In Memoriam - Kevin Higgins

[Liz Goldenberg]

It is with a heavy heart that I report the death of USA Eagle star centre
Kevin Gary Higgins. Kevin died yesterday in Southern California.

Kevin, who would have been 34 next week, was a star for the USA in both XVs
and 7's. He played for the USA at both centre and wing and in both the
1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cups. Kevin was the first player in the USA to
reach 25 caps, earning 7 at wing and 21 at centre. He also played for
the USA 7's team 16 times. He earned his first cap on tour against Japan
in 1985. Kevin captained the USA during the 1989 tour to Argentina and
Uruguay and against Argentina at home, also in 1989. Kevin appeared for
the USA in the Hong Kong 7's in 1988, 1990, and 1991. Kevin left an
indelible mark on USA Rugby before retiring for medical reasons immediately
following the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

Higgy, as he was known, was an inventive and exciting player. He was
easily identifiable on the field by his red hair. For many young, aspiring
Eagles, Kevin defined the position of centre with his agile moves, speed,
and ability to crash up the middle. Off the field, Kevin was an inspiring
leader and a true friend. Kevin was always ready to lighten a moment with
his quick wit. His laughter and ability to make people laugh will be
sorely missed.

After Higgy retired from international play, he coached the National
Champion University of California collegiate rugby team. Working with USA
National Coach and Cal Head Coach Jack Clark, Kevin was primarily
responsible for backs. He molded several future USA Eagles including
centre Ray Green and scrumhalf Andre Bachelet.

Kevin played football and rugby at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He then
played for OMBAC in San Diego before moving to San Francisco and finishing
his playing career with the Old Blues.

All of USA Rugby will miss Kevin.

--

Liz Goldenberg (gol...@tdbank.ca)


Standard Disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are solely those of the
author unless otherwise stated.

[Liz Goldenberg]

[adds Barbarian tour information]

It is with a heavy heart that I report the death of USA Eagle star centre
Kevin Gary Higgins. Kevin died yesterday in Southern California.

Kevin, who would have been 34 next week, was a star for the USA in both XVs
and 7's. He played for the USA at both centre and wing and in both the
1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cups. Kevin was the first player in the USA to
reach 25 caps, earning 7 at wing and 21 at centre. He also played for
the USA 7's team 16 times. He earned his first cap on tour against Japan
in 1985. Kevin captained the USA during the 1989 tour to Argentina and
Uruguay and against Argentina at home, also in 1989. Kevin appeared for
the USA in the Hong Kong 7's in 1988, 1990, and 1991. Kevin left an
indelible mark on USA Rugby before retiring for medical reasons immediately
following the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

ADD:
Kevin was also the first Eagle of the modern era to be invited on the
Barbarians Easter Tour. Kevin was honoured to partitipate in the tour in
1991, and Eagles Kevin Sword and Chris Lippert were awarded the same honour
after Kevin.