Taye Daniel-Ayibiowu, a youth coach at Play Rugby USA in Manhattan, was named head coach in 2018 of Nazareth's club rugby team that began competing in the fall of 2019.
Daniel-Ayibiowu worked with Play Rugby USA for five years, most recently as the Under-19 Academy head coach. He also served as a Youth Development Mentor and a Rugby Instructor. He coached the boys Under-19 squad to a state championship in 2017.
At Nazareth, Daniel-Ayibiowu has had an immediate impact in assembling a 30-player roster and guiding the Golden Flyers to national tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022.
A graduate of St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y., Daniel-Ayibiowu has considerable experience as a youth mentor. His professional experience includes work as a senior counselor at Mosholu Day Camp in the Bronx and as an academic advisor at Schwartz's Program in Manhattan. He worked for three years as head coach of the boys and girls rugby programs at James Monroe High School.
As a rugby player, Daniel-Ayibiowu was a standout for St. Bonaventure's club team from 2009 through 2012. He continues to play for the New York Old Blue Premier Rugby Football Club.
"Taye's passion and enthusiasm for rugby are easy to see," said Nazareth Athletic Director Pete Bothner. "We believe that his energy can help make club rugby a popular option for our students at Nazareth."
