Brian Vizard Retires from US Rugby Foundation
Brian Vizard Retires from US Rugby Foundation
(San Diego) — Brian Vizard, the president and chief executive officer of the US Rugby Foundation, has retired effective July 20, 2024, after more than 20 years leading the non-profit focused on growing grassroots and youth rugby in the United States.
Vizard helped the USRF solidify its finances and raise millions to support the development of rugby across the US.
While guiding the Foundation, Vizard started the popular "With You" podcast. He also developed and guided the "A Ball for All" campaign, which has distributed more than 18,300 rugby balls to youth clubs around the country to introduce kids to the sport.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to run the US Rugby Foundation and help it grow into what it is today,” Vizard said. “I look forward to seeing even bigger things in the future and watching the boys and girls we helped grow and flourish.”
Known as "Viz" throughout the rugby community, Brian captained the US National Rugby Team, the Eagles, at the 1991 Rugby World Cup and garnered 22 caps during his playing career in the pre-professional days of the sport. He also appeared 21 times for the US National 7-a-side rugby team.
As an ambassador for both the sport and the USRF, Viz embodies and teaches the virtues of rugby as a way for children to develop important life skills: teamwork, respect, sportsmanship, concentration, collaboration and discipline.
All-Time American List: Brian Vizard
“Brian has been the heart and soul of the Foundation for the last 20 years, working tirelessly to make rugby in America better,” said Bill Fraumann, Chairman of the US Rugby Foundation. “He has been the public face of our efforts to grow rugby, particularly youth rugby, from the grassroots up.”
Vizard served on the USA Rugby Board of Directors from 1996-1998 and was Executive Director of the US Rugby Super League from 1996-1999. He was elected to the USA Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016 as part of the sixth class and won the prestigious Craig Sweeney Award, which recognizes former international rugby players who have given back to the sport.
Many people are familiar with Viz's voice from his 30 years as a commentator on rugby internationals. He appeared on Fox Sports World, Fox Sports 1, NBC Universal, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Classic, ESPN Desportes, Fox Soccer Channel, Oxygen and Prime Ticket.
GRR Note: Brian Vizard has represented this sport with class and intelligence for years. He was, in fact, GRR Editor Alex Goff's first rugby interview, in 1991, and Goff had the honor of working on a broadcast team with Viz more than once. He has always been the consummate professional, a true lover of the game, and just a fun guy to be around. His habit in broadcast prep to ambush his partner with questions as if they were both on-air is a tactic Goff still uses in his broadcast prep.
So maybe think about it this way: A leading player on the best club in the US during his era, OMBAC, and captain of the USA team, and then the chief broadcast on-air talent (along with Dave Sitton) for rugby for over 20 years, and then the person leading the drive to raise funds for grassroots rugby and building the game, he was essentially on top of his field in three different areas of the game.
After his retirement from USRF, Vizard plans to join the professional services firm of Lindahl Reed, Inc.
The US Rugby Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization, which has for six decades supported the growth and development of youth rugby in the United States. The Foundation accomplishes this by funding and promoting grassroots programs, college scholarships, coach and referee development, and health and safety. To show support or learn more visit usrugbyfoundation.org.
For additional information & interviews, contact jhinkin@usrugbyfoundation.com
