“John was passionate about the game of rugby. The sport epitomized his whole approach to life—be up front and charge right in there with gusto. It was the perfect vehicle for him to exert energy, while bonding with team members to accomplish a goal. As a player he was fearless and fair. As a coach, a motivating role model and teacher. His contributions in the rugby community cannot be overstated. He was responsible for orchestrating tournaments that brought thousands of people together.”
About the John Carr Memorial Rugby Fund
The John Carr Memorial Rugby Fund was established in 2021 to honor the memory and life of John Alexander Carr and his sustained commitment to the advancement of rugby.
John was passionate about rugby. As a player, teammate, coach, and organizer, John’s knowledge, optimism, and generosity impacted rugby clubs and players over the past 45 years.
For John, rugby started at James Madison University in the early 1970s. As a student-athlete at JMU, he was an invaluable member of the men’s rugby club, where he made life-long friendships.
His relationship with rugby at JMU did not end after graduation. After playing for clubs in Richmond, Atlanta, and Norfolk, John supported JMU rugby for many years as a coach and benefactor. His dedication to and love of rugby drove John’s sustained commitment to player development at JMU.
Commitment. Teamwork. Leadership.
In concert with JMU’s coaches, John strove to instil these values in JMU’s student-athletes. It was John’s mission to increase the competitiveness of JMU rugby. And, by all accounts, John’s support legacy has left long-lasting impacts on JMU rugby and rugby alumni.
The John Carr Memorial Rugby Fund will continue John’s sustained commitment to the growth and competitiveness of rugby at James Madison University and other clubs that John supported.
