Hall of Fame
Celebrating WRFC's legendary contributions to American rugby
Legends of American Rugby
The Washington Rugby Football Club has produced four USA Rugby Hall of Fame inductees, representing the highest honor in American rugby. These legendary figures exemplify WRFC's 60+ year tradition of developing world-class talent while maintaining the community spirit and excellence that defines our club. Beyond our Hall of Fame inductees, WRFC has produced over 20 USA Eagles and international players who have represented their countries at the highest levels.
Dick Poulson
Major Achievements
- Transformed WRFC from less than one full side to 7 sides with 2 "A" sides
- Co-founded the Cherry Blossom Tournament and Washington 7s Tournament
- Founded the Potomac Rugby Union and Baltimore-Washington Rugby Association
- Two-term club president and match secretary for WRFC
Honors & Recognition
- USA Rugby Hall of Fame (2015)
- Founder: Cherry Blossom Tournament
- Founder: Potomac Rugby Union
- WRFC President (2 terms)
Legacy
Dick Poulson is the architect of modern WRFC and Mid-Atlantic rugby. During his 17-year playing career, he transformed WRFC from a struggling club into one of the East's powerhouses. His administrative vision created the tournament and organizational structure that governs regional rugby today. Beyond rugby, Poulson achieved remarkable success in corporate law and business, serving as Senior Executive Vice President at Smithfield Foods and partner at Hogan Lovells.
Major Achievements
- 45 caps for USA Eagles (24 as captain)
- Competed in 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cups
- One of the most capped American rugby players
- Leadership both on field for USA and at WRFC
Honors & Recognition
- USA Rugby Hall of Fame (2016)
- 45 International Caps
- 2× Rugby World Cup Participant
- USA Eagles Captain
Legacy
Dan Lyle stands as one of American rugby's most decorated players. His leadership as USA Eagles captain and his two World Cup appearances represent the pinnacle of international rugby achievement. At WRFC, Lyle exemplified the club's tradition of developing world-class talent while maintaining the community spirit that defines Washington rugby.
Tommy Smith
Major Achievements
- Only American to win Hong Kong Sevens Best & Fairest Award
- Only Northern Hemisphere player on All-Time All-World Hong Kong 7s team
- Pioneered American success in international sevens rugby
- Established WRFC as a sevens powerhouse
Honors & Recognition
- USA Rugby Hall of Fame (2017)
- Hong Kong Sevens Best & Fairest Award (Only American)
- All-Time All-World Hong Kong 7s Team
- International Sevens Legend
Legacy
Tommy Smith achieved what no other American rugby player has accomplished in the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens tournament. His Best & Fairest Award and selection to the All-Time All-World team represent unparalleled individual excellence in international sevens rugby. Smith's achievements helped establish WRFC's reputation as a breeding ground for elite sevens players.
John Decker
Major Achievements
- Joined WRFC in 1965, just two years after founding
- Led club to four consecutive Washington Sevens Championships
- Co-founded the Potomac Rugby Union with Dick Poulson
- Foundational player in WRFC's early development
Honors & Recognition
- USA Rugby Hall of Fame (2019)
- 4× Washington Sevens Champion
- Co-founder, Potomac Rugby Union
- WRFC Foundational Era Legend
Legacy
John Decker represents the foundational era of WRFC excellence. Joining the club just two years after its founding, Decker witnessed and helped shape the transformation from a small diplomatic expatriate group into a regionally competitive rugby institution. His four consecutive Washington Sevens Championships established WRFC's early tournament dominance, while his collaboration with Dick Poulson to co-found the Potomac Rugby Union created the administrative structure that governs Mid-Atlantic rugby today.
Join the Legacy
These Hall of Fame legends started their journeys at WRFC. Whether you're an experienced player or new to rugby, you could be the next WRFC player to represent the USA Eagles on the world stage.