Patrick Benner of the University of Richmond has been named the February Rugbee.co Coach of the Month after leading one of the most impressive program turnarounds in Division III collegiate rugby.
Benner’s rugby roots run deep. A former player at Old Dominion University from 1995–2000, he continued his club career with United RFC, Newport News RFC, and James River RFC, where he later served as a player-coach. Since 2014, he has also been an active referee with the Rugby Referee Society of Virginia, further strengthening his knowledge of the game and its laws. A USA Rugby Level 300 certified coach, Benner took on a full-time coaching role with Richmond in 2022 after previously assisting the club during his playing days.
Under his leadership, Richmond has rapidly developed into a national contender. In Fall 2025, the Spiders earned their first-ever NCR Division III playoff berth and advanced to the Round of 16 in Obetz, Ohio. The team also achieved its first national ranking in program history, finishing the season #11 in the NCR Coaches Poll after defeating several ranked opponents—including a landmark victory over previously undefeated and #1-ranked Duke.
Richmond has qualified for the Collegiate Rugby Championship Division III National 7s in each of his four seasons, winning the Shield in 2025. The program has also seen a surge in academic and athletic recognition, producing 19 NCR Scholastic All-Americans in 2024–25 and its first-ever NCR Division III All-American selection, Matt Lynch.
Through intense training sessions, detailed film analysis, and a focus on teaching players the laws of the game, Benner has built a culture of accountability, resilience, and belief. The result is a Richmond program that has transformed from rebuilding to nationally respected—and still climbing.