Chef Michael Hirst is an assistant coach with the Iowa Central rugby team along with serving as the Culinary Arts Director at Iowa Central.

Hirst, who works with the backs, played for 10 seasons with the Westcombe Park RFC where he was a four-year captain. He became the winningest team captain at the junior level along with securing district and country (state) championships.

Hirst, a native of England, won multiple cups and festivals and was trials at county and national for scrumhalf. He was a regular first 15 scrumhalf and vice captain for five years at St. Olaves Grammer school and was a regular first 15 scrumhalf for three years at St. Dunstans College.