Thomas More University

Overview

Thomas More University Men’s Rugby, led by Head Coach John Fox, has established itself as one of the most competitive collegiate rugby programs in the United States. Competing within the NCR, the Saints have built a strong performance record, including a #6 national ranking in NCR Division I (2024), National Semifinalist finish in NCR D1 (2022), and NCR Division II National Championship (2021).

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To continue building on this success and further elevate program standards, Thomas More partnered with Crusaders Global Academy. Led by Grant Keenan, the collaboration focused on enhancing technical execution, reinforcing high-performance habits, and aligning players and coaches around elite-level expectations.

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The Partnership Approach

Crusaders Global Academy supported Thomas More through a targeted coaching engagement led by Grant Keenan and delivered in collaboration with Head Coach John Fox and the Saints Varsity Rugby staff. On-field sessions emphasized core rugby fundamentals, tactical clarity, and role understanding within structured team systems, reinforcing consistency across the squad.

Grant’s coaching approach combined detailed skill instruction with broader performance education, highlighting preparation, accountability, and decision-making under pressure. These sessions complemented Thomas More’s existing competitive framework, providing players with new perspectives while supporting the coaching staff with Crusaders-aligned methodologies that could be embedded long term.

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Program Impact

The Growth Program strengthened Thomas More’s performance culture by reinforcing shared standards and expectations within an already successful collegiate environment. Players were challenged to train with greater intent, communicate more effectively, and take ownership of their preparation, key behaviors required to compete consistently at the national level.

Exposure to Crusaders Global Academy principles provided an external benchmark for excellence, helping align individual development with team goals and supporting the Saints’ continued progression within NCR competition.

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Results

The partnership with Crusaders Global Academy enhanced Thomas More University Men’s Rugby’s ongoing pursuit of excellence by reinforcing high-performance habits and providing direct access to elite coaching leadership under Grant Keenan. Working alongside Head Coach John Fox, the engagement supported the program’s long-term vision of sustained competitiveness, player development, and cultural consistency.

As Thomas More continues to build on its national success, the integration of Crusaders coaching principles strengthens the Saints’ pathway for developing disciplined, competitive collegiate rugby players prepared for higher levels of the game.

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