As a child, Dallen Stanford’s father encouraged him to have other career interests outside of playing rugby. Stanford heeded his father’s advice and took an interest in commentating. Years later the Eagle Alum would become a recognizable voice among the rugby community through his coverage of various events including the HSBC Sevens World Series, World Rugby u20 Championship and last year’s Rugby Sevens World Cup in San Francisco.
The rugby audience will once again hear Stanford’s commentating; but this time at one of the sports largest events – the 2019 Rugby World Cup. With this, Stanford will become the first Eagle Alum selected to be a lead commentator at a Rugby World Cup.
"I was at home in Southern California late last year when I received an email asking if I was available to travel to Japan to cover the Rugby World Cup for World Rugby. I told my wife that either spam emails had advanced tremendously, or I might be commentating the Rugby World Cup!” Stanford expressed.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be selected by World Rugby as one of only four lead commentators on the World Feed, and it’s honestly a dream come true,” he noted.
Stanford explained how at the age of 11, he started taking a noticeable interest in commentating by narrating loudly while playing touch rugby with his friends. But his career really took flight in 2012 when he had his first opportunity to work as a sideline reporter then analyst in the commentary booth at Infinity Park.
“It was brilliant to be involved, and I knew that with practice, I would be best suited as a play-by-play caller who brings genuine excitement and energy to a broadcast.”
“I am extremely thankful to the Glendale franchise, Director Patrick Guthrie and Producer Matt Brown for having confidence in me. Fast forward eight years and we are still working together – this month it’s the annual RugbyTown 7s at Infinity Park,” he added.
Even though Stanford worked diligently to reach this point in his career, he expresses that this opportunity still came as a shock.
“If someone said to me at any time in my first 26 years on this earth that I would represent the USA on the HSBC Sevens World Series for three years and commentate the 2018 Rugby Sevens World Cup and 2019 Rugby World Cup, I would have laughed at them. And I love a good laugh!”
“I think early on in any journey, one sometimes doesn’t necessarily see the absolute end goal – but work on the process of constant improvement.”
Beyond constant improvement, Stanford added five other principles to achieving a goal. “In my opinion, the principles/characteristics in achieving anything are the same: 1. Do What You Love, 2. Positive Attitude, 3. Strong Work Ethic/Preparation, 4. Growth Mindset, 5. Have Fun; Life is Short.”
In the end, after applying his five principles and working with a supportive crowd, Stanford has reached this incredible career milestone.
“While my father isn’t around to witness this event, my mom is the biggest and loudest rugby fan you will ever meet – so it will be such a proud moment to be on the call with her listening in South Africa – as well as my sister Melissa in England.”
He also gave credit to his wife. “My wife Verity has been the most supportive partner over the years, and I can’t wait to have her there in Japan living some of these special moments together.”
However, a big question remains, as a South African and former US Rugby player, who will Stanford root for?
“I will always back both of my countries, but head to head on the HSBC Sevens World Series I have always supported the USA Eagles. It does make the Series more interesting having two countries consistently perform well,” He concluded.
Stanford will begin commentating matches starting Saturday, September 21 on NBC Sports Gold in the NBC Sports app. Also available on Apple iOS & tvOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast and NBCSportsGold.com.
