Atlanta Youth Rugby Names Colton Cariaga Director of Rugby
Atlanta Youth Rugby Names Colton Cariaga Director of Rugby
Atlanta Youth Rugby has announced Colton Cariaga as its first ever Director of Rugby.
Cariaga was the first coach from Life University to join AYR in its founding year. He coached the Inman Middle School program over the 2014-2015 season, and has been an AYR Board member since 2016.
Having attended and played rugby for Life University, Colton quickly went on to coach his alma mater beginning in 2014. Since then, Life University Men's Rugby has achieved four D1A National Titles, 35 All Americans, a Rudy Scholz Award-winner as the top player in the nation in 2019 in Harley Wheeler, this year's winner of the college 7s top player in Darius Law, and a #1 overall MLR draft selection in Connor Mooneyham.
Additionally, Colton has been a coach for the Junior National Team programs, including the USA U23 7s (2020-present) and the USA U20s 15s (2021-present), as well as Atlanta RFC 7s (2018-2021).
“I look forward to helping AYR’s member tackle clubs Buckhead, Inman Park, Red Top and War Eagles with a player skills based approach to improve coaching and curriculum, as well as continuity between games and practices," said Cariaga.
AYR President & CEO Anton Forbes-Roberts said that Cariaga has been an invaluable resource in helping high school ruggers navigate the college rugby landscape.
“We are delighted that Coach Colton is giving his substantial shoulder to help make AYR’s tackle programs consistent and successful over the long term," said Forbes-Roberts. "Colton is a great friend and one of the best rugby minds in the country.”
