Skip To Main Content

Mobile Nav

rugby

Georgetown Prep Rugby

Program Mission & Values

Rooted in Georgetown Prep’s commitment to forming men for others, the rugby program emphasizes discipline, respect, resilience, and teamwork. Rugby teaches young men to play hard, support one another, and lead with character—on and off the pitch.

No Experience Needed / Player Development

No prior rugby experience is required. Many of our players are introduced to the sport for the first time at Prep. Our coaching staff focuses on skill development, safety, and a strong understanding of the game, allowing new players to grow quickly while experienced players continue to advance.

Coaching & Leadership

The rugby program is led by experienced coaches who are passionate about teaching the game and mentoring young men. Coaches prioritize player safety, sportsmanship, and personal growth while fostering a competitive and supportive team culture.

Competitive Schedule

Georgetown Prep Rugby competes against strong programs throughout the region, providing meaningful competition and opportunities for growth. Our schedule balances development, competition, and camaraderie, allowing players to challenge themselves while enjoying the sport.

Brotherhood & Team Culture

Rugby at Prep is more than a sport—it’s a brotherhood. Players support one another through wins and losses, on the field and in the classroom. Team traditions, shared challenges, and travel experiences build lasting bonds that extend well beyond graduation.

College Pathways & Alumni Success

While rugby is a secondary sport for many players, the program has helped student-athletes continue their careers at the collegiate level. Each year, several Prep rugby alumni go on to compete in college programs across the country (see below).

Spring Break International Tour

Each spring, the team participates in an international rugby tour—an unforgettable experience that combines high-level competition, cultural immersion, and team bonding. Past trips have included matches and training in Ireland, Wales, Italy, and beyond. These trips are often cited by players and families as a highlight of their Prep experience.

rugby

 

rugby

 

Social Media

Follow us on Instagram @georgetownpreprugby

 

Varsity Coaches

Tom McHale
Head Coach
thomasamchale@gmail.com

Graeme Thomson
Assistant Coach

Bill Whalen
Assistant Coach

Coach McHale joined the Georgetown Prep Rugby staff in 2018 and became the head coach for the 2019 season. In addition to coaching at Prep, he coached with the Potomac Athletic Club Youth Rugby program from 2009 through 2020.

Tom began playing rugby at Georgetown University where he played for 4 years. During this time, he also played collegiate representative rugby for both the Potomac Rugby Union and the Eastern Rugby Union territorial all-star teams. Coach McHale continued his rugby career for many years as a member of the Potomac Athletic Club (PAC), a national championship-winning club based in Washington, DC. During his time with PAC he also played for various senior representative teams.

Coach McHale graduated from Georgetown University in 1994 with a B.S. in Accounting and Management. He lives in Kensington, MD with his wife, Jeanette, and their three children, Tommy, Patrick and Maggie.

Graeme Thomson

Coach Thomson, a Level II World Rugby certified coach, joined the Georgetown Rugby coaching staff in 2018. He also coached with Coach McHale at the Potomac Athletic Club Youth Rugby program from 2009 to 2017.

Graeme started his rugby career in Scotland, learning the game at Fettes College in Edinburgh. His playing career in Scotland and the USA included selections to the Scottish Schools Squad, Glasgow District U21 XV, West of Scotland 1st XV (Scottish National 1st Division), PAC Rugby (USA 1995 National Champions), Potomac RFU All Stars, and Eastern Rugby Union All-Stars and being selected as a reserve for the USA in 1995.

Graeme lives in Bethesda, MD, with his wife, Mary, and their two children, Ian and Tessa.

Bill Whalen

Bill Whalen began playing rugby at Prep in the spring of 2005. In college, he continued to play at Virginia Tech where he eventually took over as coach upon graduation. Bill still plays for his local club the Potomac Exiles and has been an assistant coach at Prep for the past 4 seasons.

Prep students who play rugby in college

Class of 2025

  • Connor Long – College of the Holy Cross
  • Sean Dyer – University Tennessee
  • Matthew Balbach – St Louis University
  • Kian Khonsari – University of Southern California
  • Alex Murphy-Glidden – University of St. Andrews
  • Mihael Yost – University of South Carolina
  • Zach Geoghegan – University of Virginia

Class of 2024

  • Quinn Long – United States Military Academy
  • Jalen Arce – St Joseph University
  • Robert Apgood – University of Utah
  • Quinn Snyder – Columbia University
  • Sam Keller – Louisville University
  • Hugh Bukowski – St. Louis University
  • Mason Chervenak – Fordham University
  • Will Costello – University of Virginia

Class of 2023

  • Patrick McHale – Fairfield University
  • Ian Thomason – Fairfield University.
  • Luke Coetzee – Fairfield University
  • Bobby Prame – Boston College
  • Edmund Tetteh – Wake Forest University
  • Patrick DuFour – University of Notre Dame
  • Kerry McKeon - Georgetown University.

Class of 2022

  • Ben Navabi – Kings College London
  • Patrick Hefright  – Syracuse University
  • Casey Plank – University of Maryland
  • Jack Bukowski – Texas Christian University

Class of 2021

  • Tommy McHale – Colgate University
  • Matt Prame – University of Notre Dame
  • Myles Kelly – Mount St Mary’s College
  • Brendan Beilke – Boston College

Class of 2020

  • Peter Connolly - Georgetown University
  • James Juhring – Tulane University
  • David Koffi – Georgia Tech/Univ of Maryland
  • Dylan Hitt – University of Maryland

Class of 2019

  • Ultan Horrigan – St Bonaventure
  • Matt Crowe – UCLA
  • Matthew Zaudtke – Furman/University of Maryland

Class of 2018

  • David Mitchell - United States Military Academy
  • Alex Matta - Georgetown University
  • Jake Hagy – Wheeling University
  • Drew Black - Wheeling University

 

rugby abroad

Rugby team abroad during spring break

Rugby Schedule

Team Opponent Date Time Location Result Score
There are no events to display