Rudy Smith, the first truly professional coach brought to Dartmouth with alumni support, passed away in Birmingham, England February 10th, 2022 he was 71. Rudy spent a few months in Hanover in 1985 coaching both the Men’s and Women’s clubs and helped the Men to reach the finals of the Northeastern Tournament. Coming off a successful career as a player at First Division Club, Mosely, and having received coaching certification from the ERU, Rudy jumped at the chance to coach at Dartmouth in 1985. He was referred to us by Geoff Stalker a fellow coach and close friend of Board Chairman, Mike Brooks ’71. After returning to England Rudy went on to a long tenure as coach at Malvern and Mosely as well as coaching England youth representative teams. With former England Olympic Track star, Ainsley Bennett he formed a sporting hospitality company that put on executive events at major sporting venues as well as hosting rugby tours. He organized the Dartmouth tour to the Midlands in the late 80’s.
Rudy was known for his huge smile and jolly laughter as well as his commitment to serious rugby and the spirit of sportsmanship so important to the players and the game. Although he would not have seen this as important, he may have been one of the first Dartmouth coaches of African descent in any sport and also in USA rugby.
Rudy was survived by his wife Yvette Brechon and daughters Olivia and Sophia, stepsons, John Wesley and Sebastian, and at least one grandson, Rudy.
Geoff Stalker remembered Rudy with this story: I first met Rudy Smith at the bottom of a ruck in the late seventies. He had tackled me with some force and he offered his hand to get me back on my feet. That my whole body hurt and I couldn't breathe was of no matter as I responded to his smile and his old-fashioned sportsmanship. He was playing for Moseley, two-time winners of the English Championship, I was playing for the Rugby Lions. He was the one player in the Moseley backs who wasn't an international. But he was the best of them… As a coach, he made every team he coached, better. He made every player he coached a proper Rugby player and a better man."
Dave Story remembers: Sad to hear, Rudy was a passionate, knowledgeable coach for sure. He met us shortly before our Spring ‘85 tour to California. I remember him standing up to University of California Coaching legend Jack Clark when he was being condescending to us after Cal edged us in a match on that tour, even though they probably outweighed us by 40 pounds per position. He did a great job coaching us from the Northeastern Wild Card team to wins over Cortland State, Army, Virginia Tech, and (nearly) Maryland. Definitely good memories of what he brought to the team.
Jen Wertz Houlihan ’88 remembers: Rudy was brought over to coach the men’s rugby team but volunteered to stay after practices and give the women’s team some pointers. He was generous with his time and we loved learning from him. His infamous advice when coaching proper tackling technique was to “put your hard bits into their soft bits”. Everyone was sad to hear of his passing and remembered him very fondly.
Ed Simpson ’85 remembers: Great guy! Learned a ton from him. He was the first experienced rugby coach I had.