Dallen Stanford
{{Short description|South African rugby union player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
File:World Rugby commentator Dallen Stanford.jpg
Dallen Stanford (born May 16, 1979) is a South African-born, former American rugby union sevens player{{cite web|title=UCT rugby players feature in International Rugby Board Sevens World Series |url=https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2008-12-17-uct-rugby-players-feature-in-international-rugby-board-sevens-world-series |website=UCT Rugby |accessdate=17 December 2008}} and current international rugby commentator based in the United States.
Stanford is a World Rugby lead commentator, covering the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, both the 2018 and 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens, World Rugby Sevens Series since 2016, World Rugby u20 Championship, Americas Rugby Championship, Rugby Europe Championship, Rugby Europe Super Cup, Rugby Tens Championship, Super Rugby Americas on ESPN, Premier Rugby Sevens on CBS Sports Network and Major League Rugby on ESPN.{{Cite web|title=Eagle Alumni Spotlight: Dallen Stanford, From Playing to Broadcasting|url=https://usa.rugby/news/from-playing-to-broadcasting/|website=USA Rugby|accessdate=2019-08-23}}
Stanford was selected for the USA Rugby Sevens team by head coach Al Caravelli in 2006.{{cite web|title=USA player pool for World Sevens Series|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/story/66086.html|website=ESPN Scrum|publisher=ESPN Scrum|accessdate=14 October 2006|ref=2}} The halfback played in twelve Sevens World Series events from 2007 to 2009 and was a traveling reserve for the 2009 Sevens Rugby World Cup in Dubai.
In November 2014, Stanford received the Athletes in Excellence Award from the Foundation for Global Sports Development, in recognition of his community service efforts and work with youth through Play Rugby USA.{{Cite news|url=https://globalsportsdevelopment.org/press-release-1117/|title=The Foundation For Global Sports Development|website=Global Sports|access-date=2014-11-17}}
Stanford was the director of sports partnerships for Friends of the British Council, working with Premiership Rugby on their corporate social responsibility program in the US from 2017 to 2020. One of their initiatives together with USA Rugby was sending 100 coaches for an international rugby coaching experience to Premiership Rugby in England.{{Cite web|url=https://www.premiershiprugbyscholarships.co.uk/|title=Premiership Rugby Scholarship|website=Premiership Rugby Scholarships|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-25}}
Stanford was inducted into the Maccabi USA Rugby Hall of Fame on August 5th, 2023, in Chicago.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/MaccabiUSArugby/|title=Maccabi USA Rugby Hall of Fame|website=Maccabi|access-date=2023-05-03}}
Stanford is currently the [https://www.rugbyasia247.com/flagx-international-could-this-be-the-introduction-to-rugby-your-club-needs-in-asia/ Flag Rugby X] Program Director, teaming up with USA 7s legend Perry Baker, using this [https://tagxinternational.com/ non-contact game] to reach a new audience, engage alumni, and help rugby teams globally through this fundraising initiative.
Playing and Coaching Career
Stanford attended Rondebosch Boys' High School and played alongside Springboks Gcobani Bobo and Hanyani Shimange during 1996/1997.{{cite web|title=Rondebosch Boys' High School|url=https://rondebosch.com/obu/our-old-boys/international-sports-representatives//|website=Rondebosch International Sports Representatives|accessdate=1 January 2015}} He studied Marketing at the Cape Technikon, and played rugby at the University of Cape Town (UCT), captaining the u21A [http://ikeytigers.com/ Ikey Tigers] side to a rare unbeaten season in 2000.{{cite web|url=https://ikeytigers.com/hes-more-dangerous-than-climate-change-dallen-stanfords-journey-from-the-ikey-tigers-to-rugby-broadcaster/|title=Catching up with Ikey Legend Dallen Stanford|website=UCT RFC|publisher=UCT RFC|accessdate=2019-04-23}} He represented UCT 1st XV from 1999 to 2002 at outside center, and was part of the 8–8 draw with the University of Stellenbosch (Maties) during the 2002 InterVarsity at Danie Craven Stadium, and UCT's 34–24 win over Stellenbosch in the return fixture at the Green Mile.{{cite web|title=Rugby: UCT conquers the mighty Maties|url=http://www.uct.ac.za/mondaypaper/archives/?id=3283|website=University of Cape Town|accessdate=16 September 2002}}
After moving to the United States, Stanford represented the Occidental Olde Boys (2003-2006), Belmont Shore Rugby Football Club (2007-2010), Austin Huns Rugby Football Club (2010-2011) and toured with the Pacific Coast Grizzlies (Hong Kong 10s, Singapore 7s), Atlantis Rugby (Rome 7s, Benidorm 7s) and [https://www.tigerrugby.com/ Tiger Rugby] (Nelson Mandela Bay 7s, Cancun 7s, RugbyTown 7s).{{Cite web|url=https://dallenstanford.com//|title=Dallen Stanford|website=Dallen Stanford|language=en-US|access-date=2023-02-08}}
At Belmont Shore Rugby Football Club Stanford was a part of the Super League Championship team in 2007 and the USA Rugby Club 7s National Championship side in 2009 and runners-up in 2008 and 2010. Stanford was the tournament's top point scorer at the USA Rugby Club 7s National Championship in 2006.{{Cite web|url=https://dallenstanford.com//|title=Dallen Stanford|website=Dallen Stanford|language=en-US|access-date=2023-02-08}}
Stanford represented Team USA at the 2013 World Maccabiah Games in Israel, captaining the USA Rugby squad to Gold in 7s and Bronze in XVs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.maccabiusa.com/maccabi-blog-rugby-with-dallen-stanford/|title=Maccabi Blog- Rugby with Dallen Stanford|last=admin|date=2014-12-05|website=Maccabi USA|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-23}} He was named MVP of the inaugural 7s tournament.{{Cite web|url=https://www.maccabiusa.com/rugby_coaches/|title=MACCABI USA RUGBY ANNOUNCES COACHING STAFF FOR 2015 PAN AMERICAN MACCABI GAMES|last=admin|date=2015-01-30|website=Maccabi USA|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-23}} In 2015, Stanford represented Team USA as a player/coach at the 13th Pan American Maccabi Games, held in Santiago, Chile.{{Cite web|url=https://maccabiusa.com/maccabi-usa-rugby-team-announced-for-2015-pan-american-maccabi-games/|title=Maccabi USA rugby team announced for 2015 Pan American Maccabi Games|website=Maccabi USA Rugby|access-date=2015-10-13}} He was one of three USA flag bearers for the Opening Ceremonies.{{Cite web|url=http://support.maccabiusa.com/site/MessageViewer?dlv_id=14432&em_id=2847.0|title=Maccabi USA|website=support.maccabiusa.com|access-date=2019-04-23}} Team USA won Gold in 7s and Silver in XVs, with Stanford captaining the sevens squad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goffrugbyreport.com/tags/maccabi-rugby|title=Maccabi Rugby|website=Goff Rugby Report|language=en|access-date=2019-04-23}}
From 2011 to 2017, Stanford served as the Los Angeles Program Director for non-profit [https://playrugbyusa.org/ Play Rugby USA] - whose mission is developing youth through rugby, using flag rugby as a vehicle for social change.{{cite web|url=http://playrugbyusa.com/los-angeles/|title=Play Rugby USA Los Angeles|website=PlayRugbyUSA|publisher=Play Rugby USA|accessdate=1 July 2015}} He was the Media manager for USA Rugby at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and 2013 Sevens Rugby World Cup in Russia.
Stanford has coached the Austin Huns RFC, Austin Valkyries, University of Texas at Austin and was Head Coach of the Occidental College Men's RFC from 2011 to 2013. Occidental College claimed their first and only rugby National title in 2013, winning the NSCRO 7s at the Collegiate Rugby Championship in Philadelphia.
Broadcasting career
Since 2012 Stanford has commentated more than 65 Internationals and over 450 International 7s matches.{{Cite web|url=https://rugby.icdb.tv/stats/550/Dallen-Stanford//|title =ICDb Welcome to the Internet Commentator Database|access-date=2023-02-08}} In 2016 he made his broadcasting debut on the HSBC Sevens World Series announcing the Men's USA 7s (Las Vegas), Canada 7s (Vancouver) and the Women's Atlanta 7s.{{Cite web|url=https://www.world.rugby/news/141911?lang=en|title=World Series heads to North America|last=worldrugby.org|website=www.world.rugby|access-date=2019-04-23}} Stanford is a regular voice on the Sevens World Series commentating the USA 7s (Las Vegas 2016–2019, Los Angeles 2020 & 2022–2024), Canada 7s (Vancouver 2016–2023), Singapore 7s (2018-2019 & 2023), Dubai 7s (2019 & 2021), Cape Town 7s (2019), Spain 7s (2022), Hong Kong 7s (2022 & 2023) plus the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco and 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/fly-like-eagle-world-cup-brings-usa-sevens-full-circle/|title=Fly like an Eagle: World Cup brings USA Sevens full circle|website=www.rugbypass.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-23}} He is one of the leading play-by-play commentators for Major League Rugby in the United States - appearing on CBS Sports Network{{Cite web|url=https://www.majorleague.rugby/news/dallen-stanford-and-brian-vizard-set-to-call-major-league-rugby-action-on-cbs-sports-network/|title=Dallen Stanford and Brian Vizard Set to Call Major League Rugby Action on CBS Sports Network|website=Glendale Raptors|access-date=2019-04-23}} from 2018 - 2021, Fox Sports from 2022-2024 and ESPN in 2025.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/major-league-rugby-qa-mlr-commentator-dallen-stanford/|title=Major League Rugby: Q&A with MLR commentator Dallen Stanford|website=www.rugbypass.com|language=en|access-date=2019-04-23}} Stanford was the Fox Sports national television broadcast lead voice for the 2022 Major League Rugby Shield Final at Red Bull Arena. He was one of the lead commentators for the 2019 World Rugby U20s Championship in Rosario, Argentina, featuring in several video reviews and previews called [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NggIt8wzRm4&t=1s Commentators Cut].{{Citation|last=World Rugby|title=Stanford and Tenana discuss World Rugby U20s Top Performers|date=2019-06-11|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAkkx5a3jt0|access-date=2019-06-19}}
Stanford made history as the first South African and first American lead commentator to announce a Rugby World Cup for World Rugby on the World Feed,{{Cite web|url=https://usa.rugby/news/from-playing-to-broadcasting/|title=Eagle Alumni Spotlight: Dallen Stanford, From Playing to Broadcasting|date=2019-08-23|website=USA Rugby|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04}} broadcasting the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Stanford worked with analyst Joel Stransky and sideline commentator Santiago Gomez-Cora covering 10 pool matches, including: Italy v Namibia, Wales v Georgia, England v USA, Argentina v Tonga, Scotland v Samoa, Ireland v Russia, Japan v Samoa, South Africa v Canada, Ireland v Samoa and Wales v Uruguay.{{Cite web|url=https://usa.rugby/news/from-playing-to-broadcasting/|title=Eagle Alumni Spotlight: Dallen Stanford, From Playing to Broadcasting|date=2019-08-23|website=USA Rugby|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-15}} Stanford's most popular Rugby World Cup 2019 commentary included "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYcEPi9Edqo Kotaro Matsushima - he's so dangerous - Freddy Krueger has nightmares about him!]" (Japan v Samoa) and "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7cv5F7fbzM Cobus Reinach - he's more dangerous than climate change!]" (South Africa v Canada). He features on 'Best Commentary from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMt_I3mPkFU Rugby World Cup 2019"].
Stanford was the show host for the [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMoZPFih4Y7anW2MOPG2aPQ Colorado Raptors] weekly highlights from 2018 - 2020. 'Pardon My Take' co-host PFT Commentator said in an interview in March, 2020: “I would say that it’s 50 percent the success of the sevens team and 50 percent having Dallen Stanford on all of those calls that make it on social media because he’s an electric dude."{{Cite web|url=https://www.majorleague.rugby/news/its-time-to-take-notice-ft-a-conversation-with-pardon-my-takes-pft-commenter/|title = It's Time to Take Notice Ft. A Conversation with Pardon My Take's PFT Commenter}}
In 2020, Stanford founded [https://www.rugbyhive.com/ The Rugby Hive] with former Canadian 7s international, Robin MacDowell, interviewing current and former international rugby players and coaches.{{Cite web|url=https://rugbyamericasnorth.com/stanford-macdowell-launch-rugby-hive/|title = Stanford & MacDowell launch Rugby Hive|date = 10 July 2020}}
In 2023, Stanford founded [https://rugbysevensrollercoaster.podbean.com/ The Rugby Sevens Rollercoaster] with MacDowell, covering the World Rugby Sevens Series and Premier Rugby Sevens.
Stanford {{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10223150481857333&set=a.1250765636187|title = Stanford Rugby World Cup 2023 Schedule|date = 8 August 2023}} was one of four lead commentators to broadcast the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France for World Rugby, working alongside analyst Tom Mitchell and sideline commentator Nat Yoannidis, covering 11 pool matches, including: England v Argentina, South Africa v Scotland, Wales v Portugal, England v Japan, Italy v Uruguay, France v Namibia, Ireland v South Africa, Argentina v Chile, South Africa v Tonga, Wales v Georgia and Argentina v Japan.
On March 8th 2025, Stanford called his 100th Major League Rugby match which featured the back-to-back defending MLR Shield Champions the New England Free Jacks taking on the first back-to-back MLR Shield Champions the Seattle Seawolves. {{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/usmlr/posts/pfbid02usVJgz8FFuGFC9awJcLfWAWsZWZyauKyGogMVrRXn56CtMEMjzo8DSZ9bqnhwaVUl|title = Stanford calls 100th MLR match|date = 8 March 2025}}