12/06/04 Mike Rayburn Steps Down as MTRC Director

Mike Rayburn the Director of the Middle Tennessee High School Rugby Conference is stepping down due to relocation. His replacement is currently being considered.

Mike is considered the father of Franklin High School Rugby after founding the club in 2000. He taught the first group of boys at Franklin how to play rugby and instilled in them a love for the sport. One of his Franklin players became the first U-19 national team pool player selected from Tennessee while others have gone on to play rugby at the college level.

Mike was transferred out of Tennessee in 2002, but upon returning to Nashville in time for the 2003 season, he assumed the position of Conference Director and led the Middle Tennessee Conference to some major improvements. Mike brought parents into the administration, found new venues for clubs to play on, increased the number of teams in the conference, instituted on-site medical personnel at all games, led the charge for a Code of Conduct, directed the development of the conference web site, ran two State Tournaments, and achieved other accomplishments too numerous to mention.

Mike has been the heart of H.S. Rugby in Middle Tennessee and has earned the gratitude and respect of the rugby community. He will be sorely missed in Tennessee.