Looking forward

With the new year almost upon us, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, all the readers and listeners, for all your support.  I've made a lot of great rugby friends this year and I'm excited to share more posts and podcasts in what I feel is going to be a fantastic rugby year ahead.

On the domestic front, I'm looking forward to seeing how the local teams do again. The US Super League kicks off soon and NYAC will be back in action to defend their title.  In the Women's Premiers league, New York Rugby Club will be looking to pull off a hat-trick championship win.  On the personal side,  my current home team, the Village Lions, are heading to the Div 2 Nationals after a superb season this year.  And my old teammates and friends in the Washington Renegades hope to make history by qualifying for their first ever Div 3 Nationals.

Merry Christmas!

Have a great day folks!

Cheers Hedley

A Christmas Gift- Jordan Torres's story about life at IRANZ

As an early Christmas treat for you, I wanted to share Jordan Torres story of his time at IRANZ camp earlier this year.  With the fund raising help from you, the readers, and family friends, Jordan had a chance of a lifetime to attend the academy in New Zealand.

In his words, this is his story.

Village Lions Women's 2011 Calendar

The ladies of the Village Lions have out done themselves again with a fabulous calendar for 2011.  The calendar cost $15 and all proceeds go to help fund the team during next years season.


To pick one up, head on over to https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=WT8Z75R7YMS62 and below you can get a sneak peak of photos for each month.

Locations finalized for 2011 US Rugby Championships

Courtesy of USA Rugby

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BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby is happy to announce that all locations for 2011 National Championships are finalized after securing one last venue. 

In the east Virginia Beach; Manassas Park, Virginia; Pittsburgh; Buffalo, New York; and Sanford, Florida will all see championship-caliber rugby teams battle for national titles.

Championships will find their way to western locations that include Santa Barbara; San Francisco; the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California; Sandy, Utah; and Glendale, Colorado.

Blaine, Minnesota; Bowling Green, Ohio; and Austin, Texas will see their share of action as well.

The first ever College Premier League final will see the two best men’s college rugby teams in the country square off in Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

Podcast Episode 12: Adam Kopp & Chris Babiash (Rugby Athletic)

Back with another podcast for your listening pleasure, this time with not one, but two guests.

I catch up with Adam Kopp and Chris Babiash, the lads behind Rugby Athletic, a growing full service wholesale rugby company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

We talk about the duos college playing days, the origins and services of Rugby Athletic, and there other including their mascot, Ruckie The Moose, who heads up their charity and youth foundation.

You can listen to the podcast on our Podcast Page, iTunes, our Facebook page or via our RSS Feed.

And to find about and follow Rugby Athletic and Ruckie, check out the follow links:

www.rugbyathletic.com

www.facebook.com/rugbyathletic

twitter.com/rugbyathletic

ruckiethemoose.com

NRU Accepting Select Side Coaching Applications

Courtsey of  Northeast Rugby Union

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Albany, NY - The Northeast Rugby Union is now accepting applications for the position of head coach for the following representative teams:

• Senior Men's 7's
• Senior Women's 7's
• College Men's 15's
• College Women's 15's (Currently U23)

These will be three year appointments that will run thru the 2013 season. Preference will be given to applicants with prior select side coaching experience, but prior experience is not a requirement.

Interested coaches should submit an application that includes the following:

• Team you are applying for
• Rugby resumes of the head coach and any assistant coaches, managers, trainers, etc.
• Program events calendar - training dates, tryouts, practices, tournaments or competitions you plan to enter, etc. Calendar should be as specific as possible for the 2011 season, with general milestones for the 2012 and 2013 seasons
• Budget estimates with anticipated expenses, revenues and approximate player contribution. Please submit as detailed a budget as possible.
• Coaching and player development philosophy and experience
• Overall direction and goals for the program during the term of the appointment

Anyone wishing to coach a Northeast Rugby Union select side must file an application. All applications will be reviewed by the NRU Board of Directors who will appoint coaches for each program. Applications should be sent to the Northeast Rugby Union Board of Directors at bod@northeastrugby.org and must be received by Friday, December 31, 2010.

Coaching appointments will be announced after the NRU Annual general Meeting in January, 2011.

52nd New York 7s Tournament kicks off this weekend

If you are in New York City this weekend and fancy catching some rugby action, the annual New York Sevens is not too be missed.  The tournament is one of the largest and longest running 7s in the states and is expected to attract over 130 teams including Top Senior Mens and Women's, Old boys, and U19 Boys and Girls.  Its free to spectators and full details can be found at www.newyorkrugbysevens.com.

And check out the video below featuring highlights from the tournament.

Happy Thanksgiving folks!

Podcast Episode 11: Dallen Stanford (Paki's Corner, Tackling Cancer Foundation)

Its been long over due for a new podcast and I couldn't be more chuffed to have caught up with Dallen Stanford, the legend behind Paki's Corner.  

We chat about his early days in the US, how as a South African, he made a name for himself on the International 7s scene with the USA Eagles.  We also talk about his latest work with Tackling Cancer, a foundation which supports cancer research through leveraging the global participation of rugby. 

You can listen to the podcast on the Podcast Page, on iTunes, on Facebook, or via the RSS Feed.

Enjoy!

USA wins game one of the Rugby League Atlantic Cup over Jamaica, 36-26

Courtesy of Spinner, Jacksonville Axemen

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The USA has come out on top 36 to 26 over Jamaica at Hodges Stadium (UNF) in Jacksonville.

The game was filled with everything Rugby League has to offer. Massive Hits, some very skilled and tactical offence and some blood flowing from wounds sustained during the battle.

Both the USA and Jamaican teams will be forced to make some changes for their remaining games due to an range of injuries. Axemen Matt Thornton and Taco Pope both have at least a dozen stitches in their heads. Thornton also sustained a detached bicep. The Jamaicans also have their issues with Jermain Wrey having a concussion, and another two players who will be needing scans on suspected shoulder seperations and ankle injuries.

The next game of the HotelsofJacksonville.com Rugby League Atlantic Cup will take place Thursday night when Canada get their first game in against the Jamaican team.

Below if the full report from wearerugby.com

Northeast Rugby Announces 2010 Championship Finalists

Northeast Rugby Union, which administers rugby throughout the Northeastern US, today announced the finalists for its 2010 Championships, which will determine regional champions in Mens Division 1, 2 and 3.  NRU's 2010 Championships are on Saturday and Sunday November 20 and 21, 2010, with kickoffs both days at 10 am, noon and 2 pm at Randall's Island, NY, Fields 74 and 75.

There will be food, medical assistance, and other conveniences at the island.  Admission is free.  Schedules, social events, and information about discounted rooms at Fitzpatrick's, the tournament hotel, are all on the event website www.nruplayoffs.org .  Results will be posted there and on Twitter at @NRUPlayoffs. 

Thanks to Host Committee chair Jason Brown and Dr. Vic Lopez, Bret Costain, Hedley Lagrand (yep, that's me!), Met NY is looking forward to hosting this event.  Good luck to our guests from NERFU and NYSRFU and to Met NY teams.  May the best clubs win!

NRU's	Time	Field 74	Field 75
Saturday	10:00 AM	D3 Rockaway #1 vs. Saratoga #4	D2 Lions #2 vs. Yankees #4
Saturday	12:00 PM	D2 Middlesex #1 vs. N. Jersey #3	D1 BIW #3 vs. Long Island #2
Saturday	2:00 PM	D3 Syracuse #2 vs. Brooklyn #3	D1 Mystic River #1 vs. NYRC #4
Sunday	10:00 AM	D3 Championship	D1 Consolation
Sunday	12:00 PM	D2 Championship	D3 Consolation
Sunday	2:00 PM	D1 Championship	D2 Consolation

Coaches needed this spring for Middle School Rugby in Virginia

Courtesy of Frederic Bardot, Director of Rugby Virginia

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Rugby Virginia is a State Based Rugby Organization (SBRO) dedicated to the development of youth and high school rugby.  In an effort to build upon the very successful youth (u-13s, u-15s) summer tackle programs in existence in Virginia, Rugby Virginia plans to create a Middle School XV boys League composed of 3-4 teams for Spring 2011.

For this pilot season, team locations are limited to the Northern VA area.

Season start: weekend of March 26

Conclusion: 1 day tournament -- May 21

Grades: 6-8

Boys only

Coaching requirements: USA Rugby certified (CDP). 2 evening practices / week, + games.

Each individual clubs would be administered (registration, equipment, etc...) by Rugby Virginia.

Inquiries should be directed at rugbyvirginia@gmail.com

New Zealand rugby stars in New York city

This Thursday sees New Zealand’s All Blacks stars Michael Jones & Frano Botica and Rugby League Legend Tawera Nikau together for a panel discussion.   The event serves as fund raiser to help send two New York City public high school students down under for rugby/study scholarships as well as  provide player/coach exchanges between the US and New Zealand.


The event kicks off at 7pm and full details are below.  I'll be at the event and looking forward to having chat with you over a beer!

Thursday 11 November 7-9.30pmSaatchi & Saatchi | 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014 
Join Kevin Roberts to welcome two of New Zealand’s Rugby Stars to New York, also featuring Kiwi Rugby League Star!
Michael Jones, Rugby World Cup Volunteer Ambassador, is one of New Zealand's greatest rugby stars, an iconic All Black, member of the RWC 1987 winning New Zealand team and a former coach of Manu Samoa.
Frano Botica is one of the few athletes who has worn Triple Black Jerseys, having played for the New Zealand Sevens, All Blacks (both rugby union) and Kiwis (rugby league). He has also been a New Zealand Maori representative.
Tawera Nikau, Official Legend of Rugby League and former New Zealand Rugby League representative will be a special guest following his New York Marathon debut, seven years after losing a leg in a motorcycle accident.

Join host Kevin Roberts, meet the players, bid in the auction for two tickets to New Zealand, rare auction items and much more.

This special event will raise funds to send two New York City public high school students to New Zealand for rugby/study scholarships.  Funds will also provide two player/coach exchanges between the United States and New Zealand.

Click HERE for tickets or visit http://usarugby.eventbrite.com

VIP Entrance $200 / General Entrance $75

Enquiries to sarah.smith@nzte.govt.nz or 1 646 378 4803

To view online click HERE

Village Lions vs Landsdowne - TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

Big day for my club tomorrow as the Village Lions mens take on Landsdowne at home at high noon.  This is the final game of the MET-NY regular season with 1st place on the line.

Both teams have secured home semi-finals already, dominating most opposition. Landsdowne are the only undefeated team in Division 2 but the Lions sit two competition points behind them in second place with a far superior for-and-against.

Kickoff at 12 noon, the Killer Bs will follow at 2pm as they aim to finish their season undefeated.

HOW TO GET TO THE PITCH

The Lions play on Field 75 on Randall's Island. On the south tip of the island underneath the Triborough bridge.

The easy way to get to the pitch is by walking over the footbridge on 103rd st and the FDR. This gets you on the island, and you can follow the road that you exit the bridge on around to field 75. Look for the rugby players under the Triborough bridge.


More details can be found on the Lions Facebook event page and check out Alex Goff's great article on the match on Rugbymag.com.

Good luck lads!

Movember New York Rugby Challenge

Calling all men of the NYC Metropolitan rugby!  Movember is an exciting way for NY Rugby to raise awareness for men's health issues and have a good time while doing it.  This year we would like to issue a NY Rugby challenge to you all and ask that you register on Movember.com and join the New York MO-tropolitan Network. 

There are a few ways you can get involved, either individually or through a team. Each department is encouraged to start a team made up of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas. 

A team is a way to make Movember fun and engaging. Once you create a team, you gotta do some mo-recruiting because, let's face it, other than Tom Selleck no one can really wear a moustache alone.


WHAT IS MOVEMBER?

Movember, the month formerly known as November, is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health.

HOW?
    •    REGISTER at: http://us.movember.com/register/  and start your team up!
    •    RECRUIT team members by using the email, Facebook and Twitter “BUILD YOUR TEAM” tools off of your Mo Space page ... Remember to make sure your team members are registered! Believe it or not, just growing a Mo will not cure cancer!
    •    JOIN the New York MO-tropolitan Network from your Mo Space page: http://us.movember.com/mospace/network/newyorkmotropolitanrugby 
    •    CREATE a new look by starting to grow your Mo on Movember 1st
    •    MOTIVATE your friends and family to support your growing efforts by using the email, Facebook and Twitter “Ask for Donations” tools off of your Mo Space page
    •    CELEBRATE your journey at a Mo themed end of Movember Celebration: http://us.movember.com/events/find-an-event/, or host your own with the office by ordering your free Movember party-in-a-box: http://us.movember.com/events/mo-parties/

RESOURCES
The Movember website provides many great resources including personalized fundraising pages and promotional materials to help your Movember cause. If you need any help along the way or need any information, you can email Katie Thiele at Katie@movember.com

Old Blue RFC helping to kick Cancer in to touch charity match (New York, NY Sat 30th October)

Old Blue RFC helping to kick Cancer in to touch!

 Mo Bros Vs Old Blue 1st XVSaturday 30th October
Columbia Baker Field Sports Complex
Kick off 1:30pm

http://oldbluerugby.com/1st-annual-movember-invitational-rugby-game.html

Come one,. come all!! In anticipation for the upcoming month of MOvember (formally November ) Old Blue will be playing a charity game against the MOvember Select side in an effort to raise awareness (and money) about prostate and testicular cancer. 1 in 3 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. 

And the INTERNATIONAL effort Known as MOVEMBER is doing its part to raise awareness of this terrible disease. Every year thousands of men around the globe donate their faces to a good cause and get people to sponsor the growing of their mustache. 

So far 20 players on the Old Blue squad have signed up and pledged to grow a MO and raise some serious cash! You can donate online to our cause by sponsoring individuals in the team or our collective team Old Blue (balls) by GOING HERE, there will also be collection buckets on the day to help bolster the Old Blue support of this very worthy cause. 

Old Blue Oldish Boy Tim Fuery and his awesome company www.ilikewebsites.com have pledged to donate $100 to Movember on behalf of the first Mo Bro to score a try and also $100 to Mo Bro of the match! Thank you Tim!!

If anyone would like to match or even better Tims generosity please contact me for details. 

We look forward to seeing you all there on Saturday to watch a memorable game of rugby and help save a bro by growing a MO!

Dom Wareing

Capt Old Blue 1st XV

Movember NYC Committee Member

Movember Invitational RFC Mo Bros Chairman

Jersey City Casino Night Benefiting the Play Rugby USA & Police Activities League Rugby Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Registrations now open: http://prusacasinonight.eventbrite.com/.

A Safe Bet: Play Rugby USA & Jersey City Police Activity League Team Up for Casino Night to Benefit Local Rugby Program
 

Jersey City, NJ, October 14 2010: Play Rugby USA and The Jersey City PAL are proud to announce their inaugural fundraising effort to expand their highly popular Youth Flag Rugby program. This last spring saw the first ever Youth Rugby program in Jersey City. SGT Frank William, PAL Director, gave the program a chance and it was found to be immensely popular with the kids. Within just a few short weeks of their first practice the JC PAL team went on to take 2nd place in their bracket at the NYC Mayor’s Cup. Off the field, the program was as successful in engaging the local kids after school and keeping them off the streets and committed to their team. Due to its popularity SGT Williams is looking to expand the program into 5 more schools for 2011. At this rate of expansion Youth Rugby could be in many more schools in just a few short years, perhaps reflecting the 1000% increase in organizations adopting rugby in New York City in under 5 years.

2010 Rugby League Atlantic Cup - Jacksonville, Florida - Nov 16th, 18th, & 20th

For anyone who hasn't had the chance to watch rugby league live, the 2010 Rugby League Atlantic Cup  in Jacksonville, Florida, will be a real treat!

The Atlantic Cup is a full International Rugby League Tournament designed to find the best Rugby League Nation in the Atlantic Region - the 2010 event will be contested by Canada, Jamaica and the USA.

Games are scheduled to take part in November with USA v Jamaica on the 16th , Canada v Jamaica on the 18th , and USA v Canada on the 20th.  

All the details including ticket information can be found on the Axemen's website here. 

In related news, Redhook ESB was recently announced as the Official Beer of the Rugby League Atlantic Cup and University of North Florida Campus Paper highlighted two of the Jacksonville Axemen players who came out of the UNF Rugby program and have been named for the USA side.

NYC: Village Lions Friends and Family day, Saturday 9th October

The Village Lions invite you to their Friends and Family day being held tomorrow on Randall's Island field 74.

The old boys, ladies, and mens are all in action, so bring some food to throw on the bbq, grab a few beers, and enjoy a great day of rugby.

First game kicks off at 10:30am with the Old Boys taking on the Gents of NY.   The Leonas take the field in full force with the Old Gals v the young girls and look out for a special guest appearance by Head Coach Mary Holmes!  The mens team will be playing their 4th league game of the season against Union County RFC with both A and B sides in action.

The merchandise folks will be out with their Lions ware and I've heard the hoodies are the hot item this year!

Bushmill Brothers present Phil, Tim & Keith - Life in the Scrum Video

Rugby stars Keith Wood, Phil Vickery and Tim Payne, on the set of Bushmills Brothers, sharing some banter about their careers and life in the scrum.  Enjoy!

San Francisco Rugby Academy announces its Fall 2010 course dates

San Francisco - The San Francisco Rugby Academy (SFRA) is designed for students enrolled in grades eight through twelve (ages 14-19). Recent High school graduates are also eligible to enroll. The SFRA accommodates various skill levels to include beginners, and is designed to help players develop fundamental skills for playing more effectively as individuals and team members. Emphasis is placed on individual and positional skills as well as team skills and concepts. The camp features a high-quality staff of instructors and will also have guest coaches from top colleges and teams.

The trainings are at the San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Football Club and their facility on Treasure Island. Academy Highlights Interaction with Professional Coaches and a number of USA National Team players Skills development: evasive running, passing, tackling, contact skills Specialty clinics: kicking, lineout throws, scrum-half passing Film study and individual analysis of play Individual player evaluation and feedback Flexibility, strength training, and conditioning programs sports psychology.

"Our approach is unique we are looking to set a pathway to prepare players for higher levels of rugby such as age grade and collegiate rugby," states Academy founder Paul Keeler.
Enrollment is limited to 50 players, and early registration is encouraged as the Academy is filling up fast and halfway to enrollment. The sessions take place every Sunday from October 17th - Jan 5th, 9 am - 12 pm. The San Francisco Rugby Academy founded in 2008, by San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Football Club (SFGG RC), is the cornerstone of their development program.

We provide our young players with an environment in which they can grow, express themselves both personally and professionally and realize their dream of playing collegiate and Super League and International Rugby. At SFRA, we value attitude, commitment, integrity, and honesty as highly as we do rugby ability.

For more information please go to our website at www.sfrugbyacademy.com
Contact:

Sharon Lovell, Communications
(415) 547-0631
sfrugbyaca.comms@gmail.com

NYC: NYAC vs Olympic Club this Saturday, September 18th

New York Athletic Club are hosting a full day of sports, including rugby, against arch rivals the Olympic Club at Travers Island this Saturday.  Details are below and for more information, visit NYAC's website or call the Athletic Office at (212) 767-7160

The event will be historic.

The games memorable.

Be there.

Texas set to Tackle Cancer

Courtesy of my friends over at The Tackling Cancer Foundation

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The Tackling Cancer Foundation has been so well supported in Texas, that it is super excited to announce its fall raffle fundraiser!

Proceeds generated will be used to support the Any Baby Can Cancer Foundation in Texas as well as the Vanguard Cancer Research Foundation in California.

“We are really excited to be involved again” said Rick Marshall from the Katy Barbarians Rugby Club in Houston.

“Our rugby club raised several thousand dollars through the first Tackling Cancer fundraiser, and we know this one will be another massive success” enthused Marshall, who is also the President of the Texas Youth Rugby Association (TYRA).

The Tackling Cancer non-profit foundation was created to support leading cancer researchers while promoting safe and active lifestyles for today’s youth through sports. By leveraging the global participation of rugby, the foundation and its donors will help tackle cancer.

The Texas fall raffle will run from September 1st to December 1st, with the drawing taking place on December 15th 2010.

NYC: Philippines National Team Head Coach takes over as coach of Village Lions Mens team

Great news for my team Village Lions!

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New York, NY (Sept. 5, 2010) – The Village Lions Rugby Football Club (Div. 2/ Met-NY Union) is pleased to announce that they have secured Philippines National Team Head Coach Expo Mejia to head its men’s side.

Mejia, who recently lead the Philippines National Team to the IRB Asian 5 Nations Div. 2 title in his first year as head coach, is a former first grade colts coach at Gordon Rugby Club (2007), first grade coach at Penrith Rugby Club (2009) in the Sydney Premiership Competition and backs coach for the Australian Barbarians in 2009 and 2010. He has also worked for NSW Rugby Union (Waratahs) and Australian Rugby Union (ARU) as Coach Education Coordinator in 2008 and 2009.

“I am very excited to be part of the Lions rugby club,” said Mejia. “Since my first meeting here, I have been impressed by the professionalism of the staff and the enthusiasm of the players. I predict the Lions will pose a serious threat to the top Div 2 sides across the country.”  The New York City-based Lions, founded in 1989, carries two full men’s sides that compete in Div. 2 and a Women’s side that was recently promoted to Div.1.

“In Mejia, we have one of the best coaches you can find on U.S. soil,” said Bret Costain, VLRFC President.

To learn more about the Village Lions RFC, please visit www.villagelions.org or contact Olly Smith.This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Big rugby day

Lots of rugby action today, home and away with the Emirates Airline USA Rugby Men's and Women's All-Star 7s kicking off in a few hours in NYC and the USA womens taking on England in the Womens World Cup in the UK.

You can find more details on both events respectively at newyorkallstarsevens.org and www.rwcwomens.com.  I'll be posting a few tweets and pictures from the 7s and if your at the event, as always, come on over and say hi.  

If you would like to catch the Eagles in action, you can watch the game online at WRWC site and NBC Universal will be broadcasting it tonight at 10pm EST.  Check your local listings for details.

Remembering Neil Godleski

Tragic news about a fellow rugby player, Neil Michael Godleski, who died on Sunday.

Neil who was only 31-years-old and a former Catholic University rugby player, was was shot and killed early Sunday morning in NW DC while riding his bike on his way home from work.

Neil began playing rugby at Catholic in 1997. After taking time off from school, he recently returned to finish his biology degree.

Jordan wins player award at IRANZ

Jordan Torres's trip down under just got a whole lot sweeter!  He was given the Best Back award by the IRANZ coaches.
Full details can be found here.   Congratulations mate!

Phaidra Knight on MTV's "Made" tonight

As regulars of blog know, I'm good friends with USA Eagle Phaidra Knight who is currently in the UK warming up for the kick of the 2010 Womens Rugby World Cup.  However, earlier this year she got the fantastic opportunity to star on MTV's "Made" which will air tonight at 5pm EST.  The episode has Phaidra helping turn a 15 year old old girl from Wisconsin into a rugby player and you can catch a sneak peek below of the show.

MADE - MTV Shows

And in case you missed it, here's the official press release, courtesy of USA Rugby:

The Emirates Airline USA Rugby Men's and Women's All-Star 7s

Regional All-Star teams gear up for The Emirates Airline USA Rugby All Star 7s Tournament

NEW YORK – USA RUGBY announced that, in conjunction with the Metropolitan New York rugby Football Union, they will host The Emirates Airline USA Rugby All-Star 7s Tournament on Randall's Island, NYC for the second year in a row. The pool of All-Star players will come together for this tournament on August 28th and 29th 2010.

“I am excited about the tournament being hosted on Randall's Island for the second year in a row,” stated Bret Costain, one of the tournament directors and President of the Village Lions. “  The trust shown from USA Rugby tells us that they liked how we handled the tournament last year and they see the potential for growth on the East Coast for these types of venues.”

The tournament will see teams coming in representing their Territorial Unions (TUs) from all over the country. The TUs are Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Mid-West, West, Pacific Coast, and Southern California. These select sides are representative of the best sevens players across the nation and are the top pool for prospective USA 7s Men’s and Women’s National Sides. Selectors for the national teams will be in attendance and surveying the crop of talent at the tournament.

"Last year on Randall's Island, we showed we could successfully host this tournament for the best 7s players in the US. I'm proud USA Rugby concluded we should host it again." said Toby Butterfield, President of the Metropolitan New York Rugby Football Union.

Nigel Melville, CEO and President of Rugby Operations of USA Rugby, highlighted the importance of the tournament in the future of rugby by saying “With less than six years left until sevens make its debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, this is the type of event to identify those who will be making that team to represent the United States.”

For further information on the tournament, please visit newyorkallstarsevens.org

Media Contacts:
Hedley Lagrand
Publicity & Press Relations | Tournament Host Committee | arugbylife@gmail.com
Jarrod Beckstrom
Interim Director of Communications | USA Rugby | jbeckstrom@usarugby.org

Australian Embassy hosting fundraiser for Washington DC Youth Rugby, August 19th

Courtesy of Brian Mihelic,Washington DC Youth Rugby
 

The Embassy of Australia will be hosting a fundraiser for Washington DC Youth Rugby on Thursday, August 19th from 5:30-8:30.  The guest speaker will be journalist and former Wallaby Peter FitzSimons.

Washington DC Youth Rugby is a program that reaches out to kids in Washington DC’s inner-city.  They started the program in 2004 and have been growing every year.  They have a summer program for younger kids and a high school program at Calvin Coolidge High School in DC.  They are a 501c3 non-profit
organization, so all donations are tax-deductible.

The fundraiser will be hosted at the Embassy of Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW in The District on Thursday, August 19th.  There is an invitation attached, but please note that the event starts at 5:30 and due to security reasons, they stop letting people in at 7:30.  This promises to be a really nice event with drink specials ($2 Aussie beer and wine) and hors d’oeuvres.  The guest speaker, Peter FitzSimons, a journalist and former Australia National Team player.  

The admission fee is $10 per person which will go directly to the program.  They will also be holding a raffle
and a silent auction with sports memorabilia, Redskins, Caps & DC United tickets, weekend rentals and more.  

RSVP to washingtondcyouthrugby@yahoo.com and please note, space at the Embassy is limited at about 250 people and it is filling up fast.  Also, you must RSVP before the event in order to clear security at the door.  Please bring a photo ID.  Per Embassy policy, dress is business casual…no flip flops.

Jordan Torres - "New Zealand here I come!"

Outside the Canterbury store in Wellington

August 9th - Leaving New York in the afternoon, I released, here I was on my way to New Zealand. I was pretty nervous.

My first flight was to into LA which took about 5 hours followed by the 14 hours to New Zealand which really tough, but got through it.

I missed my last flight as I was delayed going threw customs and security for a pair of rugby boots!  Had to hang in the airport for a while until I could catch the next one.

I was met at the final destination by the gentleman I was staying with, and once we got my bags we took the short drive to Palmerston North where I was going to be staying.   Drive was a bit strange as I was sitting on the US drivers side and he was driving from the passenger seat!

Was glad to get to the house and settling in as the time change was really messing me up and was feeling a little home sick.  We went out for dinner and when we got back, I just crashed in my room. Its so cold here, wasn't ready for that after coming from a hot Summer on New York.

August 10th - I'm going to Wellington today to buy some gear!  I am doing fine after some rest and getting ready for the Academy that starts on Saturday.  There will be a lot more updates on how that's going soon.