Dear Commonwealth of Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame,
I am writing to nominate David Chapman for induction into the Commonwealth of Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame.

If recognition is being given for promoting Rugby in Virginia, I submit that no one deserves it more than David. I say without hyperbole or exaggeration that Rugby would not look like i
You will find attached nominations from three other long-time servants of the sport who will attest to this. I am going to focus on Davids’s contribution to the Virginia Rugby Union and its descendant in keeping up with and ahead of the technological revolution.
I first met David in the mid 1980’s when we were both elected to the Virginia Rugby Union Executive Committee. As a frame of reference, I remember clearly around 1983 when fax machines became common. Over the years, as the internet became the communication tool of the future, David got in front of it. As a result, the VRU always enjoyed clean, well formatted websites, great communication, and more importantly, always up to date. Today, if you go to the Capital RU website, it’s still all David. And since communication is the first requirement of a successful organization, I again submit this nomination of David Chapman to the Commonwealth of Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame.
His contributions go far beyond this, but there is one special thing that happened that he in large part made possible. Shortly after Don Bridges was catastrophically injured in 1987, the VRU created an account to collect and provide emergency funds to families of severely injured players, to help cover their bills while they focused on their loved one. Fortunately, it was not needed often. David invested these funds, and even after funds were no longer being added, it continued to grow. In 2022, the Capital Rugby Union closed the account and forwarded the entire balance of well over $30,000 to a fund that manages Dons expenses. Because David made sure the money was safe and growing until it was needed.

Carl F. Schmitt
Past President, Virginia Rugby Union

To: The Selection Committee for Commonwealth of Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame.
Ref: Nomination of David Chapman

David Chapman joined the Blues in its initial year of 1978 when Norfolk Ruby and the Norfolk Irish merged to form the Blues. He played lock and prop for the Blues during his career. Once he retired, Chappy took on a role in the Blues administration and still serves on it today. He is one of the key links keeping the Blues Old Boys informed about the current club and continues to provide the current club with information regarding player and club registration. He was an active referee for many years and continues to fill in when needed. If he is not refereeing, he can be found at Blues home matches where he will take up the touch flag. David Chapman is the epitome of what it means to give back to the game we all love. He doesn't ask for any fanfare of thanks and steps up whenever the Blues or the local union needs him. He is a perfect candidate for the Commonwealth of Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame.

  Chris Porter
Past Player and Head Coach, Norfolk Blues RFC

He's watched rugby in this country reinvent itself many times over. I’ve been regaled with the history of almost all of it. He’s been one to help test out the systems put in place for registration and has seen take shape since it was on paper, and about four iterations of an electronic system and the eligibility policy that has governed the game. The people at USA Rugby are glad in the end to have his help, but may groan when they receive yet another email from him with a list of issues. It is his constant pressure that has made USA Rugby better in some way or another.
When I started my own rugby administrative journey in 2002 or so, David became a mentor for me, helping me navigate through and supporting me in my regional and national roles. David has always demanded of himself, and has a minimum expectation of others, to provide excellence and precision in their delivery. He’s not surprised when the children in the room need an adult to step in, and he will always call it out when the right path forward is needed. He’s been called a “champion of the people” by those who see him in his most sincere form of service to the game. In many ways, he’s had a long standing National influence on the administration and competitions within the club game.
If David doesn’t have an assignment on a given weekend, you can assuredly find him at Lafayette Park, watching “everyone’s favorite team” and always fill in the role as Assistant Referee for the Norfolk Blues or Norfolk Storm matches. May there always be a seat on the sidelines, labeled with his name on it.
There aren’t enough ways to thank David for his contribution, and there aren’t enough people that even know how David has had an impact on the game. Recognizing David as a Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame member is a start.

Sincerely,
Margy Dessypris Thomas,
Capital Union Rugby President (2024-Current)
Rugby Referee Society of Virginia President (2020-2024)
USA Rugby Sr. Club National Competition Chair (2017-2020)
Mid Atlantic Competitions Chair (2012-2017)
Virginia Rugby Union Women’s Director (2003-2012)

Dear Commonwealth of Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame Selection Committee,

I am writing to nominate David Chapman for induction into the Commonwealth of Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame. David's dedication and tireless work have been instrumental in the growth and development of rugby throughout the Virginia Rugby Union and the Mid-Atlantic region. David's contributions extend far beyond the playing field. He has devoted himself to serving the sport in nearly every leadership position imaginable. From his early days as a player, David transitioned seamlessly into club administration, and ultimately, into leadership roles within the Virginia Rugby Union, Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union, and the Capital Rugby Union. Throughout his journey, he has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to fairness, equity, and fostering a positive rugby environment for all. David's willingness to freely share his time and expertise has been invaluable. He has played a critical role in organizing, managing, and growing the game of rugby across the Mid-Atlantic. His leadership and guidance have empowered countless individuals and organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the sport in our region. David's unwavering dedication, combined with his fair and equitable approach to leadership, make him a truly deserving candidate for induction into the Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame. His contributions have significantly enriched the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of rugby players and administrators. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with David over these past 15 years and fully support David’s recognition as a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Rugby Hall of Fame. David earned this designation through growing the game by making it easier for people to get on the field.d

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Matthew Robinette, President
Capital Rugby Union
matthewrobinette55@gmail.com