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. 

Play Rugby USA Cocktail Benefit - June 14th, New York, NY

On June 14, Play Rugby USA and event partners HSBC, Diageo, and Saatchi & Saatchi will be hosting the the NYC Rugby Cup Cocktail Benefit on June 14th. This event helps to raise funds for Play Rugby USA, which strives to achieve its mission of "Developing Youth Through Rugby" by working with over 2,000 children per week in NYC alone! The event includes a full open bar and Hor D'oeurves from Provence en Boite, silent auction and raffle, and a VIP cocktail hour on the 16th floor. Tickets are $100 for General Admission, and $150 for VIP. 

Full event details are below, and tickets can be purchased at http://www.2012nycrugbycup.charityhappenings.org/

What: NYC Rugby Cup Cocktail Benefit

Where: Saatchi & Saatchi SSpace, 375 Hudson Street

When: June 14th, 2012, 7-11PM (VIP Cocktail Hour from 6-7)

Event features:

• VIP Reception, with HM British Consul General Danny Lopez, 16th Floor, 6pm - 7pm
• Main Reception, SSpace (ground floor) 7pm - 11pm.
• Full open bar & Hor D'oeurves
• Silent Auction and Raffle
• Internship Graduation and Awards.
• HM British Consul General, Danny Lopez - London 2012.

Play Rugby USA partners with HSBC and Hope For The Warriors on NYC Rugby Cup

Courtesy of my good friends over at Play Rugby USA

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Play Rugby USA partners with HSBC and Hope For The Warriors® on NYC Rugby Cup- Presented by HSBC New York, NY- June 9, 2012- Play Rugby USA, the largest rugby based youth development organization in the nation, will be hosting the NYC Rugby Cup- Presented by HSBC on June 9th, 2012. This event is the culminating tournament for the season and will feature 72 teams and 900 players participating in a one day tournament. The theme of the event is Premiership Rugby, the world’s foremost domestic rugby competition based in England. As a cross-cultural component, each school must create and bring a banner that includes details about its adopted city and club’s culture and history. 2012 Event Ambassadors in attendance include John Layfield, former world champion wrestler and current financial analyst for Fox News and Danny Lopez, the British Consul-General of New York. Hope For The Warriors® will also be partnering on the event, providing a service component for the children. The teams will be able to visit a Hope For The Warriors® booth, interact with veterans, and write letters to troops serving overseas. Adding to the military presence at the event, West Point Rugby is partnering with Play Rugby USA to offer afternoon activities to schools eliminated from the competition, run by cadets.

Play Rugby USA 2012 Calendar now on sale

PRE-SALE of Play Rugby USA's inaugural calendar for 2012 highlighting some inspirational images of youth engagement in the program and PRUSA's core values for each month. A great way to give back to the program while putting a smile on your face every morning! 

Click HERE to order your copy online!!

100% of net proceeds benefit Play Rugby USA's mission of "Developing Youth through Rugby". 

We will place all orders for this item on December 15th and notify you via email upon shipping. 

Website: www.playrugbyusa.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlayRugbyUSA

Twitter: twitter.com/Play_Rugby_USA

Rugby Santa 2011: Try Time!

This time last year, Coach Burke of the Oakland Warthogs and I rucked over an idea to get OLD Rugby players to donate unused/retired gear to YOUNG Rugby players. The response last from last year's Rugby Santa forced my business partner to ask me to stop having stuff sent to the office. We literally couldn't get down our hall. Let's do that again, yes? 

After the Silly Season, "The Girl" at YourScrumHalfConnection.com came up with TRY Donation Program: Tomorrow's Rugby Youth. 

Madak.com designs gave us a logo, and BOOM, we were in business.  
 If you have old gear, please contact Kevin at RuckingInsurance.com for a mailing address. If you're a youth program in need of gear, again contact Kevin. And, be sure to visit the Rugby-Related Businesses that help us promote this last year: 

ARugbyLife.com 

PakisCorner.com 

RugbyAmerica.org

ScrumHalfConnection.com

RugbyAthletic.com 

AGiantAwakens.com 

The PCRFU 

Ruckie The Moose 

RuckingInsurance.com

Play Rugby USA needs your help in American Airlines video finals!

Play Rugby USA is shortlisted for the American Airlines competition Flights, Camera, Action where if they get the most votes, they have the opportunity to win 50 free flights and exposure of our Program to over 260,000 passengers!

Winning would help them get some great media exposure to their Program and allow them to use the flights to fly their West Coast teams to the East Coast for their 'Presidents Cup' National competition. Plus each voter goes into a draw to win 25,000 AA Advantage Miles.

To vote, head on over to https://secure.fly.aa.com/flightscameraaction/Vote.aspx?vidID=24

Play Rugby USA looking for Executive Director in California

Play Rugby USA just announced they are seeking a Founding Executive Director for their California Chapter. 

The California Chapter was established in 2010 and has successfully piloted flag rugby youth development programs in 20 schools throughout LA. The Bay Area program is due to start later this year. The Executive Director will be responsible for developing funding, networks and programs partnerships across California to support both LA and Bay Area programs.

POSITION(S):
They will be hiring either one or two successful candidates as follows:
1) Full Time Executive Director, Play Rugby USA – California, or
2) Part Time Executive Director and Part Time Program Manager.

Proposed start date: September, 2011.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and performance based. Please note, as this is a Founding Executive Director position, part of the salary will be based upon the individual's ability to raise the capital required to sustain the chapter.

Reports to: Chairman Play Rugby USA – California & CEO Play Rugby, Inc.

For additional details, please download both the request for proposal (RFP) and job descriptions.

NYC Rugby Cup Cocktail Benefit, Friday June 17th

There are still tickets available to the Play Rugby USA NYC Rugby Cup Cocktail Benefit, now only two days away! This amazing event is their primary fundraiser, and the funds raised help support the cost of the NYC Rugby Cup. Tickets can be bought here,  or by clicking the image below. A full list of items in the silent auction will be released tomorrow, so keep an eye out for that!

For a full listing of play-off results, a report on the event, and individual player awards from the NYC Rugby Cup please visit the Play Rugby USA website. Photo highlights will be displayed later this week on Play Rugby USA's Facebook Fan Club and the Rookie Rugby Club with full size images available for download at Play Rugby USA's online Gallery.

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Play Rugby USA is an extraordinary wellness and prevention resource: Tackling the challenges facing America's Youth. Our mission is to "develop youth through rugby". Play Rugby, Inc is a registered 501 (c)3 non profit organization, based in New York City, NY, USA.

2011 NYC Rugby Cup this Saturday, June 11th

This Saturday will see the NYC Rugby Cup hosted by Play Rugby USA.  Sixty Four teams will compete in the free culminating tournament where all students get to compete and showcase their skills.   The games take place on Randall’s Island, Fields 70 - 75 and kick off at 9am. All are welcome.


As you may imagine, such an event takes a considerable amount of effort to prepare and if you are interested in helping out on Saturday please contact Office Manager, Bryan Vale, at Bryan.Vale@PlayRugbyUSA.com

As a volunteer myself last year (I was a team manager) which was a real blast!  Its a great opportunity to see kids enjoy a spot we all love and support a great cause.   I'll be the event again this year, so please come on by and say hi!

All-star Sports quiz night in NYC to feature USA Eagle Phaidra Knight

Host and Cricket legend, David Gower

The St. George's Society of New York and GEORGE are pleased to announce that they will be partnering with Captain's Knock and Sparks once again for a Sports Quiz on July 13th, 2011. 

The quiz will be hosted by former England cricket captain, David Gower and will take place at the prestigious New York Athletic Club, 180 Central Park South, from 6pm - 10.30pm.

St. George's Society 2011 members are entitled to a discounted price of $150 for individual tickets (regular tickets start at $175). Tickets include a three course meal, open bar cocktail hour, wine and beer throughout, and participation in the quiz and charity auctions. Tables of 10 are also available for $1,750.

The quiz will include questions across all sports from American Football and Baseball to Rugby and Aussie Rules.  Bear this in mind when assembling your table/team of ten.  If you buy individual tickets they will help assemble teams.  They will use the same interactive technology they use for the electronic auction, with tables competing against each other, with countdown clocks and fun animations.

Joining David on a panel of guests will be legendary Liverpool, Spurs and England goal keeper Ray Clemence.  Ray played over 660 times for Liverpool and is involved in the current England set-up.

July will make a year to the Olympics being held in London, so joining the panel will be Denise Lewis and Sir Matthew Pinsent.  Denise won the heptathlon gold at Sydney 2000 and Matthew has the incredible feat of winning 4 gold rowing medals in successive Olympics from 1992-2004.  Sir Alan Collins, British Consul-General will open the quiz with a look forward to 2012.

Also in attendance will be the New York Red Bulls whose table last year featured US soccer greats, Claudio Reyna and Jeff Agoos.  Also from the soccer world will be Chris Bart-Williams, former Nottingham Forest Captain, who is currently coaching in Connecticut.

They will also be joined by special sporting guests from the NY area, including US Olympic medalists and Phaidra Knight, one of the world's all-time greatest women rugby players (and former podcast guest of ARL)

For sponsorship opportunities, including an exclusive VIP reception and a legend hosting your table, contact Richard Sexton directly at Richard.Sexton@CaptainsKnock.com

Play Rugby USA looking for spring season volunteers

Play Rugby USA is about to kick off for the spring season and is looking for a few good folks to help out.

With your help, they anticipate being able to hold 19 tournaments, serving over 70 teams of players.  Initially they only need a handful of volunteers at each event to give them the ability to run the events as well as they do.

Roles available are to help with registration, managing the fields, and refereeing (if you are qualified).

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Bryan.Vale@Playrugbyusa.com with your details.

Here is the Tournaments they need help with:

Saturday, April 2 (Middle School)- Fields 74 and 75, Randall's Island, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Saturday, April 9 (Middle School)- Mott Haven Campus, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Sunday, April 10th (Elementary School)- Chelsea Waterside Park, 12PM-2PM

Sunday, May 1 (Elementary School)- Chelsea Waterside Park, 12PM-2PM

Saturday, May 7 (Middle School)- Randall's Island, Field 74 (7:30AM-12:30PM), Field 75 (9:30AM-2:30PM)

Saturday, May 14 (Elementary School)- Glover Field, 4:30PM-8PM

Sunday, May 15 (Middle School)- Mott Haven Campus, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Saturday, May 21 (Middle School)- Field 74 and 75, Randall's Island, 9:30AM-2:30PM

Sunday, May 22 (Elementary School)- Chelsea Waterside Park, 12PM-2PM

Sunday, June 5th (Middle School)- Mott Haven Campus, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Locations:
Mott Haven Campus
Randall's Island
Chelsea Waterside Park
Glover Field

Bakline's exclusive tee to help the folks in Christchurch, New Zealand

Courtesy of Rob Schnabel, Bakline.

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As the dust settles and the last of the survivors of the earthquake that ruptured Christchurch are unearthed, many residents on the south island will need the continued support of their neighbors, family and friends of the Red Cross.

This exclusive tee is about turning your purchase into a direct donation when all proceeds are sent to the Red Cross in New Zealand for further aid in what will be an ongoing campaign to get Christchurch in the best shape for the upcoming World Cup.

(The shirt is a unisex fitted, high quality cotton tee with foil printed fern.)

Show your support with the iconic silver fern tarnished and remember 2.22.11 – every little bit helps.

100% of proceeds go to the Red Cross. BUY HERE.

Inaugural TRY donation drive with the Village Lions this 6N Saturday!

This Saturday not only sees the clash of the Celts in the 6 Nations, but I'll be hosting my 1st TRY donation drive with my good friends, the Village Lions, at Dorian Gray in the East Village.

As well as your thirst, please bring any old or new, clean kit (jerseys, boots, shorts, socks, pads etc) for donation.  All kit will go directly to HS boys and girls who are new to the sport and play for local Community Clubs established by the fantastic folks over at Play Rugby USA.  

All cash donations will go to the TRY Donation Program to help share the love with other kids across the Nation.  As TRY is a 501(c) organization, all donations are tax deductible.

I'll be at Dorian's from 11am onwards and BBC America will be providing free coverage of the game at 11:30am.  Look forward to seeing you (and your kit) on Saturday!

Dorian Gray's is located at 205 E 4th St New York, NY (between Avenue A & B). 
Nearest Subway is Lower East Side - 2 Avenue (F)

Podcast Episode 13: Kevin Sullivan (TRY Donation Program)

For the first episode of 2011, I sit down with Kevin Sullivan to talk about the TRY (Tomorrows Rugby Youth) Donation Program.  Kevin shares how he, along with an all-star cast of rugby folks, are helping get old rugby kit and equipment to young rugby players in need.

As well as learning about TRY's short and developing history, Kevin talks about his early rugby days and his business, Rucking Insurance, providing health coverage to rugby platters Nationwide.  Plus, listen out for a special announcement from yours truly!

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

And to find about TRY visit our dedicated TRY Page here and don't forget to check out TRY's facebook page (remember to Like it!)

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.

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.

Tackling Cancer, a great cause compelled by the love of rugby

Fellow blogger, Dallen Stanford of Pakis Corner fame, introduced to the world this week the Tackling Cancer Foundation, a fantastic non-profit combining the founders love of rugby and their desire to serve the greater good.

Started in September 2009, the foundation provides support to leading cancer researchers while promoting safe and active lifestyles through sport.  They have already partnered with non-profit cancer research centers in LA at the Vanguard Cancer Foundation and Texas through the Any Baby Can program and plan to eventually find a partner in every state the USA.  

Their immediate goal is to provide a fund-raising platform to support the various cancer organizations and find partner rugby organizations (they are off to a great start with the likes of  Pepperdine University, Belmont Shore, Fallbrook, Dallas Harlequins, DARC (see photo below), and the Austin Valkyries, to name a few, already on-board).   In addition, they are working to employ full-time organizers like Dallen and USA Eagle Matt Hawkins to help build awareness and encourage participation throughout the US and eventually, the world.   

NYC - Bone Marrow Registry Drive for Kieran Holohan

One of my fellow Lions and good friend to many in the rugby community, Kieran Holohan, 42, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on December 9 2009. His Leukemia is temporarily in remission, but he will need a Bone Marrow Transplant in order to survive in the long term.

The Village Lions have organized a Bone Marrow registry drive on Saturday January 23 at the Cornerstone Tavern in Manhattan to raise money for the important DNA testing but more importantly to find bone marrow matches for potential donors. The cheek scrape test will be conducted at the event and takes less than 10 seconds. Its a small price to pay out help a rugger in need.

Full details of the event and other ways you can help if you are unable to attend can be found at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=237950897590