Niall O’Kane joined the UMRFC as a player in his college days at the University of Michigan while he earned a degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering. His past rugby endeavors include playing for his hometown club of San Francisco Golden Gate RFC, a club in Thailand, and coaching the local high school team, Washtenaw RFC. With this wide range of rugby experience, Coach O’Kane has been a vital asset to the improvement of the club. This will be Niall’s second year as an assistant coach of the UMRFC and he will continue to focus his efforts on the second side’s development.
How much experience do you have in the sport?
I’ve been involved in rugby for approximately 9 years.
What is your favorite UMRFC memory?
There are too many good ones. One of my favorites was the car ride to my first UMRFC practice during Welcome Week my freshman year. I was waiting outside of Markley for my ride to practice when a 1994 Lincoln Town Car pulled up to the curb next to where I was standing. The car was a custom convertible with its roof hilariously cut out. Never before that moment had I seen a jalopy like the one that was idling right next to me. The driver, Aaron “Tex” Dodd, popped his head out the window and asked if I needed a lift to practice. I replied a nervous ‘Yes’ and jumped in the car after which I was greeted by 5 ruggers who were all welcoming right off the bat. My nerves were calmed immediately. I remember thinking to myself ‘This is awesome’. Being a part of the UMRFC has been awesome every day since.
What is your coaching philosophy?
As every position on the field is critical to a rugby team’s success, it is important that each individual member of the club receives one on one attention on their personal skills and development. Whenever possible, individuals should be provided feedback on what they are excelling at and on what they could improve upon. With access to one on one attention, guys are able to develop their game faster and have a lot more fun.
Favorite international team?
USA! Followed by Australia
Favorite food?
Burritos
Favorite music?
R&B, Soul, Funk!
Do you have any hobbies other than rugby?
Dancing, fishing, traveling
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Go with your gut instinct.
Anything else you’d like to say?
The UMRFC is the perfect place for experienced players to hone their skills and for newcomers to learn the game. No matter what experience level you may be at, you will have fun playing for this rugby club. Challenge yourself and come check us out!
1 comments
WOW I am so proud of Niall. before he became a ruggy, he was a killer irish gaelic football player. It’s a rough game too. He has the heart of a lion and a heart of gold. My husband, a former hs taiilback,
head of his ft team, he,as I, am so impressed by Niall’s dedication and love of his sport, his fortititude, his abiity to juggle his love of sport and maintained his academia, we are so moved with emotion. it takes a special man to accomplish what Niall has done. Cheers, Niall. You budding career, are a real leader. We love u , mums and Charles By the way, Niall is directly descended from Niall of the Niall. King of Nine , a former King in Ireland.