Dan Payne named CEO of USA Rugby

USA Rugby has a new Chief Executive Officer. Former Eagles international Dan Payne has been hired to succeed outgoing CEO Nigel Melville effective August 1. Jim Snyder will assume the role in an interim capacity until that time.

Melville announced his departure from USA Rugby – and it’s commercial arm RIM – in April after serving nearly a decade as its top executive. Last month he formally made the move back home to England, where he has taken up a position as Director of Professional Rugby for the RFU in London. An extensive search for a replacement has been undertaken since, with more than 150 applicants from across the globe.

That search is now over, with Payne the man deemed best suited to take USAR forward. A latecomer to rugby, Payne was an All-American wrestler at Clarion University and earned an MBA at the University of Pittsburgh before he first laced up the boots as a 29-year-old. After playing for OMBAC in San Diego he was selected for the Churchill Cup, where he made his Eagles debut against Scotland ‘A’ at the age of 34. He earned his first and only test start as a no8 against South Africa at the 2007 World Cup.

After retiring he was quickly appointed as Director of Rugby at Life University in 2009 and has since overseen the program’s development into one of the most prestigious teams in the country. Payne joined the Eagles as a specialist coach under Mike Tolkin in 2012, but stepped down in 2013 as his role at Life expanded, culminating in his appointment as Athletics Director in 2014.

Payne’s elevation to the key role in USA Rugby comes at a crucial time in the sport’s development in the Americas. With the revamped Americas Rugby Championship, the introduction of PRO Rugby, and an expected boom following the Olympic Games, rugby’s exposure has never been higher in the United States. In a media release, he expressed his delight at being given the opportunity.

“These are exciting times for our great game, in our great country. I’m honored and privileged for the opportunity that has been presented. That being said, I’m eager to get to work and shoulder the responsibility that this position requires and our membership, fans and supporters deserve. I want to thank Nigel Melville for the service and leadership he provided over the past nine years and the USA Rugby board for this opportunity.

“There’s a strong group of individuals in Lafayette, CO that I’m looking forward to working alongside as there is plenty to be done. As the game expands and evolves in our country, it’s important we continue to work to unify our efforts amongst all groups and stakeholders in our country.”