A Tribute to Kevin Kitto

It is with great sadness I have to announce the passing of a Rugby legend, Kevin Kitto.  Kevin passed away on February 27, 2025.   I am sure there will be more information and many stories of the people that Kevin touched in his community, family, friends and Rugby.  This is my personal tribute to a great man.

Mr. Kitto was a great Friend and Mentor to me and a great ambassador to the Rugby community.  I first met Kevin Kitto in 2001 when I was coaching the USA Rugby South men’s team in the ITT competitions.   He volunteered to be the Team Manager.  Kevin was always willing to support in any role needed.  Over the next few years he served as President for the South Territorial Union (TU) and then when the TU system was abandoned by USA Rugby, he kept the USA Rugby South organization going to provide international game experience for senior men and women in the NACRA.  He worked hard and gained a reputation all across Mexico and the Caribbean Nations as true leader with the best intentions for the sport of Rugby.

While I was coaching elite youth teams from Tennessee in 2014, Kevin called me about an opportunity to compete in the NACRA u19 competition.  We joined forces again and brought competitive u19 teams to the now RAN (Rugby Americas North) competition. USA Rugby South competed in RAN every year, since then, except during the pandemic.  Kevin was the key person that brought this World Rugby event to the USA on several occasions.  Whatever work was needed or asked he rolled up his sleeves and made sure details were taken care of.   Together, by 2022, we compiled a RAN World Rugby record of 24 wins 4 losses & 1 tie – (4) Championships and (3) 2^nd place finishes.  This is most likely the highest winning percentage of any USA-based team in World Rugby Competition.

In 2020 Kevin and I worked together to create the Panther Rugby Academy as a verified National Development Program.  Kevin was a Founding Board Member.  The common theme for Kevin was to lead by example.  He was always willing to take on any role and put the work in.  He is the first to come and doesn’t leave until the work is done.  Kitto donated his time and money to help build Panther Rugby Academy what it is today.

Going Forward I will miss Mr. Kitto.  I send my condolences to his wife Jill and his entire Family.  In spirit, I know Mr. Kitto my friend, will always be there to support me.

Mark Williams

We run NDP test and ID camps with both skill sessions and typically scrimmage-based assessments.  From these camps, we offer the opportunity to compete at regional, national and international tournaments. Our annual Panther 15s Camp and International Rugby Tours are dedicated to advancing the Rugby experience for all our Panthers.