June 5, 2013, MARIETTA, Ga.

Interview with AJ MacGinty
- Men's Club MVP at 2013 Division I National Championship
- Skills Coach for the Division I-A Team

Where are you from?
AJ: Dublin, Ireland

What degree are you pursuing at LIFE?
AJ: A master's degree in Sport Health Science with a concentration in Exercise & Sport Science

Tell us how you started playing rugby.
AJ: I've been playing rugby since I was about 10 years old. I went to Blackrock High School, which is one of the biggest "rugby" schools in Ireland - it is well known around the world for its rugby. After high school I kept playing at Blackrock RFC for the U'20s and men's team.

What made you decide to come to the U.S.?
AJ: I finished my undergraduate degree at National College of Ireland in Accounting. I had no intention of pursuing that career though! Five of my mates graduated around the same time so we decided to go to New York on a one-year visa. I was working in a recruitment firm for the first three months while the lads worked in pubs. They were having a much better time than I was, so I quit the job and started working in an Irish Pub. I was playing rugby for NYAC as well. I actually played against LIFE last year.

How did you get connected with Life University?
AJ: My parents thought things were getting a bit crazy in New York and weren't happy that I quit the office job. My dad didn't want me messing around in the city for another five months. His good friend knows Coach Payne through the Eagles so he inquired if there was anything available for me to do down here. In the space of a week, I was in touch with Coach Payne about joining LIFE to play, coach and also pursue my master's degree. I flew down to meet Coach Payne and see the place. I got my visa sorted and started here in September 2012. I love the game so I was really excited about it. There is no better place for rugby in America than here at LIFE... and I haven't been told to say that!

What was it like when you first came to LIFE as a coach?
AJ: I was a bit apprehensive at first because the guys I coach for undergrads are around the same age as me. They are just as passionate and willing to learn as I am so that made it easier. It's a great bunch of lads we have here and i'm really enjoying it.

Tell us how it felt to be on the coaching staff during the Division I-A National Championship match.
AJ: We drove to Greensboro, NC, immediately after our match in Virginia Beach. (The men's team competed in the Division I playoffs earlier the same day.)
It was a completely nerve wrecking game. Everyone on the sideline was going nuts. Coach Scott Lawrence (head defense coach) was texting me during the game with advice for the team. He was watching the match from home.
The win was bound to happen, we came out so strong in the second half and dominated. It was different feeling for me, being new here. I was delighted for Coach Payne and Coach Tui. They put a lot of hard work in the past three years building the program to get this championship. It was a great feeling. The players got what they deserved.

What is it like to be part of Dan Payne's coaching staff?
AJ: You would struggle to find a coach more passionate about the game in this country. He does an incredible job developing the players and getting the best out of them, not just on the field. He takes an interest in their studies and wants to see them succeed. In Ireland, it's a different relationship with the coach. If I do poorly in class, I don't come to training worried my coach is going to eat me! Coming to LIFE was a big change in that sense. I see how influential a coach?s role is, especially with over 60+ students to look after. Tui (Osborne, undergrad coach) and James (Isaacson, men's club head coach) are both great coaches too, so I'm learning a lot from working with them.

What position do you play on the Men's Club team?
AJ: #10 Flyhalf

How did you handle the men's club team's loss in the Elite Cup championship?
AJ: It was awful. I was sick to my stomach for the next few days. We all were. It was such a low moment, I couldn't even bring myself to talk on the phone to my parents. I hate losing more than I love winning. I felt like I didn't play my best and put us under a lot of pressure in the first half. We turned the ball over cheaply and that played to their advantage. Things just eat away at you after a loss.
I just never pictured us losing. There is a strong bond among the team and we peaked at a great time in the season which is what you want. Even when we?re down, I still felt like we would come back and win no matter the opposition. That?s pretty rare. We just ran out of time in that final!

What did it feel like a week later to win the 2013 Division I National Championship?
AJ: Biggest sense of relief. I was delighted for the team. All the hard work paid off. It was a tough weekend with two tough fixtures. Our forwards played out of their skin and gave phenomenal performances. Every player made huge contributions and put their bodies on the line. It would have been nice to win last week but it's a credit to everyone for pulling together and bouncing back. We have something to work toward next year.

How it felt to be selected Man of the Match this weekend?
It was a great honor. Anyone of us is deserving of it though. Winning the championship was a squad effort and we couldn't have done it without everyone putting in a good shift.

Do you want to play rugby professionally?
AJ: I've always wanted to see if I was good enough to play pro, always want to compete against the best. I'm happy where I am now though. This is a great rugby environment so it's still possible. Just have to continue working hard.

Tell us something we don't know.
AJ: After this season, I'm fluent in Africaans.

Is there anyone who has been especially helpful to you on this journey?
AJ: My parents have been very helpful and supportive of me being here, and I'm extremely grateful for all they've done. Coach Payne for giving me the opportunity to come here. Coach Isy (Isaacson) for his hard work throughout the year. And my teammates - they've made it an incredible year. I don't know how they do it with their D.C. schedules, but they deserve a lot praise.