Twitter "Saturday is a rugby day" photo contest

Yesterday saw @arugbylife hit the 20,000 follower mark and to celebrate, I held a contest to have folks tweet photos of their "Saturday is a rugby day".

I got four fantastic entries and wanted to share them along with the winner picked by the fabulous Mrs. A Rugby Life, who wins a Bakline T-Shirt of their choosing.

Runners up:

 Patrick J Gabrielli (@pjgabrielli2)

Eilidh Donaldson ‏(@ImGingerMidget)

Josh Martin (@Jmart1993)

And the winner is...

Mandy W ‏(@aaw312)

Mrs. A Rugby Life Says "Loved all the entrees but this one was my favorite. The sun evokes the weekend, sunny weather, relaxation and promise/potential. The composition of the photo is nice. The open gate is inviting people in to play together."  

Congratulations to Mandy and big thank you to all the folks who submitted entrees!

Lansdowne RFC seeking Coach

Lansdowne RFC based in the Bronx, NY is currently looking to hire a new coach. Founded in 1993, they compete in the Empire GU Division II and has a rich history, with a diverse US and international player base, and currently carrying a senior group of over 50 players. 

A small stipend in available for the ideal candidate. 

For more information please email the club at: lansdownerfc@gmail.com with the subject line "Lansdowne Coaching Position"

All Blacks Legend Michael Jones in NYC for two events next week

Michael Jone
(Courtesy of Samoan Bios)

All Blacks legend Michael Jones will be in Manhattan next week for two events in support of AUT University rugby scholarships which send high school kids to New Zealand over the summer. AUT has been sponsoring these scholarships for the last 5 years and they are an incredible experience for the scholarship winners.

On Tuesday 16th April, Bill Middleton and AUT University’s Vice Chancellor, Derek McCormack, will host a small private dinner with Michael for no more than 10 people.  Tickets and details can be found at www.mjnyVIP.eventbrite.com

On Wednesday 7th April, there is a large event hosted by USA Rugby and AUT University for dinner, drinks and Q&A with Michael, USA Eagles National Coach Mike Tolkin and USA Eagle Mike Petri.  Tickets and details can be found at www.mjny.eventbrite.com

As some background, in 2008 a partnership was established between Perry Street Preparatory Public 
School in Washington DC, (formerly known as Hyde Charter Leadership School) and AUT University, supported by the New Zealand Embassy’s Ambassador’s Shield, which enabled rugby-playing high school students a chance to  experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study, play rugby and enjoy ‘life’  in New Zealand. 
In 2009, Alex Pettiford and Salim Lancaster were the first of ten students thus far who have spent six weeks studying and playing rugby in New  Zealand while experiencing a unique cultural exchange.  The video below is from a CBS 2009 new report that features Hyde Rugby.