Men's Rugby

About Us

Iona Rugby fields an A & B side. The team was founded in 1977 and is an active member of the Liberty Rugby Conference. The Rugby team participated in the 2021 Liberty Rugby Conference Championship.

In Memory of Patt Quinn '06

Players who have gone on to play professional rugby:

Connor Buckley
John Powers
Watson Filikitonga
Kyle Granby

Join Us

Interested in joining rugby? Contact our coaching staff to get started.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach

Kyle Granby

Email: kgranby@iona.edu

Kyle Granby began playing rugby during his junior year at Iona University and quickly made a name for himself. After graduating, he won a Division-1 National Championship with the New York Athletic Club and competed in numerous championships with Old Blue of New York. He also represented the USA Hawks in rugby league. Kyle and his wife co-founded ROOTS Rugby Family, a non-profit organization supporting players of the African diaspora. He has served as Captain for Old Blue and the Brooklyn Kings and is now returning to Iona as the new head coach after an impressive first season with our 7s program. Kyle was inducted into the Iona Rugby Hall of Fame in 2018, solidifying his legacy at the university.

Coaching & Support Staff

Nicholas Clapinson

Assistant Coach

Email: nclapinson@iona.edu

Nicholas Clapinson is an accomplished rugby coach with experience at multiple international levels. His most recent role was as Head Coach of the Quebec Provincial Team, where he led the squad to a championship win at the 2024 East Coast Rugby Championship. Before that, he coached at Bishop’s University in Canada. Clapinson is a former Canadian international and professional player and met coach Grandy while coaching Old Blue RFC.

Kevin Morgan

Assistant Coach

Email: clubsports@iona.edu

Kevin joined the Iona Rugby coaching staff during the fall of 2024. The former Co-Captain played all four years during his academic career at Iona University.

Jim Daley

Assistant Coach

Email: clubsports@iona.edu

Jim is a longtime member of Iona Rugby and was on the team that won its most recent championship in 2021.

Jarren Epps

Assistant Coach

Email: clubsports@iona.edu

Jarren joined the Iona Rugby staff in Fall 2026.