MARK WILLIAMS

President

Mark Williams brings a wealth of rugby knowledge and experience to the organization. Since beginning his rugby career at Middle Tennessee State University in 1981, Mark has been a leader in multiple rugby organizations and evolved into a devoted coach and  mentor for hundreds of players.  

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Mark’s extensive coaching experience includes high school, collegiate and club level experience, as well as South Collegiate and Men's All-Star teams. He achieved USA Level 3 Coaching Certification in 2001, became a USA Coach Instructor from 2002-2004, and complete new USAR Level 2 status in 2013. His passion for rugby motivated him to found Tennessee High School Rugby in 2001 and still serves as State Commissioner. In 2011, it was reorganized into Tennessee Rugby Association (TRA), and  currently has 60 teams with 1500 registered members. 

As a mentor and motivator, Mark believes the fundamentals of rugby are an excellent foundation for growth, not only as a player but lays the groundwork for lifelong success; and he feels Panther Rugby Academy is an excellent springboard for establishing needed skills and building character, self awareness, and achievement for the rest of a player’s life.

When not coaching rugby, Mark enjoys traveling and has hiked many miles in US National Parks.

MEET THE BOARD

KEVIN KITTO

Board Member

Kevin’s leadership and vast rugby experience is an invaluable asset to Panther Rugby Academy. He has served as a rugby coach and mentor for more than 40 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization.

A Kiwi by birth, Kevin arrived in the United States from New Zealand in 1973 and immediately immersed himself into the rugby culture. He has coached all over the US and served several positions on the board of the Florida Rugby Union over a twenty year span. He has been President of USA Rugby South since December 2005.
 

Outside Rugby, Kevin served as Executive Director of the American Red Cross in Ft. Myers, FL, and was twice elected to serve two-year terms as a Council Person in Dundee, FL before being elected mayor.
 

Kevin is a firm believer that Rugby Panther Academy will play a pivotal role in the development of young athletes and is delighted to be a founding member of the board.

PAUL REIN

CFO

As a member of Panther Rugby Academy’s Executive Board, Paul acts as an invaluable resource for our  business operations. A finance executive with an outstanding reputation for achievement, Paul has served in multiple high-level capacities at nationally recognized companies and is an active and involved member of multiple local boards and non-profit organizations.
 

Paul’s extensive professional experience includes stints as Vice-President at The North Highland Company, Vice President and CFO of HCA Information Technology  & Services, and most recently was the CFO at Sarah Cannon Cancer Center. He currently serves as Chair of Inner City Rugby of Nashville. 

Paul’s rugby journey began as a parent of a player. He recognized the positive impact rugby had on his son and the other players, as they acquired invaluable life skills while competing. He is pleased to serve on the board of Panther Rugby Academy and excited to see its impact on up and coming players.  

In his spare time, Paul volunteers with his church and enjoys spending time with his wife, Peggy, and his family.