Salvatore Tondi started as an assistant coach with the Sacred Heart women's varsity program in the fall of 2021. Prior to his time with the women's team, Tondi served as an assistant coach for the SHU X-Men rugby club until 2018. He also spent time as the head coach of the men's rugby program at the University of Hartford Rugby Club and the head coach of the women's club rugby team at the University of New Haven.
Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Tondi developed a passion for rugby at a young age. This passion led him to pursue higher education at UNH, where he majored in Management with a concentration in Sports Industries.
During his time at the University of New Haven, Tondi was instrumental in the establishment of the men's club team and played a pivotal role in forming the women's rugby club, showcasing his leadership and commitment to the sport.
As an athlete, Tondi has experience playing at UNH, the Long Island Colts U19 Club, and the Old Black Rugby Club.
Among Tondi's notable accomplishments is leading his team to an undefeated record in conference play in 2016, clinching the Tri-State Conference Championship, and securing a spot in the D2 National Championship Tournament. He spearheaded fundraising efforts, raising $16,000 to enable the team to compete in South Carolina, where they faced formidable opponents, including Furman University, who finished as runners-up in the national tournament.
Throughout his rugby journey, Tondi had the privilege of playing alongside and being coached by international athletes from England, Ireland, Chile, Argentina, Fiji, Samoa, and Australia, enriching his understanding of the game and fostering a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives within the sport.
With a proven track record of success both on and off the field, Tondi continues to make significant contributions to the rugby community, embodying the values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship.
