Coaching Staff Experience and Goals

Our coaching staff is committed to helping young athletes understand the pathway to excellence. Empowering athletes to develop, grow and explore the boundaries of their abilities on and off the field is always our goal.

All of our coaches are minimally USARFU Level 200 qualified. The staff is invested in the local growth and development of the game. Our staff members are coaching in the college ranks and NDP (National Development Programs) which seek to improve players’ and coaches’ capabilities to compete for places in college rugby, elite club rugby, professional rugby, and/or USA Rugby National Team programs.

  • John Banarhall


    Level 300 Coach accreditations

    Initially introduced to rugby through the US Army. Played for Chesapeake RFC, PAC: Potomac Athletic Club and Amoskeag RFC post military career. Positions: Scrum-half, Flyhalf, Outside Centre and Fullback.

    Coaching career: Amoskeag U-19, USA-U19’s (U-19 Junior World Championships: Ireland, RSA. France). EIRA: U-16’s, U-17’s & 18’s (Ireland, Canada & Argentina) U-18/19’s: (Spain). USMA West Point Rugby: Head Development coach and recruiting coordinator.

    2 National Championships: CRC-7’s Clairmount College, USA Division 1 Champions Army West Point Rugby.

    Retired Southwest Airlines Captain: 28 years

  • James Sullivan aka 'Uncle Jimmy'


    Our Head U19 Coach bring tons of coaching and playing experiences to the table!

    URI Rugby-1985-1989 (Captain, 1988-1989)

    Newport Rugby-1989-1995(Captain, 1992-1995)

    URI Rugby-1991-1992 (Head Coach)

    Amoskeag Rugby-2017-present (Coach, 2017-2020, Head Coach, 2021-present)
    Level 1 (USARFU level 200) Certified

  • Austin Gregoire


    Austin is heading our U15 program this year and is excited to teach rugby to the middle school aged players.
    Level 1 (USARFU level 200) Certified

  • Jeff Matthews


    Jeff discovered rugby hjis freshman year of college and quickly fell in love with the sport. His passion for rugby is derived from the physical and mental skills that the game demands on the pitch as well as the camaraderie that the game fosters off the pitch. He has played competitive rugby for 10+ years and has coached youth rugby since 2021.

    Level 1 (USARFU level 200) rugby coaching certification.

  • Susan Westfall


    Player:
    UNH Rugby: 1991-1995
    Seacoast Rugby: 1998-2002

    Coach:
    UNH Womens’ Coach: 2002-2012
    NH Youth Rugby: 2018-2021
    Amoskeag Youth Rugby: 2021-present

    Level 1 (USARFU level 200) Certified

  • Timothy Westfall


    Player:
    UNH Rugby: 1992-1996
    Charles River Rugby: 1996-1998
    Seacoast/Freedom NH Rugby: 1998-2022

    Coach:
    NH Youth Rugby: 2018-2021
    Amoskeag Youth Rugby: 2021-present
    Ironsides Coach/Player: 2002023

    Level 1 (USARFU level 200) Certified

  • Chris Lind


    Loves unprompted "back in my day" speeches
    Player:
    Amoskeag U19: 2005-2006
    Plymouth State: 2006-2009 (2008 NSCRO National Champions)
    Amoskeag Men: 2009
    Mystic River: 2010-2011

    Coaching:
    Head Coach Plymouth State: 2010
    Assistant Coach Amoskeag U19: 2013-Present

    Level 1 (USARFU level 200) Certified
    Certified Referee

  • Tom Andruskevich


    Player:
    Holy Cross Rugby 1990-1994
    Springfield Rugby 1996
    New York Athletic Club Rugby 1997-1999
    Rockaway Rugby 2000
    Virginia Rugby 2001-2003
    Ft Lauderdale Rugby 2004

    Coach:
    Coached NH Youth Rugby 2023

    Level 1 (USARFU level 200) Certified

  • Future Coach Placeholder :)


    Get in touch with us, if you’re interested in joining our organization

    Requirement:
    Level 1 (USARFU level 200) Certified