USA Coaching Staff

Sean Rutgerson is a retired professional rugby league player and joins the Hawks as Head Coach after working with the Hawks as assistant coach and strength and conditioning coach for the RLWC2015 Qualifiers Americas and RLWC2017 campaign. Having played 150 games for 4 different clubs, including the USARL’s own Jacksonville Axemen - whom he went on to coach, Rutgerson brings more NRL and Super League experience to the Hawks; having also played in the 2000 RLWC for South Africa.

Since his playing days, the former utility forward has gone on to own a personal training business in Sydney, Australia and coach at both the Wests Tigers NSW cup and Newtown Jets sides. Rutgerson’s strength and conditioning knowledge will ensure that the Hawks side will not be lacking in speed, shape or fitness.

Billy has been involved Rugby and Rugby League Game Development since his collegiate days at the University of Florida. Since then he has played on numerous teams and held executive level positions with a focus on all assets of the game.

Billy is a co-founder and current board member of the Tampa Mayhem where he strives to provide a professional sporting product that can be attended and enjoyed by every person in Tampa and the surrounding areas.

Billy is a Level II USA Rugby coach and Level I NRL coach. He is also an acting member of the USARL Board of Directors.

With over 18 years of playing and coaching experience as well as project management and operations expertise, Mr Neilson is valuable asset as USARL Hawks Team Manager.

A member of the USA Hawks 2017 Rugby League World Cup Squad, Dave Ulch has been involved in Rugby since his collegiate days and has played on numerous teams and held executive level positions with a focus on all assets of the game. Dave has played and coached at the Tampa Mayhem and is a Certified Level I USA Rugby League coach with over 10+ years of playing experience and a valuable asset to the USARL Hawks Team.