged me through injury to get back to an elite level of performance.

I’ve already gotten settled here and have been in the off-season training program for two weeks. Class coaching staff, class management, and an incredibly talented group of players already in place. Proof of why the national title came to Austin. Onward!”