University of Washington Rugby Announces Ray Keane as New Head Coach

The Husky Rugby Alumni Association (HRAA) and the University of Washington Men’s Rugby Program are proud to announce the appointment of Ray Keane as the program’s new Head Coach.

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A respected rugby leader with experience in Ireland and the United States, Keane brings a proven record of building successful programs, developing players, and fostering high-performance cultures. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Husky Rugby as the program continues its commitment to excellence on and off the field.

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Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Keane has spent more than a decade helping grow rugby in the United States. Most recently, he served as Director of Rugby and Head Coach of the PNW Loggers, a USA Rugby National Development Program partner, while also contributing to Major League Rugby’s Seattle Seawolves as a coach and performance analyst. His coaching experience spans youth, collegiate, representative, and professional rugby, including leadership roles with Malahide RFC and Life West University.

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“Ray’s experience, vision, and leadership qualities make him an outstanding fit for Husky Rugby,” said HRAA President Kevin Fuller. “His ability to build culture, develop players, and establish high-performance environments aligns perfectly with the direction of our program. We are excited to welcome him to the University of Washington Rugby program.”

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As Head Coach, Keane will oversee all aspects of the University of Washington Men’s Rugby Program, including player development, competitive performance, recruiting, and long-term strategic growth. Working closely with Director of Rugby Will Wheaton and the HRAA, he will focus on strengthening the culture of Husky Rugby while raising standards throughout the program.

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“I’m excited to join the University of Washington Huskies and the opportunity to build something special,” said Keane. “This will be a player-centered program defined by commitment, intent, discipline, and accountability. Our goal is to create systems and standards where academic and athletic success reinforce each other. When athletes take ownership of their preparation and behaviors, high performance follows.”

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Keane’s vision extends beyond results on the field. Drawing on years of coaching and leadership experience, he aims to build a sustainable foundation that strengthens recruiting, player development, alumni engagement, and community impact.

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The Husky Rugby community welcomes Ray and his family and looks forward to the future under his leadership.