Meet the 2026 TRU & RRRC Nominees
The nomination window has closed, and we’re pleased to share the slate of candidates standing for open leadership positions with the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) and the Red River Rugby Conference (RRRC).
Thank you to every club, member, and volunteer who put a name forward. The people listed below have stepped up to serve Texas and Red River rugby, and they deserve your attention as we head into the candidate forum and voting.
Nominees are listed alphabetically by last name within each position. Biographies appear as submitted through the nomination forms, lightly edited for length and clarity.
Texas Rugby Union (TRU)
Men’s Division 1 Representative
Anthony Schoggins — Austin Huns RFC
Anthony is a genuine product of Texas club rugby. He is already involved in the administrative work of running a multi-sided club organization day-to-day, and he is professionally equipped for the discipline of board service. View full candidate materials
Men’s Division 3 Representative
Eron Terry — HURT
Eron has faithfully served as President of HURT for a number of years, helping lead the club to a new level of success both on and off the pitch. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to growing the game, and a willingness to put in the work necessary to build a successful rugby organization. Having recently stepped down as President of HURT, Eron is ready to bring that experience, perspective, and commitment to serving the Union and the broader Texas rugby community.
Karl Tolar — Dallas Athletic Rugby Club
Karl’s rugby CV and supporting materials are available here: View full candidate materials
Zachary Triplett — Austin Blacks
Three collegiate National Championships playing for Cal. 2008 All-American, with a tour to New Zealand. Joined the Austin Blacks in 2008, followed by 10 years playing in D1 — including starts in two National Championship games and multiple playoff runs — and six years playing and coaching for the Blacks’ D3 side, winning three National Championships. Head coach of the club’s D2 team for the last four years, while remaining heavily involved in D1 and D3 coaching. A board member of the Austin Blacks for the last 10 years. “I have a deep-rooted understanding of the competition both within Texas and nationally. Can provide references upon request.”
Jacob Verret — Arkansas Gryphons
- LSU Rugby (2002–2005) — Captain, Social Chair
- Baton Rouge Rugby (2005–2021) — President, Captain, Match Secretary, Social Chair
- Gypsy Rugby (2016–Present) — Captain, Tour Committee
- Arkansas Gryphons Rugby (2021–Present) — 7s Captain, Match Secretary, Social Chair
Red River Rugby Conference (RRRC)
At-Large Representative
Caitlin Robinson — Current Sitting Rep
Jon Hardisty — HURT
Jon has been a leader on and off the pitch since joining HURT. Having served multiple terms in various leadership positions over the years, he is keenly aware of the ins and outs of how rugby works at the club and regional levels. His experience, perspective, and commitment to growing the game make him an excellent candidate to represent the broader Red River rugby community as an At-Large Director.
Men’s Division 1 Representative
Michael Norton — Austin Blacks (Current Sitting Rep)
Standing Representative
- USA Club Rugby Officer (2024–Present) — Executive Committee Secretary
- USA Club Rugby Eligibility Committee (2022–Present) — Committee member
- Red River Rugby Conference Competitions Committee (2022–Present) — Division One Representative
- Austin Blacks — player since 2005
Women’s Representative
Kiana “KC” Curl – Current Sitting Rep
MaKena Rattan
Bio to follow.
Men’s Division 2 Representative
Rob Walker — San Antonio (Current Sitting Rep)
Rob currently holds the RRRC Men’s Division 2 Representative seat and stands for another term.
Men’s Division 3 Representative
Travis Hughes – Current Sitting Rep
Ryan Johnson — Old Skool RFC
“I’m currently the President of Old Skool Rugby Club and still an active player. I’ve been involved with the club through a lot of changes, including the opening of a new club, and have helped with the day-to-day side of running it: player communication, recruiting, dues, registration, sponsorships, coaching changes, scheduling, and keeping the club moving in the right direction.
A big part of what I’ve learned is how much work goes on behind the scenes to keep a rugby club running. I understand the issues clubs deal with — especially player numbers, field access, communication, volunteers, coaches, and making sure everyone stays on top of requirements.
I’m also an Army veteran, and I think that background has helped me a lot with leadership, accountability, communication, and working with different personalities.
I’m interested in an administrative position because I want to be more involved in helping Texas rugby as a whole, not just my own club. I think I can bring a good club and player perspective while still understanding the need for rules, organization, and accountability. Most importantly, I want to help make things easier and clearer for clubs and help grow rugby across Texas.”
Ian Kissell — Austin Huns RFC
Ian’s broad experience in grassroots club rugby as both a player and coach, and his dedication to driving healthy competition beyond his own club, make him a strong, credible candidate for this seat. View full candidate materials
Jacob Verret — Arkansas Gryphons
- LSU Rugby (2002–2005) — Captain, Social Chair
- Baton Rouge Rugby (2005–2021) — President, Captain, Match Secretary, Social Chair
- Gypsy Rugby (2016–Present) — Captain, Tour Committee
- Arkansas Gryphons Rugby (2021–Present) — 7s Captain, Match Secretary, Social Chair
What Happens Next
- Aug 25: Nominations posted to the TRU website for review
- Aug 29: Candidate forum at the TRU Summit/AGM
- Aug 30 – Sept 3: Online voting via the TRU website for Club Presidents
- Sept 3–7: Vote analysis and confirmation of elected officers
- No later than Sept 8: Results posted to the TRU website
Do Your Homework, Then Vote
Take the time between now and the candidate forum to read through the nominees for your division. Club Presidents carry the vote on behalf of their membership, so bring your club’s questions to the forum on August 29 and make them count.
Electing dedicated and qualified leaders is how we keep our competitions strong and our clubs supported. Please make sure your club is represented.
For any questions regarding the nomination or voting process, please contact admin@texasrugbyunion.com.