Denver, CO – The University of Denver is excited to announce Cody Melphy as the head coach for the men’s rugby team for 2024/25 season. Cody came on in late February of this year and made an instant impact. His passion has already changed the path of DU Rugby and will continue to be closely followed in the coming years. With an extensive and varied background in sports, Melphy brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, poised to lead the Pioneers to new heights.

Early Sports Career and Transition to Rugby

Cody Melphy’s journey in sports began as a versatile athlete, participating in basketball, baseball, wrestling, and soccer during his formative years. His dedication to competition shone brightest in soccer, where he played a key role in the success of Real National, a five-time state championship club. Despite a brief stint as a walk-on at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Cody’s true passion emerged during his senior year of high school when he discovered rugby.

Rugby Excellence at Life University

Melphy’s transition into rugby was nothing short of spectacular. At Life University, he distinguished himself as a four-time Collegiate All-American in both 15s and 7s formats. As captain, he led Life University to a D1A National Championship in 2016 and secured runner-up positions in both the D1A and CRCs in 2017. His stellar performance earned him a finalist spot for the prestigious Rudy Sholtz College Player of the Year award.

International Rugby Achievements

In 2017, Cody embarked on a new chapter by joining the US Army and becoming part of the esteemed World Class Athlete Program. Over five years, he made significant contributions to the US Olympic Rugby Team, including captaining the team to a bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. He was also instrumental in securing a historic gold medal at the Las Vegas 7s, marking USA Rugby’s first home international competition win. Melphy represented the United States in over 13 tournaments and 60+ games, including the delayed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and the 2022 USA 7s World Cup in South Africa. He also had a notable stint with MLR's San Diego Legion, where he made a lasting impact as a leader and player.

Coaching Journey

Cody Melphy’s passion for rugby extended seamlessly into coaching. With 11 years dedicated to mentoring aspiring athletes, he began his coaching career at his alma mater, Littleton Rugby. His coaching journey has included roles with a diverse range of clubs and academies, such as Colorado Rookie Rugby, Rebel Rugby Academy (which he co-founded), Colorado Youth Swarm Rugby, Queen City Rugby Club, Roswell Rebels Academy, Mater Dei Catholic High School Rugby, San Diego Legion Academy, San Diego County Rugby, Woodlands Rugby, and OMBAC Wallabies Rugby.

Currently, Melphy devotes his time to coaching full-time with Rebel Rugby Academy, University of Denver and PR7s New York Locals, where he imparts his extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of rugby players.

Looking Forward

As Cody Melphy continues on with the role of head coach for the University of Denver men’s rugby team, the program eagerly anticipates the energy and expertise he brings. His extensive playing background and diverse coaching experience will be invaluable in guiding the Pioneers toward a future of success and growth.