BLAke BRADFORD

DEFENSE AND FORWARDS COACH

Blake Bradford has been rooted in the 404 rugby community for over 10 years and has helped set the foundation for the sport here in Atlanta. He first began playing as a graduate student for the men’s club team under the direction of then, Head Coach, Scott Lawrence. 

Bradford took his first coaching job in the United States at Michigan State Univerity prior to returning the Atlanta in 2015. Upon his return, he accepted a dual coaching position for his alma mater, Life University. As the Men’s D1A Collegiate Forwards Coach, he helped take the team to 5 straight National Title games, winning 3 including back-to-back titles in 2018 & 2019. As the Head Coach for the Men’s Senior Team, Bradford increased the Attitude, Hustle * Aggression of the club with that produced 5 Championships in 6 years. 

His experience and success led him to selection from the USA National Team to coach the USA Selects Forwards in the 2018 Americas Pacific Challenge in Montevideo, Uruguay.  Since 2018, he also serves as the Men’s Collegiate All-Americans Forwards Coach and helps develop the Nation’s best student-athletes.

For Rugby ATL, Bradford is the Forwards & Defense coach. He provides the structure and framework for the set-piece which produced one of the league’s best forward packs in the short 2020 season.

Outside of rugby, Bradford is a father of 3, devoted husband, teacher, Doctor, Academic advisor, and mentor in every facet of his life. He is a true example of Rugby ATL’s commitment to developing people and he will continue to create positive change through his compassionate nature and dedication to this community.