Kevin “Higgy” Higgins

Selected for the Teljoy World XV alongside leading internationals and fellow Eagle Mike Purcell.

On an Australian tour bus, he arranged a bingo game so the entire team won on the same number.

Switched from Cal Poly football to rugby after an undefeated freshman football season.

Three-time Collegiate All-American at Cal Poly; also represented the Pacific Coast Grizzlies.

Made his Test debut against Japan in Tokyo while still a Cal Poly student.

Earned 28 Tests and four tries: 21 appearances at centre and seven on the wing.

Represented the United States at the first two Rugby World Cups.

Helped OMBAC win consecutive national championships before finishing his club career with Northern California’s Old Blues.

Won the Hong Kong Plate and Moscow Sevens with the Eagles; also toured Sydney.

Event archive1988 Hong Kong PlateView archive ↗Event archive1988 Moscow championsView archive ↗

Scored twice against Romania in Moscow, including the late try converted from the touchline for an 18–16 victory.

Captained the Eagles on their Argentina–Uruguay tour and against Argentina at home.

Returned to Hong Kong in 1990 and 1991. In 1991 he moved into the front row after injuries depleted the squad.

Event archive1990 Hong Kong squadView archive ↗

Selected for the Barbarians’ Easter tour; the Swansea programme lists K. Higgins (U.S.A.) among the centres.

Original document1991 Swansea programmeView archive ↗Original documentNamed Barbarians squadView archive ↗

Coached Cal’s backs under Jack Clark, helping develop Ray Green and Andre Bachelet.

Cal Poly alumni established the Kevin Higgins Rugby Endowment to support the program and honor their former Mustang.

The U.S. Rugby Foundation created the Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Program for graduating high-school players continuing into college.

Inducted into the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame.