Mike Hodgins

The University at Buffalo has appointed Michael Hodgins as its new head coach.

Hodgins replaces Mickey McGuire, who announced his retirement in May after 23 years as coach of UB men’s rugby.

During McGuire’s tenure, UB grew from a competitive, social team with a loose affiliation to the University into a highly competitive club with Division I and Division III teams.

A perennial contender in the Northeast, UB has high hopes for Hodgins’ leadership.

McGuire will continue to assist the club on alumni-related projects stating “We couldn’t be happier with our choice of Mike for the position. His knowledge and experience assures us that the UB Rugby will continue to flourish for years to come.”

Hodgins, most recently head coach at Brockport, brings impressive rugby vita with him. Hodgins is currently head coach of the Northeast College All-Stars and coached the Genesee men’s and High School clubs in years past.

He works for USA Rugby in the Coach Development Department as a Coach Educator and is an IRB Licensed Educator. He is currently president of the New York State Rugby Conference, a board member of the United States Collegiate Rugby Association, and a member of the USA Rugby Congress.

On his opportunity to coach at SUNY Buffalo, Hodgins stated, “I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be part of the University at Buffalo rugby program.

“There is a long standing tradition of excellence here that permeates throughout the entire organization. This is a wonderful chance to build something unique for the future here at UB.”

Don’t expect the new head coach to rest on the laurels of UB’s tradition. Hodgins recognizes the support of the rugby community on campus.

“The culture and environment at UB are based on the quality of everything we do as a rugby organization both on and off the field and that makes my job easier from the start.”

UB club president Brandon Wood expressed his enthusiasm for the new head coach saying; “Mike Hodgins' coaching platform is exactly what UB needs to bring us to the next level of competition. With the program he intends to bring to UB, the team can continue to grow and develop into one of the top rugby teams in the country.”

Hodgins’ tenure as head coach will be put to the test with UB’s season opener at St Bonaventure in the fall.