If great leadership on and off the field directly relates to on field success, then the Sacramento State Hornet Rugby team can attribute much of their success this season to team captain Anthony Burr.

Burr, a criminal justice major now in his final season with Sac State, has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches as a player and a leader. His commanding on-field presence and five years of dedication to Sac State rugby have had a tremendously positive affect on the 6-2 Hornets this season.

“On and off the field, he is a role model for his teammates,” Sac State backs coach and Burr’s former teammate Chris Miller said.

Burr’s co-captain, Lucas Edwards said, “You can always count on him. He is a solid player and a good leader by example.”

Burr has been playing rugby since his sophomore year of high school. When asked if he always wanted to play rugby Burr responded, “At first no, but my friends convinced me to play.”

Along with rugby, he participated in football and track while attending Vacaville High School. After high school, he quit rugby, but an old coach convinced him to play at Sac State. Now in his final season with the Hornets, Burr said that he plans to continue playing in the summer, but he is not sure beyond that.

Burr’s athletic ability and work ethic act as natural motivation for his teammates. Burr said he sees his role on the field as, “Providing direction and to keep people motivated.”

“He commands respect on the field. He is tremendously fit and his work rate is the best.” Miller said.

Burr said that he is more comfortable defensively on the field, but he likes offense. He will be moving to the backfield after playing the first half of the season up front. The change will have little affect on Burr according to Miller.

“He has good speed, good fitness, you can move him anywhere,” Miller said.

His on field presence along with Sac State’s success this season may result in postseason accolades for Burr.

According to Miller, Burr has a shot at All-Stars, which consists of the top athletes from Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington and he has a chance to achieve the title of All-American.

Burr said his favorite rugby memory dates back to his freshman season at Sac State.

“There are a lot of (memories),” he said. “I guess coming out first year and going to the Stanford Tourney and taking first place.”

Maybe when Sac State fans look back on Burr’s career, they will be able to say the same thing about watching him play as he said about that Stanford Tourney Championship.

“That was cool.”