Dennis Dwyer is the former President of Rugby Americas North. He served in the position from August 2013 to August 2017. Formerly the Head Coach of the Bermuda National team and President of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union, Dennis has also had a long career as a referee and for over a decade was ranked as the most senior referee in the West Indies.He’s held the whistle for over 25 internationals, including four Caribbean Championship Finals. He also served as President and Chairman of the West Indies and Bermuda Referee Societies respectively, as well as a World Rugby referee assessor, citing officer and judicial officer.
What position did you play and for how many seasons?As a youth and schoolboy, I played scrum half and hooker. My senior days was flanker.What club(s), teams and countries did you play for?I played in the UK for several teams in Yorkshire and reached County level. In Bermuda from 1979 played for and captained Renegades and BermudaWhat five words would you use to describe rugby?Physical, character building and rewarding.Who are your all-time three favourite players?Gareth Davies, David Duckham and Willie John McBrideWhat is the best game of rugby you have ever seen in-person?England v New Zealand World Cup Semi final Japan 2019
What is your favourite rugby memory?England winning World Cup in 2003. I was drunk for two days.What advice would you give a young athlete looking to pick up a rugby ball?Focus on the basics, embrace the comradery but most of all enjoy.What are your hopes for RAN in the next 3 years?To continue to work with its members to support, guide and help them improve their development of the game at all levels including, governance, training and education, marketing etc at the same time working closely with World Rugby to encourage their financial support and use of their facilities and experience.If you could bring one international rugby event to our region, what would it be, where and why?The Rugby World Cup either men or women in either USA or Canada.What is your all-time favourite rugby tradition?The hacker and a beer after the game with your opponentWhy is rugby the greatest sport on the planet?It is a game that can be played by all irrespective of gender, colour, culture, religion,age physicality etc. As a rugby player no matter what country you visit you will be welcome into the rugby family.Tell me about a time where you witnessed Rugby’s Core Values.When in 2019 Rugby World Cup Canada help the locals in the clean up after the storm.
Tell me about a time you scored a try, made a try-saving tackle or helped your team win a big game.Scoring the length of the field try at 12 years of age and running towards my mum in the crowd seeing her face and happiness when i touched down.If you could have dinner with any – alive or deceased – rugby person, who would it be and why?Richie McCaw an incredible flanker, player and captain.