who we are

Founded in 2002, Suffolk Rugby is a competitive Division 3 men’s rugby club based in Suffolk County, New York. Competing in both 15s and 7s formats, we play throughout the Tri-State area as part of the Empire GU.

The club combines a strong rugby tradition with a competitive, community-driven environment built on physicality, commitment, and a shared love of the game.

HEAD COACH

A man with a bald head and beard wearing a blue collared shirt with white accents, standing outdoors with trees in the background.

Jon Tafarella

I started playing rugby as a freshman at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1997. Between my sophomore and junior years, I toured Australia with an American side, where I trained and played with the University of New South Wales.

After graduating in 2001, I came back to Long Island and played with Long Island Rugby before joining Suffolk in 2004—where I’ve been ever since.

I started coaching Suffolk in 2002 and was elected Head Coach in 2026, continuing a long-standing commitment to the club both on and off the field.

My approach is simple: make every one of my athletes the best rugger he can be. Do that, and the team becomes as tough, disciplined, and dangerous as it needs to be.

Assistant coaches

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“Your buddy” dom toomey

Coach Dom has been a fixture in the local rugby scene for years, bringing experience, grit, and a deep love for the game. He’s heavily involved in growing rugby in the community, including at the youth level, helping bring new players into the sport and keeping the pipeline strong. A true club guy, he’s all about giving back and building the future of the program.

A smiling man with glasses and short gray hair, wearing a brown long-sleeve shirt, standing indoors with beige walls and white wooden trim.

Frank Greico

A former club player and SUNY New Paltz product, Coach Frank brings firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the game to the backs. With a background in coaching track and field, he emphasizes pace, footwork, and skills, helping shape a dynamic and dangerous backline.

Backs Coach
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Thomas “Tandy” Anderson

Another former player whose career was cut short by injury, Coach Tandy now channels that experience into our conditioning. He knows firsthand what it takes to compete—and what it takes to stay on the field—bringing a tough, no-nonsense approach to fitness and durability.

Conditioning
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Joe spina

A former Head Coach and player, Coach Spina is sticking around as an assistant, bringing serious rugby IQ and passion for the game. He’s a student of rugby in every sense—constantly watching and breaking down international play—and adds a sharp, tactical edge to the staff.

assistant

Captains

  • A man with a beard wearing a team jersey, standing in front of two other men with crossed arms, all in team shirts.

    James "Frosty" Frost

    I started playing rugby in 2011 during my senior year of high school at East Islip, where we finished as undefeated Division 2 champions. After earning a spot on a Tri-State select side, I briefly left to pursue football before returning home and joining the Bull Moose in 2013.

    Learning from experienced veterans, I was part of a squad that reached a regional championship early on, and later helped rebuild the club following the loss of key players and our coach, Daryl Porter. His commitment to the team continues to drive my approach to the game.

    Since then, I’ve been part of multiple division-winning teams and back-to-back regional championship runs. As captain, I’m focused on continuing to push the standard forward and building on what this club is capable of.

  • Three men with serious expressions, wearing striped shirts, standing against a black background.

    Wesley Bybel

    I started playing rugby at 14 with East Islip U-19. I went on to play for the University of North Dakota Rugby Club and the United States Air Force Men’s Club before returning home to join Suffolk Rugby.

    Since joining, I’ve helped develop younger players, worked through rebuilding seasons, and competed for titles. As captain, I focus on accountability, steady improvement, and representing the club the right way on and off the field.

  • Group of rugby players in striped jerseys, one in the foreground with a beard and closed eyes.

    Jon "Beardface" Deagro

    Captain