Former ASU football tight end Chris Coyle forging new career in rugby

Rugby and football are like long lost cousins. Their reunion is causing ripples.

The 49ers recently signed flamboyant National Rugby League star Jarryd Hayne, whom quarterback Colin Kaepernick called "a phenomenal athlete." Will he be a NFL novelty or San Francisco's secret weapon?

Heading the other way is former Arizona State tight end Chris Coyle, who will leave for Canberra, Australia on May 6 to live and train with the Brumbies, a highly successful rugby franchise located 90 miles south of Sydney.

"I'm going to be as ready as I possibly can," said Coyle, who will compete in Saturday's Rugby Bowl at Scottsdale Stadium. "I'm running a few miles every day and staying physical. The level of physicality out there is amazing. It's just like the NFL with the high-speed collisions. And they're so quick at moving the ball around. I'm just hoping I can keep up with them. But I'd rather have trial by fire."

In truth, Coyle would rather have a NFL career. That was his boyhood dream growing up in California, a career goal that seemed well within reach after Coyle finished third on ASU's all-time list of receptions (92) by a tight end. His nine touchdowns are tied for fourth in school history at that position.

Coyle got a shot, signing as a free agent with the Texans. But he dinged his shoulder in one particular practice, and the injury set him back a few days. Then he got lost, passed, caught up in a numbers crunch.

He was released in August, just before the Texans' first pre-season game, which happened to be against the Cardinals in Glendale.

"I was really looking forward to coming back to the Valley and playing before the fans who saw me in college," Coyle said. "But it didn't happen for me.

"When I got hurt, it kept me out about five days. But the NFL moves so fast, and that's enough time to fall far behind. And I fell to the bottom of the totem pole. But I don't have any hard feelings against that organization. I had an opportunity and I felt like I did a good job with it. I have no regrets. It just wasn't meant to be."

Shortly after that, a different destiny came calling. This time, it was a phone call from ASU rugby coach Gary Lane that changed everything. Lane is a seasoned coach with deep ties in the sport. He recently forged a partnership with the Brumbies, which play in the toughest pro league on the planet. The two programs now work together to develop and recruit talent, and symbolize Lane's heady ambition at pushing ASU's program to another level.

"He told me there was a team in Australia that was interested in training me to become a (professional) rugby player," Coyle said. "He explained the opportunities, that I could have a good future in rugby overseas. He said a lot of ex-football players could be doing it, but they don't take the risk and give it a shot. There are so many places you can end up, with a lot of great financial opportunities because the sport is so popular in other areas of the world."

Coyle has the requisite size, strength, versatility and a little bit of experience. When Coyle was a sophomore at ASU, fellow tight end Trevor Kohl told him all about the sport. He convinced Coyle to come out and join the rugby team, to get a little taste of the action. Coyle agreed, and played for a half-season. He instantly fell in love with rugby.

"There's such a connection between the two sports," Coyle said. "And at first, I just used my athleticism. I used the things I knew from football, my route running skills and my ball-carrying skills. But now, there's so many times when I'll use a technique from football for leverage in rugby, or something like that.

"The difference is, there's not a defined play like in football. It flows like soccer. It's a ton of fun, such an active game, and anybody can get the ball at any moment. And when I'm on defense, it takes me back to my high school days and I get to tackle again."

So Coyle seized the opportunity. He re-enrolled at ASU. He rejoined the rugby team, shaking off the rust. He'll be one of the most recognizable performers in Saturday's match against Ohio State, a former ASU tight end who was always so reliable in the red zone.

"I wouldn't say the NFL is closed for good," Coyle said. "But it seems like my best opportunity is in rugby. And I can't wait to get to Australia and see how it goes."

Reach Bickley at dan.bickley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8253. Follow him at twitter.com/danbickley. Listen to "Bickley and Marotta," weekdays from 12-2 p.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

IF YOU GO

What: Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale Rugby Bowl: Beauty & The Beast.

When: Saturday; gates open at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Scottsdale Stadium.

Schedule: Arizona high school championship, 11 a.m.; Grand Canyon University vs. USC, 1 p.m.; "Warning Track" Fashion Show, 2:45 p.m.; ASU vs. Ohio State, 3 p.m.; World Arm Wrestling League, featuring Travis Bagent, all day.

Tickets: $10 advance, $15 day of general admission; more details on therugbybowl.com.