Garrett Bender

Garrett Bender (born December 2, 1991) is an American rugby union player who plays for the United States national rugby sevens team.

Garrett Bender
Date of birth (1991-12-02) December 2, 1991
Place of birthMinneapolis, MN, U.S.
Height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight225 lb (102 kg)
Rugby league career
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017–pres. Seattle Seawolves 0 (0)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2011–2016 United States 7s 114 (55[1])
Correct as of 1 December 2017

Bender was born and grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended Minneapolis Washburn High School where he played several sports; in American football he was team captain, All-Conference, All-Metro, and ranked third in state in tackles; he also captained his high school rugby team to the Minnesota High School State Championship.[2] Bender joined the Youngbloodz rugby team, where he was coached by Sam Robinson, who played an important part in Bender's rugby development.[3]

Bender was recruited and offered a scholarship in 2010 to play American football as a linebacker for the NCAA Division II St. Cloud State Huskies.[2] Bender, however, decided to focus on playing rugby.[3]

Bender signed a contract in early 2012 to play rugby for the U.S. national team.[4] Bender was part of the U.S. squad at the 2015 Pan American Games that qualified to play in the 2016 Olympics.[3]

He joined the Seattle Seawolves team for the inaugural season of Major League Rugby in 2018.[5]

Personal

Bender is the son of Michael Bender and Sue Marcks-Bender. He has one brother, Brant.

References
  1. "Garrett Bender: International". It's Rugby. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  2. "Husky Football Announces 2010 Recruiting Class", St. Cloud State University, February 3, 2010.
  3. "Rugby moves toward Olympics with Minnesotans in tow", Star Tribune, Patrick Reusse, July 4, 2015.
  4. "Details on 7s Contracts", Rugby Today, Pat Clifton, January 4, 2012.
  5. "Seattle Seawolves Sign Olympian Garrett Bender". DJ Coil Rugby. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
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