USA Rugby News

Sue Parker Named Women’s National Sevens Team Coach

admin0 — Wed, 20 May 2009 02:55:21 +0000

BOULDER, Colo. - USA Rugby officially announced the appointment of Sue Parker as the head coach of the Women’s Sevens National Team through December 2009. Parker assumes the position previously held by Julie McCoy, who stepped down after leading the team to the semifinals of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in March.
“We are delighted to have Sue on board,” USA Rugby CEO and President of Operations Nigel Melville said. “She has tremendous enthusiasm for the job, and we believe she can do great things with this program.”
Parker represented the United States in Sevens from 1997 to 2000 as a wing. She was a close advisor and consultant to previous Head Coach Julie McCoy, and worked with former Head Coach and Sevens guru Emil Signes at National Team camps.
As an assistant coach of the Developmental Sevens Team from 2007-2008, Parker frequently took on head coaching responsibilities. Parker was also an assistant coach of the USA U-23 Team from 2003-2007. She was head coach of the women’s team at the United States Naval Academy from 2002-2008, establishing them as a perennial national powerhouse and as a consistent National Collegiate Championship contender.
Parker, who is excited for this new challenge, sets the bar high for the program.
“My goal for the USA Team is to become the exemplary Women’s Sevens program in the world in every facet. That includes developing a team capable of winning the Rugby World Cup Sevens and an Olympic Gold Medal, should we get the opportunity,” Parker said.
Parker will announce the details of her plan for the remainder of 2009 shortly, including entry pathways into the player pool, skill development, camps, competition, and development of sponsorship and publicity for the program.

Tweet This Post

Lt. Gov. O’Brien Celebrates Colorado Rugby Month

admin0 — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:11:41 +0000

DENVER - Lt. Governor Barbara O’Brien officially announced Monday that June is Colorado Rugby Month and presented Gov. Bill Ritter’s proclamation to Rick Cortez, President of the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union.

The proclamation comes in anticipation of the two major international rugby tournaments Colorado will host in the month of June. The 2009 Churchill Cup will be held at Infinity Park in Glendale on June 6, 10, and 14 and at Dick’s Sporting Good Park on June 21, marking the first time that this international rugby tournament will be held entirely in the United States.

On June 23 and 27, also at Infinity Park, Colorado will host the Women’s CanAm matches, featuring international tests between the USA and Canadian Women’s National Teams.

In addition, there are some major national level events taking place within this next month at Infinity Park, as USA Rugby will host the USA Rugby Men’s Club Championships on May 30-31 and the National Guard Collegiate All-Stars on June 11-13. These two matches will showcase the best men’s rugby players the nation has to offer at both the club and collegiate level, respectively.

“Rugby is a growing sport with great traditional roots,” said Lt. Gov. O’Brien. “Colorado has the only municipally-owned rugby stadium in the nation at Glendale’s Infinity Park and Colorado, as a whole, should be honored to host these prestigious international rugby events in June.”

Lt. Governor O’Brien also recognized state rugby champions Denver’s East High School Barbarians and Jack White, the Colorado Youth Rugby Player of the Year.

Representatives from the Glendale Raptors, Infinity Park, Denver Highlanders Rugby Club, Denver Barbarians Rugby Club, Colorado Youth Rugby, USA Rugby and the Rocky Mountain Challenge Tournament were all on hand at the Colorado State Capital Building to celebrate this proclamation.

Tweet This Post

USA Rugby Announces Newest Partnership with Better Rugby Coaching

admin0 — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:10:05 +0000

BOULDER, Colo. – The Coach Development Department is excited to announce its partnership with Better Rugby Coaching, an online resource dedicated to the betterment and continuous education of rugby coaches around the world.

“At Better Rugby Coaching we are committed to providing world class coaching advice to new and developing rugby coaches. We are therefore delighted to be working with USA Rugby to promote and support the sport throughout America”, said Toby Curthoys, Better Rugby Coaching Publisher. “Providing Smart Sessions Core Skills, our flagship rugby coaching resource, direct to coaches in the USA is an exciting opportunity. Our objective from this is to help aspiring coaches achieve their full potential and that of their players.”

Smart Sessions Core Skills are “grab and go” training plans that are specifically designed for coaching the basics of the game to players of any age or at any level. Each Smart Sessions Core Skills provides the information needed to run a one-hour full training session. With a new fresh plan delivered each week, the aim of Smart Sessions Core Skills is to dramatically reduce the coach’s preparation time, leaving them to concentrate on their players.

“Planning coaching sessions can sometimes be tough for busy coaches”, said Nigel Melville, CEO & President of Rugby Operations. “The Smart Sessions offer plenty of options and sessions with balance and new ideas. Something every coach is looking for at some point!”

The partnership will take effect beginning with the summer and fall 2009 certification workshop seasons. Each coach who participants in either an Introducing Rugby or Developing Rugby Skills CDP certification course will receive a free 1-year subscription to Smart Sessions Core Skills.

Tweet This Post

SEMI FINAL TEAMS SET FOR US MENS RUGBY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

admin0 — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:41:24 +0000

BOULDER, Colo – After two days of intense regional playoff matches in Austin, Texas and Columbia, S.C., the Division I, II and III semifinalists are finally set for USA Rugby Men’s Club Championship event in Glendale, Colo., on May 30-31.

DIVISION I
Pearl City is the only 2008 semifinalist that will make a return trip to Glendale’s Infinity Park in 2009. Last year, the Iowa-based team met a disappointing semifinal loss at the hands of the Glendale Raptors, but with its 41-11 Round of 8 victory over Atlanta Old White, the squad gets a chance to redeem itself this time around.

Pearl City took control of its match versus Atlanta early on and led 17-3 before the end of the first half. They steadily built their lead in the second half and defended aggressively, only allowing Atlanta to score in the last five minutes of the game.

The Iowa team now looks ahead to the semifinals where it meets Las Vegas – and getting past the Blackjacks should prove a trying task, as they roll into Colorado on the heels of a thrilling playoff finish versus Glendale. Down by as much as 22 points in their Round of 8 meeting against the Raptors, Las Vegas refused to back down and try-by-try, the team muscled its way back to a 22-20 game as the second half wound down.

It seemed time was running out for the Blackjacks, who missed two late penalty kick opportunities that would have put them up top, but at the death, No. 7 Tom Carter powered in for a huge try. The successful conversion ushered in the final whistle, with the score stuck at 27-22 in Las Vegas’ favor.

While the final day of playoff competition in Columbia ended in disappointment for Atlanta Old White, fellow Georgia-based club the Atlanta Renegades ended its playoff journey on a high note, earning a place in the semifinals with a victory over the Detroit Tradesmen.

Although Detroit shot ahead to an early 10-0 lead, Atlanta continued to gain momentum in the first half and before the first 40 minutes had elapsed, the Renegades had built a 19-17 lead. Atlanta wing Roderigus Ceaser notched one more try in the second half to set the score at a 24-17 final.

Looking ahead to the semifinals on May 30, the Renegades will face the Gentlemen of Aspen. The Colorado team downed Los Angeles 15-7 in the Round of 8 to continue on its quest to the Championship round.

RESULTS
East
Pearl City 41, Atlanta Old White 11 - Round of 8
Atlanta Renegades 24, Detroit Tradesmen 17 - Round of 8
Old Blue 29, Mystic River 10 – Consolation
Media 60, New Haven 12 - Consolation

West
Aspen 15, Los Angeles 7 - Round of 8
Las Vegas 27, Glendale 22 - Round of 8
Provo, 67, Shreveport 17 - Consolation
Olympic Club 48, Houston Athletic Club 13 – Consolation

NEXT UP: Men’s Club Championships – Glendale, Colo., (May 30)
Semifinal – Las Vegas vs. Pearl City
Semifinal – Aspen vs. Atlanta Renegades

DIVISION II
Top Division II seed East Palo Alto clinched a spot in the semifinal round at Infinity Park, following a 26-11 win over Southern California club Back Bay. East Palo Alto will face a tough match against Indianapolis in the semis on May 30. Indianapolis heads into the semis on a high note, after knocking off 2008 runners up Brandywine, 10-16, in the Round of 8.

After pulling a massive upset over the defending DII Men’s champion, Red Mountain, in day one, the Albuquerque Aardvarks continued their dominance in the final day of playoff competition. The New Mexico club held Tempe to just one try and walked away with a 15-5 win, worthy of a semifinal spot.

Albuquerque faces Pennsylvania side Lancaster side in the semi finals in two weeks. Lancaster looks to build on its dominant day two performance in the playoffs versus the Milwaukee Harlequins. The team shot out to a 14-0 early on and held the Harlequins to just two tries in the second half to roll away with a 44-10.

RESULTS
East
Indianapolis 16, Brandywine 10 - Round of 8
Lancaster 44, Milwaukee Harlequins 10 - Round of 8
South Shore, 42, Baton Rouge 8 - Consolation
Tampa Bay Krewe 38, Providence 13- Consolation

West
Albuquerque Aardvarks 15, Tempe 5 - Round of 8
East Palo Alto 26, Back Bay 11 - Round of 8
Red Mountain 41, North County 14 - Consolation
St. Louis Bombers 73, San Antonio 0 – Consolation

NEXT UP: Men’s Club Championships – Glendale, Colo., (May 30)
Semifinal – East Palo Alto vs. Indianapolis
Semifinal – Albuquerque Aardvarks vs. Lancaster

DIVISION III
The final day of the Men’s Division III competition saw some tight finishes in the East Regional playoffs. After leading 18-10 at halftime, Danbury held off a late comeback from Blacksburg to clinch a spot in the semifinals in Glendale. Blacksburg scored three unanswered tries in the game’s final 10 minutes to pull within three points near the end, but time was not on their side. At full time, the score held at 30-27 in Danbury’s favor.

The Connecticut club now advances to meet South Dakota team, Northern State in the semifinals. In its final West Regional match, Northern State put in an impressive 33-7 performance against Fort Worth to advance.

In another thrilling finish in the DIII contest, the Round of 8 match-up between Lexington and Middlesex was decided by a late penalty kick. Middlesex led 10-3 at the half, but Lexington made a strong comeback in the second half, eventually pulling ahead 18-17 at 70 minutes, following a try from flyhalf Aaron Breeck. However, less than five minutes later, Middlesex’s Jason Stefani kicked a penalty to put his team over the top 20-18, where the score held until the final blow.

The No. 7 seeded Middlesex next meets No. 3 seeded Beaumont in the semifinals at Infinity Park. Beaumont (Calif.) heads into the match following a convincing 37-5 victory over Wichita on Sunday.

RESULTS
East
Danbury 30, Blacksburg 27 - Round of 8
Middlesex 20, Lexington 18 - Round of 8
Pensacola 31, Cleveland Eastern Suburbs 29 - Consolation
Hilton Head 22, Harrisburg 8 - Consolation

West
Beaumont 37, Wichita 5 - Round of 8
Northern State 33, Fort Worth 7 - Round of 8
Phoenix 31, Budd Bay 5 - Consolation
Mission 31, Eagle Rock 12 – Consolation

NEXT UP: Men’s Club Championships – Glendale, Colo., (May 30)
Semifinal – Northern State vs. Danbury
Semifinal – Beaumont vs. Middlesex

Tweet This Post

USA MENS CHAMPIONSIPS UNDER WAY

admin0 — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:29:12 +0000

BOULDER, Colo – The field of competitors still in the hunt for the 2009 USA Rugby Men’s Club Championship title has been narrowed to eight teams in Divisions I, II and III, following a day of intense regional playoffs in Austin, Texas and Columbia, S.C.

WEST REGIONAL PLAYOFFS – AUSTIN, TEXAS

In a day hampered by rain and mud, the teams at Austin’s Burr field kicked into high gear and battled through the elements for a coveted shot at advancing to the Club Championships in Glendale, Colo., on May 30-31.

The tightest match of the day came in the Division I Men’s contest, as last year’s runners up, the Glendale Raptors went head-to-head with 2008 semifinalists Olympic Club. Withstanding the sloppy playing conditions, both sides executed well defensively, only allowing one try a piece to put the game at 7-5 in Olympic Club’s favor with time ticking down. However, with just under 10 minutes left to play, the Raptors were awarded a clutch penalty kick opportunity.

With the possible fate of his team on his shoulders, Glendale’s Mike Graham successfully kicked for three and the Raptors held on to eke out an 8-7 victory over the OC. The Raptors next meet Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon for a chance to play on their home field for the second year in a row. The Blackjacks earned their way into the Round of 8 match-up versus Glendale after knocking off Houston Athletic Club 13-5.

Also still in the championships race are the Gentlemen of Aspen, who secured a convincing 25-5 victory over Provo when the playoffs kicked off early Saturday morning. Aspen now advances to face Los Angeles at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Los Angeles heads into the match on the heels of a 23-0 shutout of Shreveport in the Round of 16.

In the Division II Men’s competition, the Albuquerque Aardvarks pulled off the greatest upset of the day, bouncing the defending champion Red Mountain from the tournament early, in a 12-5 final tally. The Aardvarks will be put to the test on Sunday against a strong team from Tempe, which held North County (San Diego) scoreless in its playoffs opener.

Still keeping their hopes alive for a championship berth, No. 1 seeded East Palo Alto pushed past the St. Louis Bombers 16-5 and now meet Back Bay (Orange County) RFC at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The California team played through the sloppiest of conditions in the final game of the day on Saturday, earning a convincing 45-5 victory over San Antonio.

Finally, the Division III competition showcased evenly balanced match-ups throughout opening round. California’s Beaumont RFC ousted Budd Bay (Wash.) from the competition, in a 27-15 when play got underway on Saturday and will play Wichita when the tournament resumes on Sunday. The Kansas team held off Phoenix to earn an 18-12 win in the Round of 16.

Northern State (S.D.) put down last year’s fifth place finishers Eagle Rock (Los Angeles), 26-12 to advance to a Round of 8 meeting versus Fort Worth on Sunday. Fort Worth held California’s Mission Rugby to just one try to win its opening match 13-7.

DAY 1 RESULTS: MEN’S DI, II, & III CLUB PLAYOFFS

West Regional – Burr Field, Austin, TX

Aspen 25, Provo 5

Los Angeles 23, Shreveport 0

Glendale 8, Olympic Club 7

Las Vegas 13, Houston 5

DII

Tempe 34, North County 0

Albuquerque Aardvarks 12, Red Mountain 5

East Palo Alto 16, St. Louis Bombers 5

Back Bay 45, San Antonio 5

DIII

Beaumont 27, Budd Bay 15

Wichita 18, Phoenix 12

Fort Worth 13, Mission 7

Northern State 26, Eagle Rock 12

EAST REGIONAL PLAYOFFS – COLUMBIA, S.C.

Over the on the East Coast, the playoff battles raged in full force and the day one matches Columbia’s Lexington/Gibson Road Soccer Complex set the stage for a thrilling Round of 8 competition on Sunday, as the contest is narrowed further to the Colorado-bound semifinalists.

Filling the void left by the promotion of last year’s Men’s Club champion, the Georgia-based Life University, which is now meeting great success in the Rugby Super League, both Atlanta teams advance to the next round of play in the Division I contest.

Atlanta Old White kicked off the competition with a narrow 23-19 margin over Media Rugby Club and now faces 2008 semifinalist Pearl City (Iowa) in the round of 16. This should prove a trying task for Atlanta, as Pearl City heads into the game rolling on the momentum of its 43-0 shutout versus New Haven.

Likewise, the Atlanta Renegades charged past Old Blue (N.Y.), in a dominating 37-10 final tally and earned a second round match-up versus Detroit on Sunday. The Tradesmen held off Mystic River (Boston) 25-15 to keep their championship hopes alive.

In Division II, 2008 runners up Brandywine look to reclaim a spot in the final and faceoff against Indianapolis in the Round of 8 on Sunday, following a big 32-14 victory over the South Shore Anchors (Boston). Indy steadily built its lead and handled Baton Rouge 53-12 in its playoff opener.

The Milwaukee Harlequins also keep their eyes locked firmly on the Championship round, following a 34-10 win over Tampa Bay and will meet Lanscaster on Sunday afternoon. Lancaster bumped off Providence 34-15 in the closing match of day one to remain in the hunt.

Semifinalists in 2008, the Middlesex Barbarians (Mass.) still remain on track to surpass their previous performance after a 44-22 defeat of Harrisburg (Pa.). Middlesex will see Lexington in its Round of 8 match-up tomorrow.

Blacksburg (Va.) and Danbury are also set to face off as the remaining DIII contenders from the East Regional. After leading 24-0 at the half, Blacksburg held off a second half surge from Cleveland Eastern suburbs for a 29-19 victory. Danbury defeated Pensacola 19-3 to earn a spot in the Round of 8.

DAY 1 RESULTS: MEN’S DI, II, & III CLUB PLAYOFFS

East Regional – Lexington/Gibson Road Soccer Complex, Columbia, SC

Atlanta Old White 23, Media 19

Pearl City 43, New Haven 0

Atlanta Renegades 37, Old Blue 10

Detroit Tradesmen 25, Mystic River 15

DII

Brandywine 32, South Shore 14

Indianapolis 53, Baton Rouge 12

Milwaukee Harlequins 34, Tampa Bay Krewe 10

Lancaster 34, Providence 15

DIII

Danbury 19, Pensacola 3

Blacksburg 29, Cleveland Eastern Suburbs 19

Middlesex 44, Harrisburg 22

Lexington 15, Hilton Head 7

Tweet This Post

Luke Gross to Host Coach Development Lineout Sessions Across U.S.

admin0 — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:58:18 +0000

BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby’s Coach Development Department has officially announced the dates and locations of its new Lineout Seminar featuring veteran Eagle lock and lineout specialist Luke Gross.

Luke Gross’ Lineout Seminar will focus on helping coaches to better coach the lineout safely and effectively; to understand the fundamentals of throwing, lifting and jumping; and to better learn basic offensive and defensive lineout strategies.

“I am extremely excited to give back to the sport that gave me so much,” Gross said. “It’s my goal to give coaches and players a better understanding of rugby, specifically in the lineout area, and I want to see it coached correctly through the basic fundamentals.”
From 1996-2003, Gross became the all-time leading cap recipient on the U.S. Men’s National Team, earning an impressive 62 caps with the Eagles. He returned to the Men’s National Team in 2007 and played in the team’s final Rugby World Cup tune-up versus Munster, but injuries brought his RWC 2007 to an untimely end just days before he was slated to play in what would have been his third World Cup outing with the Eagles.

Gross, who played professional rugby in Italy and throughout the UK until retiring from the game in July 2008, with National Division One club Doncaster Knights, has now returned to the U.S. to lend his expansive lineout expertise.

“In the past 12 months, Luke has been working on his coaching in the UK and has coached regularly. He has now been charged with recruiting and developing lineout play, resources and talent across the USA. He will work with all of our developing national teams and hold clinics for coaches across the country. Having played professional rugby in the UK for the past 12 years, Luke is ideally placed to develop the modern lineout techniques and strategy in the U.S.,” USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville said.

“I’m excited to get to work developing lineout skills and strategies,” Gross added. “Having played with many different individuals and under varying circumstances, I’ve gained a broad view of strategy and technique. I’m also a firm believer in adapting the lineout to fit individuals once the fundamentals are set in place.”

The dates and locations of Luke Gross’ Lineout Seminars are below. Most seminars are in conjunction with USA Rugby events and include:

May 13: Pittsburgh, PA
In conjunction with USA Rugby National Guard High School/U-19 Championships
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Contact: Matthew Rosemeyer
Director of Operations
Pittsburgh Harlequins RFA

Worth 2 CEU’s

May 31: Glendale, CO
In conjunction with USA Rugby’s Men’s Club Championships
Time: 9am-11am
Contact: J.R. Lapierre (CYR President)

Worth 2 CEU’s

June 6: Chicago, IL
In conjunction with USA Rugby’s Annual Coaching Conference “Tools, Techniques & Strategies” and the USA vs. Wales match.
Contact: Mollie McCarthy
Worth 10 CEU’s

June 13: Charlotte, NC
In conjunction with the South All-Star Championships (U17-U20)
Time: 9 a.m. – noon (paired with Rookie Rugby Educator Training)
Contact: Jonathan Worrill – Carolina Youth Rugby

Worth 2 CEU’s
August 22: Upstate NY
An extended four-hour Lineout Coaching Seminar
Time: TBD
Contact: Mike Hodgins (NYS Rugby President)

Worth 5 CEU’s

Tweet This Post

USA Rugby National Guard College Playoffs Set for Bicoastal Kickoff

admin0 — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:00:59 +0000

BOULDER, Colo – The road to USA Rugby’s National Guard College Championships begins this weekend for the nation’s top 64 men’s and women’s college rugby teams.

The action-packed weekend of rugby kicks off on Friday, April 17 as the University of California and Life University (Marietta, Ga.) will each host eight championship hopeful Division I Men’s teams. Meanwhile in Sanford, Fla., the Central Florida Sports Commission and the Orlando Rugby Club will welcome 48 collegiate teams competing in Division I Women’s, Division II Men’s and Division II Women’s rugby at the David Maus Soccer Complex.

The top four finishers from each respective division will advance to the USA Rugby National Guard College Championships, which return once again to Steuber Rugby Stadium at Stanford University on May 1-2.

Select playoff matches from this weekend’s event in Florida will be available to watch live via USA Rugby’s Media Center (check schedule below) and several matches will be taped for inclusion in the College Championships highlights show, which is set for broadcast on ESPNU on Tuesday, May 12, at 9 p.m. (ET). The Men’s and Women’s Championship matches will also be shown on ESPNU on tape delay, May 20, at 9 p.m. (ET) and 7 p.m. (ET), respectively.

Please see below for venue-specific information and a complete schedule of events.

Men’s Division I Playoffs – Pools A & C
Witter Rugby Field – University of California (Berkeley, Calif.)

The University of California hosts a talented field of competitors, which includes hometown heroes the No. 1 seeded Golden Bears in its portion of the Round of 16. In the last decade, Cal has lost just one championship and looks to defend its title for the sixth straight season, starting with its first-round match against the University of Minnesota.

The remainder of the pool features five returning teams from the 2008 playoffs: Bowling Green versus San Diego State, Air Force versus Cal Poly and Utah, which face off against playoff newcomers LSU.

Tickets are now available online or by phone at 800-GO-BEARS, and will also be available at the gate on game day. The price of All Session passes is $10 for youth, seniors (65 and over), student (w/ID) and Military, and $25 for adults, and day passes are available for $5 (youth/senior/military/student)/ $10 (adult).

Friday, April 17

Match 1 12:00 pm LSU (West #1) vs. Utah (Pacific #4)

Match 2 2:00 pm Bowling Green (Midwest #1) vs. San Diego State (SoCal #1)

Saturday, April 18

Match 3 10:00 am Air Force (West #2) vs. Cal Poly (SoCal #2)

Match 4 11:30 am Loser match #1 vs. Loser match #2

Match 5 1:30 pm California (Pacific # 1) vs. Minnesota (Midwest #2)

Match 6 3:30 pm Winner match #1 vs. Winner match #2

Sunday, April 19

Match 7 11:00 am Loser match #3 vs. Loser match #4

Match 8 1:00 pm Winner match #3 vs. Winner match #4

Men’s Division I Playoffs – Pools B & D
Life University – Marietta, Ga.

No. 2 seed BYU leads the pool of competitors when Life University plays host to Pools B & D of the Men’s DI competition. The Cougars will surely be out for redemption in this year’s Championship race, having been stopped short in three consecutive Final outings by perennial powerhouse Cal. BYU starts its quest against Dartmouth when the competition gets underway on Friday. Rounding out Pool B, after failing to qualify in 2008, Navy returns to the playoff ranks this year as the No. 7 tournament seed and meets Arkansas State in the first round.

Pool D features three teams who have appeared in semifinal match-ups over the last six years. 2008 semifinalist St. Mary’s faces off against Army, which last made a semifinal showing against Harvard in 2003. Meanwhile 2007 semifinal contenders Penn State meet Tennessee on Saturday.

Parking is FREE to all attendees. Admission is $5/day, $10/weekend pass.

Friday, April 17

Match 1 12:00 pm Navy (Mid-Atlantic #2) vs. Arkansas State (South #1)

Match 2 2:00 pm Dartmouth (Northeast #2) vs. BYU (Pacific #2)

Saturday, April 18

Match 3 10:00 am Penn State (Mid-Atlantic #1) vs. Tennessee (South #2)

Match 4 11:30 am Army (Northeast #1) vs. St. Mary’s (Pacific #3)

Match 5 1:00 pm Loser match #1 vs. Loser match #2

Match 6 3:00 pm Winner match #1 vs. Winner match #2

Sunday, April 19

Match 7 11:00 am Loser match #3 vs. Loser match #4

Match 8 1:00 pm Winner match #3 vs. Winner match #4

Women’s Division I & II / Men’s Division II Playoffs
David Maus Soccer Complex – Sanford, Fla.

The Central Florida Sports Commission and Orlando Rugby Club play host to the largest group of athletes, as 48 men’s and women’s teams take the fields at the David Maus Soccer Complex, with the first kickoff at 11:00 a.m. (ET) on Friday, April 17.

All four Women’s Division I semifinalists: Stanford, Penn State, Navy and Brown have all returned to the playoffs, along with nine other returnees from the 2008 tournament. The University of New Mexico rejoins the ranks, after reaching the semifinals in the 2007 championships and is joined by North Carolina, which last qualified in 2006, as well as BYU Women’s Rugby.

In the Women’s DII competition, Pennsylvania’s Shippensburg University returns to defend its title in 2009 and is joined by 2008 semifinals opponent the University of Minnesota-Duluth, who heads into the playoffs as the overall No. 14 seed. Adding to the excitement of the Division II playoffs competition has been expanded from the previous round of eight format to a round of 16.

Also following a 16-team structure, the Division II Men’s Playoffs welcome back 2008 finalists Utah Valley State, who seek revenge following a 25-14 loss to Radford in last year’s Championship match. After taking home the trophy last year, Radford will not be making a return trip to the playoffs this year, as Salisbury University instead nabbed the No. 1 seed out of the Mid-Atlantic territory.

Parking for spectators is $6 per day or $10 for a three-day pass. Admission is free.

**Highlighted matches will be streamed live via USA Rugby’s Media Center**

Women’s Division I

Friday, April 17

Match 1 11:00 am Texas A&M (West #1) vs. Virginia (Mid-Atlantic #4)

Match 2 11:00 am North Carolina (South #1) vs. Brown (Northeast #1)

Match 3 1:00 pm BYU Women (Pacific #3) vs. Northern Iowa (Midwest #1)

Match 4 1:00 pm Dartmouth (Northeast #3) vs. Penn State (Mid-Atlantic #1)

Saturday, April 18

Match 5 10:00 am Loser match #1 vs. Loser match #2

Match 6 10:00 am Winner match #1 vs. Winner match #2

Match 7 12:00 pm Navy (Mid-Atlantic #2) vs. Indiana (Midwest #2)

Match 8 12:00 pm New Mexico (West #2) vs. Chico State (Pacific #2)

Match 9 2:00 pm Stanford (Pacific #1) vs. UCLA (SoCal #1)

Match 10 2:00 pm Army (Northeast #2) vs. West Chester (Mid-Atlantic #3)

Match 11 3:30 pm Loser match #3 vs. Loser match #4

Match 12 3:30 pm Winner match #3 vs. Winner match #4

Sunday, April 19

Match 13 10:00 am Loser match #7 vs. Loser match #8

Match 14 10:00 am Winner match #7 vs. Winner match #8

Match 15 12:00 pm Loser match #9 vs. Loser match #10

Match 16 12:00 pm Winner match #9 vs. Winner match #10

Women’s Division II

Friday, April 17

Match 1 11:00 am Shippensburg (Mid-Atlantic #1) vs. Marist (Northeast #2)

Match 2 11:00 am Michigan (Midwest #2) vs. Wayne State (West #1)

Match 3 1:00 pm Delaware (Mid-Atlantic #2) vs. Central Florida (South #2)

Match 4 1:00 pm Wyoming (West #2) vs. Slippery Rock (Midwest #1)

Saturday, April 18

Match 5 10:00 am Loser match #1 vs. Loser match #2

Match 6 10:00 am Winner match #1 vs. Winner match #2

Match 7 12:00 pm Eastern Carolina (South #1) vs. Arizona (SoCal #2)

Match 8 12:00 pm LaSalle (Mid-Atlantic #3) vs. Washington State (Pacific #1)

Match 9 2:00 pm Claremont (SoCal #1) vs. Minnesota-Duluth (Midwest #3)

Match 10 2:00 pm Sacramento State (Pacific #2) vs. Stonehill (Northeast #1)

Match 11 3:30 pm Loser match #3 vs. Loser match #4

Match 12 3:30 pm Winner match #3 vs. Winner match #4

Sunday, April 19

Match 13 10:00 am Loser match #7 vs. Loser match #8

Match 14 10:00 am Winner match #7 vs. Winner match #8

Match 15 11:30 am Loser match #9 vs. Loser match #10

Match 16 11:30 am Winner match #9 vs. Winner match #10

Men’s Division II

Friday, April 17

Match 1 10:00 am Georgetown (Mid-Atlantic #2) vs. Maine-Orno (Northeast #2)

Match 2 10:00 am Loyola (SoCal #2) vs. Cal-Maritime (Pacific #1)

Match 3 12:00 pm Miami-Ohio (Midwest #1) vs. Eastern Carolina (South #2)

Match 4 12:00 pm St. Joseph’s (Mid-Atlantic #3) vs. Northern Colorado (West #1)

Saturday, April 18

Match 5 10:00 am Loser match #1 vs. Loser match #2

Match 6 10:00 am Winner match #1 vs. Winner match #2

Match 7 12:00 pm Salisbury (Mid-Atlantic #1) vs. Wisconsin (Midwest #2)

Match 8 12:00 pm Utah Valley State (Pacific #2) vs. Arizona State (SoCal #1)

Match 9 2:00 pm Middlebury (Northeast #1) vs. Humboldt State (Pacific #3)

Match 10 2:00 pm Colorado School of Mines (West #2) vs. South Florida (South #1)

Match 11 3:30 pm Loser match #3 vs. Loser match #4

Match 12 3:30 pm Winner match #3 vs. Winner match #4

Sunday, April 19

Match 13 10:00 am Loser match #7 vs. Loser match #8

Match 14 10:00 am Winner match #7 vs. Winner match #8

Match 15 11:30 am Loser match #9 vs. Loser match #10

Match 16 11:30 am Winner match #9 vs. Winner match #10

Tweet This Post

EDDIE O’SULLIVAN NAMES HIS US EAGLES BACKROOM STAFF

admin0 — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:41:38 +0000

BOULDER, Colo. – Following USA Rugby’s High Performance meeting in Boulder, the new U.S. Men’s National Team Coach, Eddie O’Sullivan, has officially named his support staff today.

The staff includes five former Eagles and decades of American coaching experience at various levels.

“A significant aspect of my role as head coach is to bring American coaches in to the program to secure some succession planning for the future,” O’Sullivan said. “All of the people named to the staff are extremely talented and understand the American rugby landscape. There is much to be done and I look forward to working with them immediately.”

Fortunately, a few of the coaches are based near or out of the Boulder-based national office, including Denver Barbarians Coach and former Eagle captain David Hodges, who has officially been named the Eagles forwards coach. USA Rugby’s National Age-Grade Program Director, Matt Sherman, will take over the role as the Eagles backs coach, while USA Rugby Competitions Director and San Diego State University coach Dan Payne will fill the role as skills coach.

New York Athletic Club and Xavier High School’s rugby coach Mike Tolkin will serve as the defensive specialist, while former Eagles prop Bill LeClerc will stay on as the Eagles scrum coach.

Long-time Eagles manager Tristan Lewis has been brought back into the Men’s National Team program, following his stint with the USA Women’s Sevens Team, and, as expected, David Williams will continue to serve as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for all National Teams, including the Eagles.

Tweet This Post

COLORADO TO HOST SEVENTH CHURCHILL CUP

admin0 — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:34:08 +0000

DENVER - The Churchill Cup will take place in Colorado this summer, marking the first time North America’s premier XV-a-side rugby tournament has been staged solely in the United States.

This year will see the U.S. Eagles, Canada, England Saxons, Ireland A, the Argentina Jaguars and Georgia play double headers at Infinity Park, Glendale - the first municipally-owned rugby-specific stadium in North America - on June 6, 10 and 14.

These pool stages will be followed by a triple-header finals day at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, home of Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer side, on June 21.

“The Churchill Cup continues to be a valuable part of our international season, offering top class international competition, as well as allowing us to showcase international rugby to new audiences in the United States,” said Nigel Melville, Chief Executive Officer of USA Rugby.

“We are delighted to play at two great facilities in Infinity Park and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. This will give the Churchill Cup and rugby in general a great platform in a wonderful sporting city and help us achieve our objective to grow the sport.”

Mike Dunafon, Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Glendale, said: “We are proud to host the Churchill Cup pool matches in Glendale. It has been our vision to bring international rugby competitions to Glendale and the metropolitan Denver area. We look forward to showcasing Infinity Park.”

Terry Burwell, Churchill Cup Tournament Director, added: “The Churchill Cup goes from strength to strength and is now established in the international rugby calendar.

“This will be the seventh Churchill Cup and we are pleased to add Denver and Glendale to the eight other cities in Canada and USA who have hosted the tournament since it started in 2003. With the tournament being based solely in one state for the first time we hope that we can build a following throughout the pool stages, culminating in a bumper crowd on finals day.”

Dick’s Sporting Goods Park Senior Director of Venue Operations Allison Hamilton concluded: “We are very excited about our role in hosting the Churchill Cup during its first time to be played in Colorado. Between Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Infinity Park rugby fans will have an opportunity to experience this wonderful event in two world class facilities.”

The 2008 Churchill Cup finals were played at Toyota Park in Chicago and attracted more than 9,000 fans. England Saxons beat Scotland A 36-19 to retain the Cup, while Ireland A and Canada won the Plate and Bowl with 33-8 and 26-10 victories over Argentina A and USA respectively. In 2009, Georgia has replaced Scotland A from last year’s line-up.

Tickets for Churchill Cup matches will be on sale to the public starting Saturday, April 11, at 10am for as little as $15 and are available online at TicketHorse.com. Finals day tickets will also be available at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park Box Office from Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm via phone by calling 1-866-461-6556, at the kiosks inside all Colorado Dick’s Sporting Goods locations.

The games will be broadcast live on SkySports in the UK and Setanta in North America.

Churchill Cup 2009

Pool A
Canada
Georgia
Ireland A

Pool B
Argentina Jaguars
England Saxons
USA

Fixtures (kick off times local)
Saturday June 6
Infinity Park, Glendale
England Saxons v Argentina Jaguars (2.15pm)
Canada v Georgia (4.30pm)

Wednesday June 10
Infinity Park, Glendale
Canada v Ireland A (4.30pm)
USA v Argentina Jaguars (7pm)

Sunday June 14
Infinity Park, Glendale
USA v England Saxons (1pm)
Georgia v Ireland A (3.30pm)

Sunday June 21
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Churchill Cup finals (12.05pm, 2.30pm, 4.45pm)

Churchill Cup background
The Churchill Cup is an alliance between the English Rugby Football Union (RFU), Rugby Canada and USA Rugby.

The tournament was launched in 2003 and aims to develop and grow the sport of rugby union across Canada and the USA.

It is named after former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who shared close ties with the United States - his mother was American - and with Canada during the Second World War.

With support from the International Rugby Board, as part of their Rugby World Cup-funded strategic initiatives, the tournament has grown in success since 2003 when 5,000 people attended to watch the three Alliance nations in Vancouver.

In 2008, when the tournament was played in Canada and USA, the finals day in Chicago attracted more than 9,000 spectators.

Since its introduction, both men’s and women’s teams from England, USA and Canada have participated although since 2005 it has been a men only event.

Invitational sides from Argentina, Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand have all participated, while there was also a women’s competition in 2003 and 2004.

Infinity Park: Opened in September 2007 with a 3,000-seat game-day capacity, Infinity Park is one of the only rugby-specific stadiums in the United States. Owned and operated by the City of Glendale, it is also home to the Division I Glendale Raptors Rugby Football Club, and boasts a state-of-the-art broadcast production facility (all home games are broadcast live on RugbyZone.com and also on Fox Sports Rocky Mountain), a natural grass turf system, and the Try Club, a uniquely-appointed pub-type clubhouse for players, VIP guests, and sponsors. The Infinity Park complex includes the Glendale Sports Center, a high-tech fitness center with a full range of cardio equipment, weight rooms, basketball court, and deluxe locker room facilities, and the new Infinity Park Event Center, featuring a virtual 360-degree video screen in the 800-seat International Ballroom, as well as smaller meeting rooms for training, board meetings, and conferences.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Park: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park comprises the 18,086 seat home stadium of the Colorado Rapids and 24-field, fully-lit professional soccer complex. Arguably the biggest and most state-of-the-art professional stadium and field complex in the world, amenities include a total of 20 luxury suites, a unique open concourse design that allows 360-degree sightlines to the field, and a world-class grass field with an underground heating and draining system. The stadium also features cutting edge technology, featuring the largest video scoreboard and the most LED boards for a stadium its size anywhere, as well as the only fully-integrated digital signboard system in the world. The stadium opened its doors for the first time to the public on April 7, 2007 when it hosted Major League Soccer’s season opener as the Colorado Rapids defeated DC United 2-1.

Tweet This Post

USA U-17s Go Head-To-Head with Dorsett & Wilts

admin0 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:16:29 +0000

BLANDFORD, England - The USA U-17’s faced their second opponent, Dorset and Wilts, on Saturday, in preparation for the Millfield International Festival that starts on Tuesday.

The conditions were perfect for the match at the Bryanston School and the U.S. side came out strong, scoring a try and conversion before the five minute mark. Penalties hindered the Eagles, though, allowing the opposition to come back with a try, conversion and penalty kick, to put the score at 10-7 at the 30 minute mark.

The opponent’s success fortunately lit a fire under the young USA squad, as they scored two tries in the next four minutes. The first try came off a ruck, while the second was placed down off a restart attack that was followed by a conversion, allowing the U.S. to take a 19-10 lead by half.

In the second half, Dorset and Wilts came out strong, putting the USA under heavy pressure for the first 10 minutes. The USA was on the attack, but unable to get the ball out from behind their own 22. The pressure eventually proved to be too much and Dorset and Wilts capitalized off a turnover that led to a try. The try was unconverted and the score was now 19-15, USA.

Just seven minutes later, the USA was once again unable to hold off the attack and the opposition was able to put another five points on the board, giving Dorset and Wilts the lead for the first time in the second half. The U-17’s kept their head and were still in the match even though they were giving away a good number of penalties.

Finally, at the 70 minute mark, the U.S. made a 40 meter run off good phase play that once again put them ahead, 24-20. Unfortunately Dorset and Wilts wouldn’t go down that easily, and were able to capitalize off a broken play to touch down the go ahead try with under a minute left in the half and that would turn into the final score of the game, 25-24, Dorsett and Wilts.

This very physical match marked the USA’s second in their last week of training at the Bryanston School in England. The Eagles have been working on different combinations in preparation for the start of the Millfield International Festival. The Team will open play against Canada on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 3 p.m. GST.

Dorset & Wilts 25, USA U-17s 24
Trys: Carter, Elliot; Koehler, Charles; Cella, Brett; Cregg, Oliver
Conversions: Herbert, Sean (2)

USA Rugby’s Under-17 Squad includes:
Fernando Assing (Jakarta International School RFC)
Elliot Carter (Sevenoaks RFC)
Brett Cella (Newbridge College RFC)
Matias Cima (Gonzaga College RFC)
Patrick Coleman (Xavier RFC)
Oliver Cregg (SOC Gators RFC)
Chris Dillon (Hoke County Fighting Bucks RFC)
Michael Durant (Boston College HS RFC)
Cameron Falcon (Shaw HS RFC)
Tom Flynn (Cobham RFC)
Gabriel Free (Gonzaga College RFC)
Parker Gilbert (Saracans RFC)
Mateaki Hausia (Diablo RFC)
Sione Hausia (Diablo RFC)
Sean Herbert (Cobham RFC)
Charles Koehler (Pulaski Roos RFC)
Ryan Kretchmer (Woodlands Youth RFC)
Michael Maciejczyk (Penn RFC)
Will Magie (Middlesex RFC)
Ian Mann (Worthington RFC)
Daniel Metcalf (Jesuit Dallas RFC)
Travis Moscone (PITS RFC)
Drew Ohamann (Union County Lion RFC)
Kyle Ruane (Albuquerque Eagles RFC)
Adam Sandstrom (Lake Country RFC)
Joe Sullivan (Cathedral Irish RFC)

Manager: Eric Jerpe
Head Coach: Sean O’Leary
Backs and Skills Coach: Damian Dowling
Forwards Coach: Bill Stevens
Specialty Coaches/Video Analysis
Scrum: Bill LeClerc
Collision Area: Eamonn Hogan
Team Doctor: Dr. John Graham
Physio: Iestyn Rees

Tweet This Post