Taylor Hayes scored two tries for Texas in last Saturday’s defeat of Baylor, and was a rock in defense, and that’s been part for the course for the Longhorn center.

Perhaps the central elder for Texas, Hayes might be driving the engine of the team, and driving engines is something he knows a little bit about.

Hayes started playing rugby in 7th grade while he lived in Dhoa, Qatar. His father worked in the oil industry, which explains the exotic location, and his dad was also influential in what sport Hayes played.

“My father had previously played and got me into the sport by bringing me out to the Qatar youth club's practice and I've loved it ever since,” he said.

Hayes senior is now working in Tanzania, but will be happy to hear that his son is also looking at a career in the energy industry. He is a mechanical engineering major at Texas and has interned with British Petroleum during the last two summers, working as a rotating equipment engineer in the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere in North America.

“As a rotating engineer I was helping to troubleshoot and run the pumps, compressors, engines, and motors that BP operates in order to drive both gas and oil pipelines,” explained Hayes.

Back in Austin, he’s worried about another pipeline, as Texas Rugby looks to build its depth. Hayes is one of the upperclassmen that Head Coach Chris Hopps relies on the help the younger players.

“Taylor is one of our top performers and one of our leaders,” said Hopps.

“This year has one of Texas Rugby's strongest recruiting classes and I am very excited about the season,” added Hayes. “Although we may be young in age, a large number of our recruits have played previously, either in high school or overseas. Our goal has never changed - be the hardest working team in the United States, and I believe that if we achieve that goal, success will follow. Personally I hope to bring rugby experience and leadership to the table, motivating guys to continue to keep working hard and improve every day.”

Texas faces Oklahoma Friday night in Dallas. Taylor Hayes is our Aircraft Charter Solutions Player of the Week.