David “Buzzy” Rudzinsky
David began his rugby career at the University of Rhode Island in 1980. He played and captained a strong Division 1 University team playing scrumhalf. After college, David joined the Mystic River Rugby Club. David served in many capacities as a Player, Board Member, President, Old Boy Captain from 1983 to being the current President. David played on the 1992 Mystic team that finished 2nd in the USA and was part of the club leadership for the 2016 and 2018 Mystic teams that won the USA Rugby D1 Men’s National Championship. He also toured Argentina/Brazil, Australia, Spain/Portugal, Wales/England/Amsterdam, Scotland Golden Oldies.
Some of David’s other accomplishments in giving back to the game are:
- NERFU Select player, Tour to Newfoundland, Assistant Coach
- Bentley University Head Coach 1990-1992
- Founded Mystic River Youth Rugby in 2005. Served as Youth Rugby Director and U19 Head Coach for 10 years (program has grown from 24 boys to up to 200 youth players per year. First ever MYRO State High School Champions. Tours to Ireland, Italy, and Argentina. Currently fielding teams in co-ed flag, middle school tackle, and high school boys and girls divisions)
- Founding Board Member of MYRO (Massachusetts Youth Rugby Organization)
- Volunteer for New England Freejacks Academy (Major League Rugby)
- Current President of Mystic Rugby Foundation (501c3 non-profit) and Mystic River Rugby Club
Connection to Maccabi USA Rugby
David played for Maccabi USA in the 1989 World Maccabiah Games and played scrumhalf for the team that won a Bronze Medal. David also represented Maccabi USA Rugby at the 1989 Battle of New Orleans and the Magnificent 7’s in Toronto. David re-engaged with Maccabi USA Rugby when he became the Manager for the 2013 team at the World Maccabiah Games that won a Gold in 7s and a Bronze in 15s. David then succeeded Jeff Simon as Maccabi USA Rugby Chairman for the 2017 World Maccabiah Games where the team won a 15s Gold Medal against South Africa. David expanded the Maccabi USA Rugby Program and brought the first ever youth team to the 2018 Maccabi Youth Games. David continued as Chairman for the 2022 World Maccabiah Games with the Men’s team winning a Bronze in 7s, and brought the first ever Women’s team along with the Men’s team. David served as Rugby Chairman until 2024, and has served as a Board member and Exec Committee for Maccabi USA since 2020.
