ST. BONAVENTURE — Tui Osborne is taking a new job. That’s good news for the St. Bonaventure University rugby program.
The head coach of the Bonnies men’s rugby team, which has been nationally ranked since Osborne came to SBU, has been named assistant coach of the Miami Sharks, a Major League Rugby expansion team.
But since MLR plays its games in the spring, Osborne will remain a fixture with the Bonnies program in the fall 15s season, working as an assistant for Danny Neighbour, who will be named head coach at the end of this fall season. The Bonnies play at Wheeling University Saturday in the Collegiate Rugby Championship Division I national playoffs.
Osborne, who will remain “very involved” with recruiting all year, said coaching at the professional level will benefit the Bonaventure program. The Bonnies won the national 15s title in 2021.
“I think it’s a major benefit for both of our programs (men and women),” Osborne said. “Because of the environment that we’ve built at SBU, this opportunity allows me to continue my growth as coach and administrator. Our goal is to be a player pathway to the next level and this role allows us to reach that.”
Osborne will remain with the Bonnies until the completion of the fall 15s season. Neighbour, who has worked with Osborne for the last five years, will take the reins of the spring 7s program.
“Danny is a teacher at heart and our collaboration through the years has facilitated our continued success as a program,” Osborne said. “My confidence in Danny is strong and I’ve always viewed him as an extension of my role as head coach.”
Osborne will see a familiar face when he ventures south. Miami selected Ricky Rose, SBU Class of 2023, with the first overall pick in the MLR Draft in August.
