DIRECTOR OF RUGBY- SEAN DUFFY

 

YEAR AT ARIZONA: 13th 

YEAR IN COACHING: 14th

COLLEGE: Saint Joseph's University, 2009

HOMETOWN: Lorton, VA

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Sean Duffy enters his thirteenth season leading Arizona Rugby as Director of Rugby and Head Coach of the Men’s program, while supporting the development of the Women’s program. Since taking over in 2014, Duffy has helped establish Arizona as a consistent national contender, leading the Wildcats to Division 1A and eleven consecutive playoff appearances.

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Duffy joined Arizona in January 2014, succeeding the late William David Sitton. In his first season, he helped lead the Wildcats to the D1-AA National Championship game and promotion to Division 1A. Arizona has since reached the playoffs eleven straight seasons, including a Final Four appearance in 2017 and national quarterfinal appearances in 2016, 2019, 2025, and 2026. In Fall 2025, Arizona Rugby was elevated from club status to an Elite Team Sport at the University of Arizona.

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Under Duffy’s leadership, the program has continued to grow both competitively and institutionally. Arizona won its first conference Sevens championship in 2017 and reached the Collegiate Rugby Championship Cup Semifinals three times. In 2023, the program received a $1 million gift that accelerated its development, including the addition of rugby scholarships and the opening of the Front Foot Training Center.

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Duffy also serves as a scout and coach for Eagle Impact Rugby Academy, working with age-grade athletes domestically and internationally. In 2026, he served as Head Coach of the CRAA U19s, leading the team to a North American Championship.

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A graduate of Saint Joseph’s University, Duffy earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice after playing and coaching for the Hawks. He has also held rugby development roles with USA Rugby, College Rugby Association of America, and Play Rugby USA.