Building a Junior College Rugby Powerhouse with COCC’s Max Bennett

The energetic standard intro tune rolls in as hosts Bill and John Fitzpatrick set the stage for an engaging dive into the world of college rugby. In this episode of US Rugby Happy Hour, the hosts sit down with Central Oregon Community College (COCC) Head Coach Max Bennett to unpack the triumphs, hurdles, and unique dynamics of managing a junior college rugby program. From inheriting a program founded by his uncle—an Oregon rugby legend—to earning NCR Coach of the Month honors, Bennett shares how deep-rooted family passion and relentless drive keep COCC rugby thriving.

Listeners get a front-row seat to the art of collegiate recruiting outside the NCAA norm. Bennett details how he turns multi-sport high school athletes—especially wrestlers and football players—into rugby standouts, why Instagram is his go-to recruiting platform, and how COCC is helping pioneer rugby culture across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Tune in to discover what it takes to build a sustainable program, turn newcomers into ruggers for life, and navigate the wild world of community college athletics.

——————————————

Connect with US Rugby Happy Hour:

Twitter: https://x.com/AmerRugbyRising

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrugbyrising/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRugbyRising/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@americanrugbyrising

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@americanrugbyrising

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/americanrugbyrisin.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OjEHf8

🎧 Listen to this and previous episodes of US Rugby Happy Hour on Youtube and your favorite podcast player today!