Dr. Blake Bradford's wealth of rugby knowledge stems from an exemplary career as both a coach and a player. Originally from South Africa, Bradford came to Life University to earn his Doctor of Chiropractic degree while continuing to progress in his rugby career. After a successful stint as a front row player on the Life U Men's team—which won the USA Rugby Club National Championship and finished as runners-up in the Rugby Super League—Bradford traveled to Michigan to start his chiropractic career.
While in Michigan, he coached at Michigan State University before returning to Atlanta in 2015. While there, he occasionally served as a team chiropractor for the Life U rugby teams when they traveled to play near his practice. In 2015, Bradford returned to Life U to become head coach of the Club rugby team and assist with the varsity team, while also serving as an associate at a chiropractic office in the Atlanta area. Bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program at Life U, he helped take the team to five straight National Title games, winning three—including back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019. As Head Coach for the Men's Club Team, Bradford increased the attitude, hustle, and aggression of the club, producing nine championships in the last 11 years.
Outside of Life U, his experience and success led to his selection as a USA National Team coach, coaching the USA Selects Forwards in the 2018 Americas Pacific Challenge in Montevideo, Uruguay. In 2018–19, he also served as the Men's Collegiate All-Americans Forwards Coach and helped develop some of the nation’s best student-athletes. In 2019, he joined the newly founded MLR team, Rugby ATL, where he served as an Assistant Coach for the 2020 and 2021 seasons before being promoted to Assistant Head Coach for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Bradford was responsible for forwards and defense, and specialized in providing the structure and framework for the set-piece, producing one of the league's best forward packs from 2020 to 2023.
In June of 2023, Bradford was promoted to Director of Men’s Rugby at Life University and has since been responsible for the leadership of both the men’s varsity and club programs. As DOR, Bradford has posted a 24–5 record over the last two seasons with the men’s varsity team, leading them to the national championship game in 2024 and holding the number-one ranking in D1A for the majority of the year. He has also extended his record with the Club team to 106-1-14, winning the ARP for a third straight year in 2023. In addition to his new role at Life U, he has also served as Scrum Coach for the USA Men’s National Team since 2023.
Outside of rugby, Bradford is a father of three, devoted husband, teacher, doctor, academic advisor, and mentor in every facet of his life. He exemplifies Life University’s commitment to developing well-rounded leaders and continues to shape the next generation of athletes through his integrity, passion, and relentless drive for excellence.
