David Bateman
Dave Bateman began his illustrious rugby career at Yale, where he learned from many accomplished international players and coaches. With a long history of touring, the Yale team visited Northern Ireland, England, the Bahamas, and was the first team to tour Zimbabwe in 1981. Dave joined Old Puget Sound Rugby Club in Seattle in 1984, playing in both the Northwest and Vancouver, B.C. leagues. He was a regular selection at outside center for the Pacific Northwest Loggers All-Stars and Pacific Grizzlies All-Stars.
Dave was an enthusiastic adopter of 7’s rugby, and captained the Old Puget Sound team to four national championships (1988, 1990, 1991, and 1992). He played frequently for the Pacific Coast select side, toured with Atlantis Rugby and the U.S. Cougars, and played on the U.S. Eagle 7s team. He captained OPSB’s gold medal performance at the Washington Centennial Games, three titles at the Can-Am 7’s, and numerous national qualifying tournaments.
Dave is a founding member of Friends of Yale Rugby, an alumni association that supports coaching, safety and touring for the Yale undergraduate side.
Maccabi USA Rugby
Dave Bateman represented Maccabi USA Rugby twice in the World Maccabiah Games. He attended the first-ever tryouts in Chicago, and was selected for the 1985 bronze medal team where he played fullback and was a key contributor to the team’s success. He returned to play with the 1989 Bronze Medal team as a center. The 1989 team tied South Africa in a memorable game.