Rich Fromstein

1979 -1982

Tighthead Prop, Flanker

Biography

My time at UW Rugby was defined by grit, camaraderie, and growth, both on and off the field. I was fortunate to be part of teams that won two Wisconsin state championships and to learn from an incredible group of coaches and teammates. The lessons I carried from rugby—discipline, teamwork, and resilience—shaped the way I approached my career and my life. After college, I continued playing at the men’s club level and was fortunate to reach the national club championship game twice. Today, when I look back, it’s not just the wins but the friendships and shared experiences that stand out as the lasting legacy of my rugby career.

Please share a fun fact about you or your favorite rugby memory.

My first UW practice is etched in my memory: a brutally hot day capped off with a keg at the lake and a round of team songs. That was the moment I knew rugby was my sport. On the field, I’ll never forget tying Illinois 12–12—a result that was both frustrating and unforgettable because of how hard-fought it was. And perhaps my most exhilarating moment came years later with Milwaukee, playing in the 1988 national club championship against OMBAC. I ran at full tilt for 40 minutes straight and was disappointed to see halftime come.

Is there a specific achievement or contribution you're especially proud of from your time on the team?

I was part of the teams that won back-to-back Wisconsin state championships in 1980 and 1982, both of which were special. The 1982 final in Eau Claire stands out most vividly—playing in the snow and lining up across the scrum from a kid I’d grown up with in elementary school made that day unforgettable.

What have you been up to since graduating, or how did rugby impact your post-college life?

After leaving Madison, I built my career in several directions—first running small businesses in data entry and sportswear, then moving into sports marketing with the Bucks, Brewers, and Astros, before eventually settling into financial advising with Morgan Stanley, where I’ve worked for nearly three decades. Rugby gave me the resilience and adaptability to thrive in all those transitions. It also gave me a sense of balance: I filled the void after rugby with recreational hockey, which I still play today in Minnesota. Beyond my own journey, I’ve found pride in seeing rugby carry forward through my family. Two of my daughters played, with one becoming a four-time All-American at Penn State and captaining the U.S. Maccabiah rugby team.

Who were your most influential coaches or teammates, and why?

I owe a great deal to coaches like Bob Fried, Joe Holtom, John Brown, Stu Pipple, and Don Becker. Each shaped me as a player and teammate in different ways. Joe Holtom, an Australian grad student, was a player-coach and front row mate who taught me both toughness and perspective. Teammates like Bill Warner became more than rugby brothers—we were roommates, later business partners, and lifelong friends. I also learned from younger UW alumni who pushed me to play above myself, including Cement and Rich Beckman. Their influence kept raising the bar.

What advice would you give to current or future rugby players at UW-Madison?

Rugby is a sport that asks you to be an outsider with something to prove. It pulls more out of you than you think you have, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Embrace that challenge. Show up for your teammates, cherish the camaraderie, and know that the lessons you learn here—resilience, accountability, and friendship—will serve you far beyond the pitch.