Kevin Swords
Kevin Swords (far left) in action for the Beacon Hill Rugby Club circa 1994 | |||
Full name | Kevin Robert Swords | ||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | July 1, 1960 | ||
Place of birth | Chicago, Illinois | ||
Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)[1] | ||
Weight | 260 lb (120 kg)[1] | ||
University | College of the Holy Cross | ||
Notable relative(s) | Brian Swords Carolyn Swords[ Rev.Raymond J. Swords, S.J. ] | ||
Rugby union career | |||
Playing career | |||
Position | Lock | ||
Amateur clubs | |||
Years | Club / team | ||
1985–86 ? ? |
Washington RFC[2] Boston RFC[3] Old Blue RFC Barbarians | ||
National team(s) | |||
Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
1985–94 | United States | 36 | (8) |
Kevin Robert Swords (born July 1, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former USA international rugby player. The 6’7", 260 lb, lock, former Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Month, who at the time of his retirement was the most-capped US Eagle in history, won 36 caps between 1985 and 1994 and was tapped to play for the world-renowned Barbarians. His 6'10" brother Brian Swords also played for the Eagles as a lock. Brian, a much revered competitor and teammate introduced Kevin to Rugby while they both attended Holy Cross College. Kevin Swords is the nephew of former president of Holy Cross College, Rev. Raymond J. Swords, S. J., and the uncle of Carolyn Swords.
Swords made his debut against Japan in 1985 and played in both the 1987 and 1991 World Cups, captaining the Eagles in the latter.
In 2002 he was made an honorary member of the Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Fame.[4] In 2014 he was inducted into the United States Rugby Federation Hall of Fame.