Our Coaches
Tempe Rugby Club coaches bring a blend of experience, passion, and mentorship that helps every player grow in skill, confidence, and character.
Dan Colligan
A former flanker and lock who played collegiately at Belmont Abbey College, Dan knows the game from the inside out — and loves passing that knowledge on.
He has served the club in multiple roles, including U8 Assistant Coach, U8 Head Coach, U10 Assistant Coach, and Fundraising Manager. Dan’s philosophy is simple:" “Defense, defense, defense!” — paired with a bigger goal of helping kids build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong love of rugby.
U8 Head Coach
Coach Sablan
Before stepping into coaching, Sablan played four years with the Principia Thunder Chickens Ruby as a hooker, where he developed his tough, team-first style of play. His playing career highlights include being part of a 2023 Division II National Championship team.
Today, he’s passionate about teaching young athletes the fundamentals of rugby, building confidence, and helping players grow both on and off the field.
U10 Head Coach
Coach Charlie Diaz is the heart behind the growth of girls’ rugby at Tempe Rugby Club. He has taken on the challenge of building both high school and middle school girls’ teams from the ground up, showing up every day with unwavering commitment to his players and their development.
A longtime member of the Tempe rugby community himself, Charlie previously played for the club and toured internationally, including competing with Tempe side at the Edmonton Ruggerfest.
Tempe Girls Rugby CoachCharlie Diaz
Linda’s journey in the sport spans decades and continents. She discovered rugby after college, competing with Worcester Shamrocks, Beantown Women’s Rugby, and touring internationally with Atlantis 7s.
Today, she shares her passion by mentoring the next generation and capturing the moments that make rugby special.
Asst. Girls Coach & PhotographerLinda B. Hampton
Coach Sparman
Coach Sparman has been a driving force behind rugby in Tempe for more than a decade…both on and off the pitch. A proud competitor he played at the collegiate level for Arizona State University.
His impact has been even greater from 2009 - 2013, he helped shape the culture and competitiveness of Tempe Ruby Club’s High School Boys Team, mentoring young athletes and strengthening the program. Known for his steady leadership, deep knowledge of the sport, and genuine investment in every player, he continues to be a leader whose influence reaches far beyond the scoreboard.
High School Head Coach
Steve Olson
Former starting player, multiple state, union, & tourney championship teams (91-02). Known as a hard-working, team-first player and reliable teammate.
Primarily played inside center (12); later transitioned to wing (14) and has 26+ years as an educator and coach.
U12 Asst. Coach
Coach Randy Gunzer is a longtime rugby player and multi-sport coach known for his toughness, leadership, and team-first mindset. From 1998 to 2016, he played flanker and back row for the Tempe Old Devils, earning a reputation for relentless defense, physical breakdown play, and unwavering commitment to his teammates.
Coach Gunzer has dedicated years to developing athletes across multiple sports — including football, basketball, soccer.
Boys High School Asst. CoachRandy Gunzer
Hal Morgan serves as the Director of the Youth Program at Tempe Rugby Club, where he leads player development with a focus on strong fundamentals, character growth, and long‑term love for the game. Drawing on years of coaching experience, he builds a supportive, high‑energy environment that helps young athletes thrive on and off the field.
Youth Program Director