In 2025, we proudly carried forward the tradition of the Alan Sharpley Memorial Award, while also honoring four distinguished recipients of the Distinguished Service Award.
Alan Sharpley Memorial Award
Paul Mabry’s distinguished career spans 50 years of dedicated service at nearly every level of the rugby landscape in Texas and beyond. A player, coach, referee, administrator, and longtime champion of youth development, his influence has shaped the game for generations. Most notably, he was the lead organizer of the record-setting USA vs. South Africa Test Match in Houston in 2001.
He served as the Executive Director of Rugby Texas, guiding the organization through pivotal growth phases, and also chaired the Texas Rugby Union Hall of Fame, playing a formative role in recognizing the game’s most influential contributors.
Distinguished Service Award Recipients
- Joe & Jackie Olivas: Founders of Spartans Youth Rugby, now serving more than 200 players in the Alvin area with full boys and girls programs.
- David Pfleger: TRU Financial Director since 2008 and longtime supporter of HARC and Texas rugby.
- Mattison Grey: Performance coach, mental skills expert, and longtime advocate for women’s rugby and Touch in Houston.
