Back Bay RFC president selected for U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame

Ed Burlingham, president and head coach of Back Bay RFC, is one of 12 who will be inducted into the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame.

After playing four years of college basketball at UC Irvine, Burlingham began his lifetime of rugby involvement in 1974 with Irvine Coast RFC in Newport Beach.

He has been president and head coach of Back Bay RFC in his hometown of Newport Beach and involved in the formation of its successful youth program.

Burlingham won his first U.S. Eagles cap against the New Zealand All Blacks in 1980, one of the 14 caps he earned. He captained the Eagles nine times, including during the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

He was named to the North American Barbarian team for their tour South Africa in 1982. He was an assistant coach of the 1991 U.S. Rugby World Cup team and has been on the National Technical Panel.

The 12 members of the Class of 2015 were elected by the USRF board of trustees after receiving recommendations from a selection committee composed of USRF directors and trustees who examined and reviewed a record number of nominations. Like those previously inducted, the Class of 2015 is comprised of individuals who have made their mark in United States rugby. They will be inducted at the USRF’s Hall of Fame Dinner which will be held in conjunction with an Eagles’ game and determined when the Eagles’ 2015 schedule is announced.

— From staff reports