ST. DAVIDS, Pa. — Eastern University Athletic Director Brian Bingaman announced that Taye Daniel-Ayibiowu has agreed to become Eastern University's Director of Men's and Women's Rugby. he will be tasked with building Eastern Men's and Women's Rugby.

"Taye brings a proven track record of building rugby programs from the ground up, developing student-athletes, and creating competitive teams with purpose," Bingaman said "His experience launching and leading programs, combined with his commitment to mentorship aligns perfectly with our vision for rugby at Eastern."

Daniel-Ayibiowu brings an outstanding resume to the job. A graduate of St. Bonaventure, he built the Men's Rugby program at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y. and recently served as the Director of Rugby and Lead 7's coach at Fordham University in the Bronx while also working as the Academy Program Director at Play Rugby USA in Manhattan.

Under his leadership, the programs at Nazareth and Fordham both thrived. Nazareth reached the quarterfinals of the 2021 NCR D1-AA 15's Tournament and earned invitations in 2021 and 2022 to the NCR Rugby 7's Championship Tournament.

At Fordham, he led the Rams to the NCR Rugby 15's Rhino Bowl Championship in 2023 and took his 7's side to the NCR Rugby 7's Championship Tournament in 2024.

Daniel-Ayibiowu is well-connected in the world of collegiate rugby, and he has worked with Regional and National All-Star teams and with the Old Blue 7's Rugby Football Club in New York City.

"Eastern men's and Women's Rugby will prioritize student-athlete development both on and off the pitch," Daniel-Ayibiowu said. "We will build sustainable programs rooted in strong community engagement."

Daniel-Ayibiowu will begin at Eastern in June and will begin building a staff and recruiting student-athletes with the goal of beginning instruction and competing in Rugby 7's in the Spring of 2027.