backup

A past player and captain of the Club in the early 1970’s, John now lives in Saintfield Co. Down. He played for Campbell College, Ulster Schools and N.I.F.C. but his strong association with Trinity and Leinster rugby is reflected in his having played in four “Colours” and represented both the Combined Universities XV and Leinster at U.19 and U.21 levels. After Trinity he completed a rugby scholarship at U.C.L.A., where he played for the inaugural USA Cougars but a severe knee injury originally suffered in a Colours match finished his playing career. He had some success as a trophy winning coach at Ballynahinch Rugby Club. He considers it his privilege to have been a player, captain, President and now Chairman of the Club – living out the maxim, “D.U.F.C. – a Club for Life”. A BESS graduate, after a career as a Chartered Accountant and in Banking John is now principal in PAX Commercial Mediation.

Born in England. Tony played his Rugby at St. Mary’s Puddletown, Puddletown RFC, Exeter RFC and County rugby at all levels with Dorset and Wiltshire including English schoolboy trials . This is Tony’s 16th season with DUFC. He came to the club in 1998 following three years as Senior Coach at Blackrock College RFC. Previously Tony lived and coached in Seattle, USA for ten years. While in the USA, Tony founded the USA U19s program in 1992 whom he coached on 8 tours to New Zealand /Australia. He also took the USA U19s to their first ever FIRA U19s championships back in 1998 in Toulouse, the same competition that Ireland won with Brian O’Driscoll. That same year he stepped in at the last minute and coached the Irish Women’s XV in the Women’s World Cup in Amsterdam. In 2010 Tony coached Leinster U19s to an undefeated inter-provincial championship. He has also coached Irish Universities on several occasions over the past 15 years. In 2012-13 Tony was the USA Senior Eagles Backs and Attack coach – coaching in 13 test matches including a narrow loss to Ireland in Houston Texas 15-12. He had another season with the Senior Eagles in 2006 coaching six games. Tony has coached at Willow Park School and Blackrock College School for the past 19 years. He is an IRFU Level 3, stage 5 IRB qualified coach, the highest coaching qualification an Irish coach can achieve. He has been married to Catherine for ten years, and they have a four year old daughter, Eabha.

Kay joined Trinity in 1997 as Club Administrator putting the DUFC Office on the map. This is her 17th season with the Club. She was elected President of the Club in 2011/2012, becoming the first Lady President of an Irish University’s Rugby Club, leading the Club to promotion from Division 2 and becoming the All Ireland Club 7s Champions. In June 2012, the Irish Universities Rugby Union founded a Ladies Rugby Inter-Varsity competition, naming it “The Kay Bowen Cup”. She is married to Jim Bowen, of Munster Team fame, and has three children, Carla, Kim and James.

This is Michael’s fifth year with DUFC as he is studying for a Master’s in Engineering. He sits on the committee as captain of the First XV. A powerful and determined centre, Michael is a great leader on and off the pitch. He already has a Colours win to his name as well as three Conroy Cups and a JP Fanagan League with the Under 20s. He will be hoping to add to these this season.

Molly is the Captain of the women’s team. She is a third year Physiotherapy student. She started playing rugby when she joined DUFC in first year and has never looked back. She plays at 8 for DUFC Women, but is known to make appearances in the centre when required. She was Vice Captain of the team last season and is looking forward to a positive and progressive season as Captain this year. Molly is excited for the season ahead as the team competes in Division 1 of the Student Sport Ireland League and in Division 3 of the Leinster League, having achieved promotion from Division 4. This is her first year as an active committee member.

Kayla is a student representative to the club. This will be her third year playing for Trinity. She was introduced to rugby in college as it is still a growing sport in her home country, America. She usually plays flanker for the women’s team. Last year, she was a student representative for five sporting clubs to the Dublin University Central Athletics Club. Kayla is looking forward to getting back on the pitch as the women’s team will be playing in both the SSI league and Leinster Division III.

Daryl is a student officer for the club. He is in second year and plays with the under 20s team, where he is one of the key leaders. A scrum-half, who has represented Munster at underage level, this is Daryl’s second year on the committee.

Joe is Communications Officer this season for the club. This is Joe’s fourth year with DUFC and he plays hooker with the senior team. He is also a coach with the women’s team and therefore has good links within the club as a whole. This is his first year on the committee.