The Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon is the brainchild of Scotsman Malcolm Douglas who holds fond memories of similar events in the UK. The concept is to bring together the rugby community in the spirit of the game to renew friendships, relive past glories, and explore ways in which to move the game forward.

Initially we had 3 goals:

  • Demonstrate that 20,000 United States rugby fans will come out to support an international rugby match, and that many of these fans will come on out the day before the match to enjoy a day of rugby fun.
  • Support youth rugby initiatives with donations to the Houston Youth Rugby Association, Inc. (a non-profit 501 c (3))
  • Have a great time

It's called the "Lost Afternoon" for obvious reasons: once you get together with your mates in such an atmosphere, the typical 90-minute luncheon turns into three hours - or more - so you might as well stick around and fully enjoy the experience! The extended time also provides the opportunity to hear from multiple speakers and still have plenty of time to "network." It's not unusual for guests to even book rooms or suites in the host hotel to continue well into the evening, especially those traveling from out-of-town.

Past keynote speakers include:

    • Eddie O'Sullivan - former Irish & USA coach
    • Nigel Melville - Director of Professional Rugby for the Rugby Football Union & former England captain
    • George Hook - RTE commentator & longtime friend of Texas Rugby
    • John Rutherford - Scottish #10
    • Rob Louw - Springbok legend & cancer survivor
    • Brian Vizard - former Eagle captain and television commentator
    • Roly Meates - former Irish coach & Leinster scrum guru
    • Reverend Howard Haslett - Church of Scotland Minister and a long-time rugby referee
    • Doddie Weir - Scottish rugby legend with 3 world cups and 61 caps
    • Andre Watson - South African referee who refereed two Rugby World Cup finals
    • Fergus Slattery - Irish great and a member of the storied 1974 British Lions side that defeated the South African Springboks
    • Dan Lyle - USA Rugby's greatest player in the international arena. Dan was captain for USA and Bath.  He won the Heineken Cup (European championship) with Bath and was a star in the English Premiership for years. 
    • Gavin Hastings - Arguably one of Scotland's greatest player, Gavin earned 61 caps for Scotland, 20 caps as the captain, two British and Irish Lions tour and was captain on the 1993 tour to New Zealand.

    If this was done in England, or any of the traditional rugby nation, it would be impressive. That it was done in Houston, Texas tells you how serious we are about our rugby.

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