Oct 28, 2013 ... career at the University of California, during which time he was ... June 19, 2013,
in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup. ... the Churchill Cup against England A. He has ...
with 23 starts, including all four 2011 Rugby World Cup matches. ... USA Rugby
is charged with developing the game on all levels and has over ...
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV CHRIS BILLER
Birthday: October 11, 1985 Position: Hooker Height: 5’11” Weight: 230 College: University of California Hometown: Concord, California Career Highlights: Biller made his Eagles debut on May 31, 2009, against Ireland in Santa Clara, California. He has earned 28 caps with the Eagles after a successful career at the University of California, during which time he was named a Collegiate All-American. Biller played for Aviva Premiership’s Bath Rugby in 2011 and signed for Northampton Saints in 2012.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV TODD CLEVER
Birthday: January 16, 1983 Position: Flanker Height: 6’4” Weight: 213 College: University of Nevada, Reno High School: Santa Teresa High School Hometown: Palm Springs, California Twitter: @ToddsClever Career Highlights: Clever was the fourth-youngest Eagles player to be capped at the age of 20 years August 23, 2003, against Argentina in the Pan-American Championship. Currently the Eagles’ captain, Clever has started 51 matches during his nine-year career. He has scored 11 tries for 55 points and has appeared in both the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups. Clever has played for the Lions in Super Rugby, Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, and Japan’s Suntory Sungoliath and NTT Shining Arcs, his current club. He became the first American to play and score a try in the then-Super 14 for the Lions. Clever also made 24 tournament appearances for the Men’s Eagles Sevens from 2004-2009 and was a three-time Collegiate All-American at the University of Nevada, Reno.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV CAMERON DOLAN Birthday: March 6, 1990 Position: Flanker Secondary Position: Eight Height: 6’6” Weight: 238 College: Life University High School: Naples Bears Hometown: Fort Myers, FL Twitter: @Cam_Dolan Career Highlights: Dolan captained the Eagles Select XVs at the 2013 IRB Americas Rugby Championship, where the Eagles finished 2nd with a win against Canada. He has been capped by the Eagles four times, earning his first start against Fiji in Japan June 19, 2013, in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV BRIAN DOYLE
Birthday: February 28, 1984 Position: Lock Height: 6’7” Weight: 245 College: University of Rhode Island Hometown: New City, New York Twitter: @bdoyle28 Career Highlights: Doyle earned his Eagles debut on June 7, 2008, in Ottawa, Canada, at the Churchill Cup against England A. He has played in eight Eagles matches, starting two, with one try against Russia November 9, 2012, in the IRB International Series in Colwyn Bay, Wales. Doyle earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and played rugby at the University of Rhode Island, captaining the Rams. Doyle helped New York Athletic Club win two Rugby Super League titles in 2008 and 2010 and spent the 2009 season with Northern Suburbs in Sydney, Australia. .
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV TITI LAMOSITELE
Birthday: February 10, 1985 Position: Prop Height: 6’0” Weight: 250 High School: Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club Hometown: Bellingham, WA Twitter: @titilamo Career Highlights: Lamositele played football, wrestled and competed in track and field at Sehome High School. He started playing rugby three years ago. Lamositele played for the USA Rugby AIG Boys High School All-Americans before getting called up to the USA Eagles National Team. During the Eagles World Cup qualifier against Canada at Blackbaud Stadium on August 17 he broke the record for the youngest player to play for the Eagles. He was also a member of the Eagles Select XVs at the 2013 IRB Americas Rugby Championship in Langford, British Columbia.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV SCOTT LAVALLA
Birthday: July 4, 1988 Position: Flanker Secondary Position: Second-Row Height: 6’4” Weight: 235 College: Dublin University High School: North Thurston High School Hometown: Olympia, Washington Career Highlights: LaValla earned his Eagles debut against Russia in the Churchill Cup June 5, 2010, in Glendale, Colorado. In his 17 matches, LaValla has scored one try, against Canada in Kingston, Ontario, June 9, 2012, and appeared in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. LaValla currently plays professional rugby for Stade Français of the Top 14 league in France and signed a contract extension through the 2015-16 season. He played club rugby for Dublin University Football Club and was elected Club Captain for the 2010-11 season.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV TOBY L’ESTRANGE
Birthday: September 2, 1988 Position: Fly-Half Secondary Position: Center Height: 6’0” Weight: 192 College: Sydney University High School: Marist College Canberra Hometown: Berkeley, California Career Highlights: L’Estrange made his Eagles debut November 9, 2012, in a 40-26 win against Russian in Colwyn Bay, Wales, also scoring his first try. His 10 Eagles caps have come in the past year with the November 2012 Tour and the 2013 Summer Series. L’Estrange was also a member of the Eagles Select XVs at the 2013 IRB Americas Rugby Championship in Langford, British Columbia. L’Estrange was born in Berkeley, California, but grew up in Australia, where he attended Marist College Canberra and played rugby in the under-sevens. He then went to Sydney University on their Elite Athlete Scholarship Program. Since 2012, L’Estrange has lived in New York City, playing for New York Athletic Club with fellow internationals Mike Petri and Brian Doyle.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV SHAWN PITTMAN
Birthday: January 22, 1988 Position: Prop Height: 6’4” Weight: 260 Hometown: Bellingham, Washington Career Highlights: Pittman became the ninth-youngest Eagle when he made his debut against Uruguay at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Colorado, November 8, 2008. He has appeared in 30 matches for the Eagles with 23 starts, including all four 2011 Rugby World Cup matches. Though he has not scored in his international career, the Eagles’ record with Pittman in the lineup is 10 wins and 20 losses. Pittman signed with London Welsh in 2010 and helped the English club earn promotion to the Aviva Premiership during the 2011-12 season.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV ANDREW SUNIULA
Birthday: April 30, 1982 Position: Center Height: 6’2” Weight: 255 Club: Chicago Griffins RFC-USA Hometown: American Samoa Twitter: @Suni_3 Career Highlights: A ndrew Suniula has represented the U.S. multiple times on the international stage, with his mostA recent appearances coming in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. His brothers, Roland and Shalom, have also been members of U.S. national teams. Suniula has 25 caps and recently signed with London Wasps of the Aviva Premiership for the 2013-14 season.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV USA RUGBY STAFF Head Coach - Mike Tolkin Residence: New York City, NY College: St. John’s University, Fordham University Head Coach of USA Rugby Men’s 15s since: February 2012 Previous USA Rugby coaching positions: National team defensive coach, 2009-2011; USA A Head Coach, 2008; US Under-19 Team backs coach, 1992-1995 and 1998-2002 COACHING STAFF Assistant Coaching Staff - Billy Millard, Justin Fitzpatrick, Phil Bailey, Chris O'Brien Strength and Conditioning Coach David Williams Video Analyst Paul Goulding
MEDICAL STAFF Team Doctor Dr. Marc Kowalsky Physio Richard Quincy Rob Wassilak Massage Therapist Sarah Sall
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV ABOUT USA RUGBY
Established in 1975, USA Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in America. Currently headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has over 110,000 active members. USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and high school All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes. It also hosts over 30 national playoff and championship events every year as a service to its members. In October 2009, the International Olympic Committee announced that Rugby Sevens (the seven-a-side version of the game) will appear in the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro. USA Rugby became an official Olympic Sport member of the United States Olympic Committee in 2010. Visit www.usarugby.org for more.
OUR ATHLETES
USA Rugby has 10 National Teams. Athletes selected to national teams represent the USA in international rugby competitions around the world. In January 2012, USA Rugby began offering full-time training contracts to rugby sevens athletes. Currently 16 male and 16 female athletes live nearby the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California and train year-round under the guidance of the coaching staff. The development was unprecedented in American rugby as the 32 athletes are focusing full-time on increasing their competitive edge on the world stage, a nod to the future of sevens and the 2016 Olympic Games. Despite this recent development, a majority of USA Rugby's national team players hold jobs and juggle their professional and rugby careers. These remarkable athletes exhibit the ethos and passion inherent in rugby, and make large sacrifices to represent and play for their country. The Men's and Women's senior national teams are referred to as the Eagles.
RUGBY AND THE OLYMPICS
In October 2009, the International Olympic Committee announced that rugby sevens (the seven-a-side version of the game) will appear in the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro. USA Rugby became an official Olympic Sport member of the United States Olympic Committee in 2010. The USA Men's National Sevens team claimed a bronze medal in the 2011 Pan American Games, the team's first competition as part of Team USA, the moniker given to all USA athletes supported by the United States Olympic Committee.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
USA Rugby puts on over 30 national playoff and championship events every year as a service to its members. From boys’ and girls’ high school championships to senior men's and women's championships, USA Rugby ensures teams have a fair chance to compete in these events.
DEMOGRAPHICS
A beautiful thing about rugby is that people from all walks of life take part. By its nature, rugby is an inclusive sport with a strong sense of transcendental camaraderie.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV ABOUT NEW ZEALAND MAORI ALL-BLACKS About the Maori All Blacks The Maori All Blacks are one of six national rugby teams from New Zealand, the most famous of which are the World Champion All Blacks.
Over 100 years of history
Though the Maori All Blacks’ history begins in 1910, Māori rugby already had deep roots. It was Māori players who organised and launched themselves on an astounding odyssey of more than 100 matches. It was Joe Warbrick, of Ngāti Rangitihi who assembled and led the 1888 Natives, as the team came to be known. It was the Natives who first introduced a pre-match haka and adopted specialised positions for forwards rather than the first to arrive, first down practice.
In 1900, Wiremu Teihōka (“Ned”) Parata established the first Maori All Blacks – the NZRFU’s role was to approve Parata’s
plans and to ensure that they were in keeping with the amateur regulations but Parata was responsible for everything else, including finances. In 1922 the New Zealand Rugby Football Union took full responsibility for future Māori teams; a team went to Australia where it beat New South Wales for the first time; and the Māori team played the All Blacks for the first time.
The Maori All Blacks have undertaken several tours offshore. In 1926, the team played matches in New Zealand and
Australia before undertaking a substantial tour to Ceylon, France, Great Britain and Canada, including an historic 12-3
victory over France in Paris. There has been a close connection between the Maori All Blacks and Pacific Island teams and the Maori All Blacks have played matches in Spain, Italy, South Africa and Argentina. A proud record of success
Against international sides, the Maori All Blacks have one of the most impressive records in rugby: they have notched up 60 wins in 95 matches against some 17 Test nations, constituting formidable opponents and only the All Blacks and the Springboks remain unbeaten.
In 2005, the Maori All Blacks achieved an historic victory over the British and Irish Lions – the first in their eight
encounters. In 2010, after beating the New Zealand Barbarians in Whangarei, the team met Ireland for the first time, followed by England for the third time and both northern hemisphere sides returned home defeated.
For more information on the New Zealand Maori All-Blacks, please view the Maori All-Blacks Guide at usarugby.org/usavmaoriabs
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV RUGBY RULES
HISTORY A student at the Rugby School in England, William Webb Ellis, was playing soccer in 1823 when he picked up the ball and ran down the field to score. From this point, the game of rugby was formed. Today rugby is played in over 100 countries. RUGBY FIFTEENS VS. RUGBY SEVENS Traditional rugby consists of 15 players on each side. Rugby Sevens consists of seven players per side and each half is seven minutes long. Rugby Sevens was recently added back into the Olympic Games for 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. RUGBY RULES • Each team is allowed fifteen players on the field and each half is 40 minutes long. • Players may only pass the ball backwards or sideways and blocking is not allowed. • When a player is tackled, he or she must release the ball. Other players may then form a RUCK to try and win possession of the ball. • A TRY is worth five points and is awarded when a player touches the ball down on or in the opposing team’s TRY ZONE. • KICKING from hand is allowed at any time during the game. After a TRY is scored, the team also has a chance to register an additional two points with a CONVERSION KICK, which is taken at any point on the field of play in line with the point that the ball was grounded for the try, and parallel to the touch-lines. • Play only stops when there is an infringement or when the ball goes out of play. • Play can be restarted through a KICK, a SCRUM, a LINE-OUT or a QUICK TAP. RUGBY TERMINOLOGY RUCK - Formed when at least one player from each side bind onto each other to contest the ball on the ground between them. Each side attempts to push the other off the ball or use their feet to hook it back towards their own side. Hands may not be used in a ruck. TRY - When the ball is grounded over an opponent’s try line it is worth five points. TRY-ZONE- Is the scoring area similar to an end zone in football. The ball must be touched on the ground to score a try KICK - The ball can be kicked at any time during open play. There are three instances in which you can also kick for points: 1) After scoring a try the scoring team gets an attempt to kick the ball over the crossbar and through the posts of the rugby uprights. A CONVERSION KICK is worth two points. 2) If the opposition commits a penalty, a team can choose to drop-kick (drop the ball on the ground and kick it) at the goal, although this is rarer in Rugby Sevens than the 15-man game..
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV RUGBY RULES CONT’D
A PENALTY KICK is worth three points. 3) During play, a team may also attempt to drop-kick the ball through the posts - a DROP-GOAL. This is worth three points. PENALTY – Penalties can be awarded for many reasons in rugby. Some of the most common are: high tackle (tackle above shoulder height), not rolling away at a tackle or ruck (a player on the ground must not interfere with play), offside. A severe or cynical offence may result in a yellow card, at which time the player spends 10 minutes in the sin-bin and the team plays the ensuing period a player down. For very serious offences, the referee can issue a red card, which means the offending player is sent off for the remainder of the match. SCRUM - Used to restart play after a minor infringement occurs (e.g. forward pass or knock-on). The scrum consists of eight of the 15 players from each side. These eight players bind together and come head to head with the players of the opposition. The ball is thrown into the middle of the scrum on the ground and the players work with their feet to hook the ball behind them, making it available to play. The ball is then collected by the scrum-half and passed out to the back line. LINE-OUT - When the ball goes over either sideline play is restarted with a line-out. Two lines are formed by players from each teams. The ball is thrown between the lines. Teams can lift players to contest for the ball. RUCK - Once a player is tackled to the ground, a ruck is formed when one or more players from each team close around the ball and contest the ball. The ball then emerges and play continues. Hands are not allowed in the ruck. QUICK-TAP – A type of restart chosen by a team after a free-kick or penalty is awarded. Play is restarted when the ball leaves a player’s hand and is tapped by his/her foot.
2013 MEN’S EAGLES XV MEDIA INFORMATION USA RUGBY MEDIA CONTACT Event Communications Manager Laura Gill
[email protected] 612.850.5619 To request media credentials for the event, please apply here: usarugby.org/usavmaoriabs-credentials
NEW ZEALAND MAORI ALL-BLACKS MEDIA CONTACT Mike Jaspers
[email protected] PPL STADIUM MEDIA CONTACT Marketing Coordinator Sean Dolan
[email protected] w: 610-859-3105 | c: 484-639-1862
• www.USARugby.org • Facebook.com/USARugby • Twitter.com/USARugby • Twitter Hashtag: #USAvMaoriABs • Youtube.com/USARugbyTV
TICKETS: www.comcasttix.com EVENT WEBSITE: usaurugby.org/usavmaoriabs
Eagles selected for 2013 November Tour Chad Wise // Photo Judy Teasdale Monday, October 28, 2013
"We’d like to get back into winning ways and tag on the back of our performance at the ARC." BOULDER, Colo. – Men’s Eagles Head Coach Mike Tolkin has selected 33 players to be available for the three matches of the November 2013 Tour, beginning with the nearly-sold out match against the New Zealand Maori All Blacks at Philadelphia’s PPL Park Nov. 9. Twenty-six players will be in assembly in Penn. next week, including international professionals Todd Clever, Scott LaValla and Andrew Suniula. Luke Hume also returns to the Eagles after a trial with Gloucester Rugby late in the summer. Tbilisi will host the Eagles and Georgia Nov. 16 and Saracens’ new Allianz Park will be home to the Eagles when they take on Russia Nov. 23. The Eagles are coming off of successive defeats during the summer campaign, while the Men’s Eagles Select XV placed second at the IRB Americas Rugby Championship in Oct. with wins against Canada and Uruguay. “I was very pleased because we got some of the more experienced players more playing time and we got some young, up-andcoming talent some exposure to that level,” Tolkin said. Cameron Dolan, Toby L’Estrange and Phil Thiel, who were members of the Eagles during the Summer Tour, each captained the Selects for a match during the ARC and will be with the team for all three matches next month.
“We wanted to give each of those guys some time of grabbing hold of the leadership position,” Tolkin said. “We felt they each did a good job of leading the team and guiding some of the younger guys along. I thought it was a good experience for them.” Other standouts from the ARC taking spots on the November Roster include Joe Cowley and Tim Maupin, who combined for 25 of the Selects’ 30 points in the 30-10 win against Canada last month. Cowley has company at his position of fullback with Adam Siddall scheduled to be available for all three matches and Blaine Scully and Chris Wyle being made available for the European leg for the Tour. “I think that any team has to be prepared for all circumstances,” Tolkin said of the selection. “Whenever you can get depth like that you’re more prepared for any circumstance that comes your way. “We know [Cowley and Maupin] show great potential to move into these spots. Things change pretty rapidly in international rugby and, if we’re ready for it and we have competition coming from below, it’s a healthy environment.” John Cullen, former University of Utah football player, was a late call-up to the ARC and will travel with the team in November. Joining Cullen is former Utah Men’s Rugby Head Coach Blake Burdette. Burdette made his Eagles debut back in 2006 against Uruguay in South America and has earned nine caps in his career. “Blake brings a lot of experience,” Tolkin said of the 33-year-old prop. “He is a great athlete in his own right and that’s why he was an Eagle the first time around. He’s a great player to bring into the front row. It’s nice to have a veteran in there who’s been through it to bring experience and leadership and a real competitive quality he had the first time around.” Brian Doyle, Liam Murphy, John Quill and Louis Stanfill are all unavailable due to injury, while Danny Barrett was also unavailable for selection. Samu Manoa, Scully and Wyles will join the team in Tbilisi for the second match of the Tour. The three November tests will be the final tune-up before the important 2015 Rugby World Cup Qualifier playoff against Uruguay next March. The Selects defeated a near-full Uruguay side 20-8 at the ARC last month. The 2012 November Tour was the first time the Eagles had won a test series in over a decade with wins against Romania and Russia. “Last year we were certainly thinner,” Tolkin said. “We had a good tour and guys played well, but we were a lot thinner. Going into this tour, we have more depth. We’d like to get back into winning ways and tag on the back of our performance at the ARC. And we’d like to establish who our top 15 and top 23 are going into the Uruguay playoff. The Eagles’ first match against the Maori All Blacks will be shown on FOX Sports 1 Sunday, Nov. 10, at noon ET. It will also be live-streamed on FOX Soccer2Go and shown live on FOX Soccer Plus. Click here for more information. Visit the #USAvMaoriABs page for a full list of events, contests and ticket information. Follow the Eagles on Twitter @USARugby during their travels for live updates.
Men's Eagles | November Tour Roster – (cont’d on next page)
Men's Eagles | November Tour Coaching Staff Mike Tolkin - Head Coach William (Billy) Millard - Assistant Coach Justin Fitzpatrick - Assistant Coach Phil Bailey - Assistant Coach Dave Williams - Assistant Coach Chris O'Brien - Kicking Coach Paul Goulding - Video Analyst Matt Schmitz - Doctor (v Georgia, v Russia) Marc Kowalsky - Doctor (v Maori All Blacks) Richard Quincy - Physio
Zach Vyhananek - Physio (v Georgia, v Russia) Rob Wassilak - Physio (v Maori All Blacks) John O'Donnell - Physio (v Maori All Blacks) Sarah Sall - Massage Therapist (v Maori All Blacks) Tristan Lewis - Manager
Men's Eagles | November 2013 Tour v New Zealand Maori All Blacks - Philadelphia, Penn. - Nov. 9 - 7 P.M. ET v Georgia - Tbilisi, Georgia - Nov. 16 - 5 A.M. ET v Russia - London, England - Nov. 23 - 10 A.M. ET
Black and Blue Match perfect for America's toughest fans Chad Wise Friday, September 13, 2013
“The AIG Black and Blue rugby match is proud to join a long, storied history of the sporting culture in Philadelphia." BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Union today released the logo for the Men’s Eagles’ November 9 test against the New Zealand Maori All Blacks, presented by AIG. The new match logo conveys the high-profile nature of the upcoming match at PPL Park with a shield bearing the two rugby unions’ logos and represents the match’s “Black and Blue” theme. “We wanted to really capture the gritty, hardworking feel of the city of Philadelphia and its citizens,” USA Rugby Chief Commercial Officer Jon Persch said. “The AIG Black and Blue rugby match is proud to join a long, storied history of the sporting culture in Philadelphia with the likes of the Broad Street Bullies and the Rocky films.” One of the most iconic images from the historic city of Philadelphia is that of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa at the peak of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Stallone’s underdog character reached the top of the 72-step staircase while training in preparation for a boxing match.
Purchase tickets for #USAvMaoriABs >> The Philadelphia Eagles famously gave semi-professional wide receiver Vince Papale the chance to play for the Eagles in the 1970s and signed then-construction foreman Jeff Thomason in 2005 for Super Bowl XXXIX.
The Philadelphia Flyers’ Broad Street Bullies moniker stemmed from the team’s bruising style of play in the 1970s, which led to the team’s first Stanley Cup victory during the 1973-74 season. Dave Schultz led the National Hockey League in penalty minutes for four consecutive seasons from 1973 to 1975. The New Zealand Maori All Blacks will make their second appearance in America following their victory against the Eagles in the 2006 Churchill Cup. In 2012, they defeated Canada in Oxford, England. The All Blacks will be tested north of the border one week ahead of their date with the Eagles in Philadelphia. “Being consistent with the working-class sportsmen of Philly, that’s the attitude we want to take into it,” Eagles Head Coach Mike Tolkin said. The Eagles will arrive in Philadelphia fresh from their Americas Rugby Championship campaign in British Columbia. “We want to be hard and aggressive on defense and attack. We want to show up and really take it to the Maori, bringing a good, solid, physical, committed team onto the field. Hopefully we’ll come out with the ‘w.’” PPL Park will host a Fan Fest prior to the match with activities for fans of all ages, including a tailgate and youth rugby clinic. There will also be live music and vendor tents with concessions and merchandise. The Combined Armed Services RFC and the New Zealand Ambassador’s Select Side will take the pitch at PPL Park before the Eagles and All Blacks Saturday to contest the Ambassador’s Shield sponsored by the New Zealand Embassy, USA Rugby, and Rugby Pennsylvania. Tickets are selling fast, with 9,000 seats already accounted for at PPL Park. Purchase tickets here.
More events coming to Philadelphia in support of Black and Blue Match Chad Wise Friday, October 04, 2013
"Philadelphia is a great sports town – we appreciate hard hitting action and guys who sell out on every play." BOULDER, Colo. – This November, Philadelphia will be home to more than just the Men’s Eagles and New Zealand Maori All Blacks’ Black and Blue Match, presented by AIG. The Eagles and All Blacks will kick off the festivities in the City of Brotherly Love Wednesday, Nov. 6, with the Black and Blue Press Conference. Each team’s captain and coach will be available to the press to speak about the importance of the inaugural match between the two teams. The USA Rugby Trust and Rugby Pennsylvania will host theWelcome to Philadelphia Meet and Greet Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Union League of Philadelphia, which was voted the best city club in the country by John Sibbald Associates, Inc. Both the Eagles and All Blacks will be in attendance to mingle with donors and VIPs, including former Mayor of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. Reserve your spot at the Union League here. “I fell in love with rugby about four years ago and am thrilled that USA Rugby has selected Philadelphia to host this match,” Rendell said. “Philadelphia is a great sports town – we appreciate hard hitting action and guys who sell out on every play. From what I have seen of the Eagles, these guys work hard, tackle hard, run hard and are on their way to greater success. I will be there rooting them on.”
The Women’s Premier League National Championship Semifinals and Final will be played in the city during the weekend, as well. The Semifinals will take place Friday, Nov. 8, with the Final scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 10. A Women’s Premier League and Try on Rugby Dinner is also planned for Friday to launch USA Rugby’s newest initiative. The Women’s Premier League and Try on Rugby recently announced a partnership, which will see each WPL team take an active role in its community through outreach in schools, community organizations, and facilitate a youth rugby initiative. Try on Rugby will provide the teams with grants and materials to support the community work. Contact
[email protected] for more details. XFINITY Live! will hold the Black and Blue Pep Rally Friday evening. The venue is one of Philadelphia’s most sought-after social attractions, with a variety of dining and entertainment located near the site of the former Spectrum. Eagles and All Blacks will be in attendance, and join fans at venues including The Philly MarketPlace, Spectrum Grill, Broad Street Bullies Pub, PBR Bar and Grill, Victory Beer Hall and the NBC Sports Arena. The USA Rugby Congress will be conducting business in Downtown Philadelphia Friday before attending the match Saturday. The USA Rugby Coach Development Department will also be busy in Philadelphia. A Level 300 Coach Certification Course will be held Saturday, the day of the match, beginning at 8:00 A.M. at Neuman University. Day two of the Level 300 Course will be Sunday, Nov. 10. The objective of the Level 300 course is for coaches to increase their ability to coach technical skills to achieve strategic and tactical outcomes. Coaches will be able to use the coaching process, key factor analysis and functional role analysis to achieve specific short- and medium-term goals for their teams. A Level 200 Coach Certification Course will also be held at Neuman University Sunday. Level 200 is the current minimum certification requirement for all coaches and contact teams. The course will help coaches refine their coaching skills and knowledge with a focus on teaching the technical aspects of the game through the use of games, questioning and progression. The All Deaf Rugby Football Club will take on North Penn Rugby football Club at North Penn Saturday at 11:00 A.M. The All Deaf team is hoping to join the Potomac Rugby Union and is currently looking to recruit deaf, hard of hearing and ASL-fluent players of all experience levels. Visit the All Deaf Rugby Club’s website for more information. Another match happening prior to the kickoff of the Black and Blue Match is between the Marine Corps Old Breed and the Army Band of Brothers Saturday at 9:00 A.M at Memorial Hall Field in Fairmont Park. PPL Park will host the Black and Blue Fan Fest starting at 3:00 P.M. Similar to the Fan Fest in Houston for the Men’s Eagles’ match against Ireland, fans will be able to interact with each other and vendors in the confines of the stadium on the Delaware River. The Black and Blue Fan Fest will be available to some of the country’s “Most Intimidating Fans,” according to Sports Illiustrated. The actual match will kick off at 7:00 P.M. and broadcast live on FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Soccer 2Go. Fans in attendance and those who missed the match live will be able to watch the tape delay Sunday at noon ET on FOX Sports 1, the newest 24hour multi-sport channel. For more event information, visit the USAvMaoriABs Event Calendar.
November Tier Two schedule announced IRB // Photo Andrew Carpenean Monday, August 12, 2013
"The November fixtures are playing a massive role in the development of Unions who have been identified by the IRB as part of a major Strategic Investment Programme." Tier two nations will play a record total of 20 Test matches in this year's November internationals as the build-up to Rugby World Cup 2015 in England continues. The strong programme is being financed and supported by the IRB, which invests more than £10.5 million each year in highperformance programmes and competitions for Tier Two countries. Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Russia, USA, Canada, Romania, Japan, Uruguay, Portugal, Georgia, Chile, Brazil and Spain will all be in action, with the three Pacific Island teams and Japan once again facing tier one level opposition as they enter an important phase in the preparations for RWC 2015 in England. With plenty of IRB World Rankings points at stake, the November schedule will see historic first-ever visits by Pacific Island Unions Samoa and Tonga to Georgia and Romania, respectively, as well as Portugal visiting Sao Paulo to take on Brazil for a first-ever Test match between the two sides. Rugby World Cup 2019 hosts Japan will also build their development platform as they play New Zealand in Tokyo before travelling to Europe to play Scotland, Russia and Spain.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW TIER TWO NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE >>> IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "This is an exciting time for Rugby worldwide and thanks to the ongoing commercial success of Rugby World Cup, the IRB has been able to invest record sums in the Game." "The November 2012 and June 2013 programmes have really showcased the tremendous competitive strides that Tier 2 Unions are making with Samoa defeating Wales, Scotland and Italy, Tonga defeating Scotland and Japan recording a first-ever victory over Wales. I am anticipating a truly captivating November series of matches." It has already been an unprecedented year for Tier two Rugby nations, with an extensive June programme witnessing the expansion of the IRB Pacific Nations Cup to include USA and Canada. June also witnessed the launch of the IRB Tbilisi Cup in Georgia, where the hosts welcomed Uruguay and development sides from South Africa and Ireland. The success of Rugby World Cup as a major global brand has provided the platform for the IRB to finance and deliver an unprecedented annual schedule of matches for tier two nations in the important June and November international windows. "The November fixtures are playing a massive role in the development of Unions who have been identified by the IRB as part of a major Strategic Investment Programme," said Mark Egan, IRB Head of Competitions and Performance. "These IRB World Ranking matches will enable coaches to assess players in a competitive environment, while giving the IRB the opportunity to benchmark the progress of the top ranked tier two Unions against both each other and, in some cases, against Tier One opposition." "We are also looking at a number of Test options for Unions such as Namibia and hope to announce some additional November fixtures for our performance group of Unions in the near future." The IRB also continues to invest in the now established and successful tournaments including the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup, IRB Pacific Nations Cup, Americas Rugby Championship, IRB Nations Cup as well as the IRB Tbilisi Cup.
Eagles and Bears to meet at Allianz Park Chad Wise // Photo Kelley L Cox Wednesday, October 02, 2013
"We enjoy playing Russia in what has become a traditional rivalry between our two countries." BOULDER, Colo. – The Men’s Eagles will take on Russia for the sixth time in 10 years Nov. 23 at Allianz Park in London, home of Aviva Premiership’s Saracens Football Club. The match-up will be the Eagles’ final of 2013 following the New Zealand Maori All Blacks’ visit to PPL Park in Philadelphia Nov. 9 and a trip to Tbilisi for a match against Georgia Nov. 16. “We enjoy playing Russia in what has become a traditional rivalry between our two countries,” USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville said. “From here in the United States to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup, we know to expect a high level of competitiveness from Russia on the pitch.” The Eagles defeated Russia 40-26 most recently in Colwyn Bay, Wales, last November. Chris Wyles, currently with Saracens, scored 15 points that night with a try and five conversions. Wyles also scored eight points against Russia in their only win at the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup. “USA vs. Russia fixtures in any sport are spectacular events,” Rugby Union of Russia Vice President Howard Thomas said. “Rugby between our two countries caught the imagination of the rugby world during the RWC 2011 in New Zealand, and we expect another tight and intense match.”
Since 1977, the Eagles have played 10 matches in England, with the only win coming against Russia in the 2011 Churchill Cup. “Allianz Park is becoming renowned as a wonderful place to watch and play rugby, and we look forward to staging what will be the first full international match at our home in north London,” Saracens Chairman Nigel Wray said. “We are excited to bring the Eagles to Allianz Park and would like to thank Saracens for hosting us,” Melville said. “With some of our best internationals like Chris Wyles, Samu Manoa and Blaine Scully currently playing in the Aviva Premiership, I believe it is important to showcase our game in the home of rugby.” The 2013 schedule for the Eagles has been the busiest in recent memory. Tier One nation Ireland drew a sold-out crowd in Houston in June, while Canada, Tonga, Japan, and Fiji welcomed the Eagles to the new-look IRB Pacific Nations Cup. Canada also defeated the Eagles twice in a 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifier, forcing another two-leg series with Uruguay in 2014. Tickets for the Nov. 23 match start at £10 for adults and are available at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
FOX Sports 1 to air inaugural 'Black and Blue' Match Chad Wise Tuesday, October 01, 2013
"FOX Sports 1 offers USA Rugby the greatest number of viewers with the new channel being offered in 90 million homes." BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby is proud to announce a broadcasting partnership with FOX Sports for the upcoming Men’s Eagles match against the New Zealand Maori All Blacks Nov. 9 at PPL Park in Philadelphia. The inaugural Black and Blue Match, presented by USA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby Union sponsor AIG, will kick off at 7:00 P.M. ET Saturday, Nov. 9, with the broadcast to be aired on FOX Sports 1 Sunday, Nov. 10, at noon ET. “USA Rugby is very excited about FOX Sports 1 airing the match from Philadelphia,” USA Rugby Chief Commercial Officer Jon Persch said. “FOX Sports 1 offers USA Rugby the greatest number of viewers with the new channel being offered in 90 million homes. On top of that, FOX Sports has had a monumental impact covering the world’s most elite sporting events and we are thrilled to share this marquee matchup with FOX Sports.” FOX Sports 1, the new national 24-hour multi-sport channel, launched Aug. 17 in more than 90 million homes across the U.S., marking the largest sports network launch in television history. With nearly 5,000 hours of live event, news and original programming annually, USA Rugby joins a broadcast lineup that includes college football and basketball, MLB, NASCAR, NFL, soccer, boxing and UFC.
Purchase tickets to USAvMaoriABs >> “This partnership with USA Rugby offers FOX Sports 1 the unique opportunity to be the U.S. television home for a very exciting inaugural event in the international rugby community,” said Michael Mulvihill, FOX Sports SVP of Programming & Research. “The Black and Blue Match showcases one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, bringing world-class rugby to the U.S. and – along with international soccer and UFC – continues to establish FOX Sports 1 as a destination for nextgeneration, rapidly evolving sports.” In addition to the premiere airing on FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports is making the match available LIVE on FOX Soccer Plus (http://www.foxsoccerplus.com/) and FOXSoccer2GO (http://www.foxsoccer2go.com/). The New Zealand Maori All Blacks are returning to American soil for the first time since the 2006 Churchill Cup. Canada will host the Maori All Blacks at BMO Field Nov. 3. About USA Rugby Established in 1975, USA Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in America and a Full Sport Member of the United States Olympic Committee. Currently headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has over 115,000 active members. USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and high school All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes. It also hosts over 30 national playoff and championship events every year as a service to its members. In October 2009, the International Olympic Committee announced that Rugby Sevens (the seven-a-side version of the game) will appear in the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro. Visit www.usarugby.org for more information. About FOX Sports 1 FOX Sports 1 is a new national 24-hour multi-sport channel launching on August 17 in over 90 million homes, marking the largest sports network launch in history. FOX Sports 1, boasting nearly 5,000 hours of live event, news and original programming annually, has seven pillar sports: college basketball and football, MLB (in 2014), NASCAR, NFL (ancillary programs), soccer and UFC. College football is highlighted by regular season coverage of Big 12, Pac-12 and Conference USA games, while the college basketball spotlight shines on the Big East, Big 12, Pac-12 and Conference USA and the Big East men’s basketball tournament. Starting in 2014, select MLB League Championship Series and Division Series games as well as regular season games are coming to the channel. FOX Sports 1 also carries select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events beginning in 2015; NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races; the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race; and all Speedweeks coverage, including Daytona 500 Qualifying, Sprint Unlimited at Daytona, (2014, 2017-22) the Budweiser Duel, and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NCWTS Practice and Qualifying sessions. Additionally, FOX Sports 1 carries NASCAR RaceDay, NASCAR Victory Lane and Race Hub shows. The channel also carries the world’s most prolific club soccer competitions, like UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and CONCACAF Champions League, along with the world’s oldest soccer competition, the FA Cup; plus CONCACAF Gold Cup; CONCACAF Qualifiers, EURO 2016 Qualifiers; 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers; FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019; FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2018 and 2022. In addition to Saturday pay-per-view preliminary cards, Wednesday nights are home to the UFC with UFC TONIGHT, live events and THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER. FOX SPORTS LIVE is FOX Sports 1’s flagship 24/7 news, opinion and highlights program, providing around the clock coverage through regularly scheduled programs, hourly updates and an information rich ticker. Original programs include: FOX FOOTBALL DAILY, CROWD GOES WILD, a new live sports entertainment talk show hosted by Regis Philbin; and the groundbreaking BEING: documentary franchise. FOX Sports GO, a groundbreaking authenticated mobile sports experience for iPhone, iPad, Android devices and the web, serves as the channel’s digital extension. The app offers more than 1,100 live games and events from cross FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports’ 22 regional sports networks, as well as scores, highlights, news, stats and analysis. For more information visit www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1.
Roster, coaching staff announced for Americas Rugby Championship Chad Wise // Photo Scott Bales Wednesday, September 25, 2013
“The ARC is an important process for us in that players will continue to get a High Performance experience at the assembly as well as play in highly competitive international matches." UPDATE: "Billy Millard will replace Brett Taylor as assistant coach of the Eagles Select XV," head coach Mike Tolkin said. "Taylor became unavailable due to a sudden and urgent work commitment. Millard will primarily work with the backs." BOULDER, Colo. – Men’s Eagles Head Coach Mike Tolkin announced the Eagles Select XV roster for the upcoming Americas Rugby Championship, to be hosted by Canada at Westhill Stadium at the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence in Langford, British Columbia. The Eagles Select XV will go up against Canada, Argentina and Uruguay from October 11-19 with a lineup full of both experience and youth.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to build and nurture our player pool through this year’s ARC,” Tolkin said. “We have a more balanced squad this year with a moderate number of players with international experience as well as many prospects who are looking to make strides within the National Team setup for the first time. “The ARC is an important process for us in that players will continue to get a High Performance experience at the assembly as well as play in highly competitive international matches, which will test what they are capable of doing against greatly increased pressure.” Shawn Pittman, Phil Thiel, Nick Wallace and Toby L’Estrange are among the Eagles in the squad who were a part of this season’s busy summer schedule, which included three matches against Canada and a visit from Tier One nation Ireland. Titi Lamositele, currently considering an opportunity to play at Saracens of the Aviva Premiership with fellow Eagle Chris Wyles, makes the Eagles Select XV after earning his first two international caps against Canada in Charleston and Toronto. Adam Siddall returns from an injury sustained prior to the two-leg IRB Rugby World Cup Qualifier. In 2012, the Eagles Select squad lost all three of its matches at the Americas Rugby Championship in Langford. This year, the Eagles’ match against Uruguay holds special significance, as the Teros stand in the way of the Eagles qualifying for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The two teams will face each other in a home-and-home series next year for a chance to qualify as Americas 2. Former Ireland international Justin Fitzpatrick will serve as Forwards Coach and Brett Taylor will join Tolkin’s coaching staff as Backs Coach for the Americas Rugby Championship. “I am also excited about working with a new coaching staff, who have each familiarized themselves with and dedicated themselves to American rugby with tremendous enthusiasm and success,” Tolkin said. Argentina is up first for the Eagles Select XV October 11 at 9:00 P.M. ET. For more information, visit the official Americas Rugby Championship website. Eagles Select XV | Americas Rugby Championship Forwards Derek Asbun Danny Barrett Trevor Cassidy Cam Dolan Cam Falcon Graham Harriman Will Haydock Titi Lamositele Liam Og Murphy Shawn Pittman Chris Sullivan Phil Thiel Tai Tuisamoa Nick Wallace Backs Chris Chapman Joe Cowley Maximo De Achaval Shaun Davies
Toby L'Estrange Tim Maupin Ed Mills Peter Moala Mile Pulu Mark Roberts Chris Saint Adam Siddall Selected but unavailable: Tom Bliss, Logan Collins, John Cullen, Dean Gericke, Colin Hawley, Seki Kofe Selected but injured: Benji Goff Eagles Select XV | Coaching Staff Mike Tolkin - Head Coach Billy Millard - Assistant Coach Justin Fitzpatrick - Assistant Coach Chris O'Brien - Assistant Coach Neil McMillan - Strength and Conditioning Coach James Walton - Video Analyst Dr. Terrence Cronin Richard Quincy - Physio Bethany Desimone - Physio Neil Chasan - Physio Tristan Lewis - Manager
Tournament on track as England Rugby 2015 marks two years to go IRB Wednesday, September 18, 2013
"With two years to go until it kicks off strong plans are in place to ensure both the players and spectators are well looked after and a legacy for the sport is delivered." With two years to go until the start of Rugby World Cup 2015, Tournament Organisers England Rugby 2015 Limited and Tournament Owners Rugby World Cup Limited are on track to deliver the game’s showpiece event. CEO Debbie Jevans today outlined the progress made to date and the exciting 24 months that lie ahead before Rugby World Cup begins in September 2015. With the Organising Committee now 50 strong, increasing to 70 staff by the end of the year, the key priorities including building the team, selecting the match venues, finalising the schedule, setting the tournament vision and developing the detailed delivery plans and timelines have all been completed. With the foundations now in place, and a strong response and show of support from the cities and venues who will deliver the third largest global sporting event, England Rugby 2015 will complete a busy 12 months with confirmation of kick-off times and the ticketing strategy and pricing before the end of the year. The tournament volunteer programme will be launched in early 2014. 6,000 volunteers will be required for RWC 2015 and in line with the tournament vision, England Rugby 2015 will recruit 75% of volunteers from the existing rugby club volunteer
network, rewarding and recognising those who help to deliver the game week in week out in their local communities. Eager to also see new people accessing the sport, a further 25% of volunteers will be recruited from outside the game. With over 80 bids received from more than 30 English counties and Wales to become RWC 2015 Team Bases, the search for the best possible facilities to host the world’s best teams continues. Team Bases, which consist of indoor and outdoor training facilities, hotel, gym and pool, will be selected and announced by the middle of next year, providing England Rugby 2015 with further opportunity to take the tournament to communities all around the country. Next year England Rugby 2015 will also announce details of two Webb Ellis Cup tours; international and domestic, taking the Cup to most qualifying nations and then all around the UK and Ireland. On the two years to go milestone, England Rugby 2015 CEO Debbie Jevans, said: “In the last 12 months we have achieved a great deal and laid the foundations – two years out we are on track and in good shape. “We are now focused on finalising the kick off times and the ticketing strategy by the end of the year. We continue to work with the IRB and all our key stakeholders and our aim is for tickets to be as affordable and accessible as possible. “As we move into 2014 we begin to fully engage and mobilise our plans with the launch of the volunteer programme, international Webb Ellis Cup tour and tickets going on sale.” On the RFU’s ‘Posts in the Park’ legacy programme, launched with two years to go until RWC 2015, Jevans added: “Our role as the Organising Committee is to host and stage a tournament that not only delivers the best possible experience for the spectators and the players but also helps grow the game so we are delighted to support the RFU’s Posts in the Park programme. The tournament provides a unique opportunity for rugby in this country.” Recognising the two years to go milestone, IRB CEO and RWCL Managing Director Brett Gosper added:”In exactly two years, England will host one of the biggest sporting and cultural festivals the country has ever seen. For 44 days, the world’s top 700 players representing 20 nations will be performing to a global audience of 4 billion across 13 venues the length and breadth of the country, showcasing Rugby and the host nation.” “As we reach this landmark, I am confident that preparations are on track to ensure that Rugby World Cup 2015 will be remembered as the best ever event from a sporting experience and impact perspective that will deliver unprecedented benefits to the host nation and to the profile and development of our sport and its character-building values worldwide.” Looking ahead to the tournament, Minister for Sport and Tourism, Hugh Robertson, said: “Rugby World Cup 2015 will be a fantastic tournament, bringing new fans and players to the game both domestically and internationally. With two years to go until it kicks off strong plans are in place to ensure both the players and spectators are well looked after and a legacy for the sport is delivered.”
Tickets selling fast for USAvMaoriABs at PPL Park Chad Wise Thursday, August 29, 2013
More than 8,000 tickets have been sold to the Men’s Eagles’ November 9 match against the New Zealand Maori All Blacks at PPL Park. The 20,000-seat stadium is no stranger to rugby, having hosted USA Sevens’ invitational college rugby sevens event each of the past three years, but this will be the first time the Eagles will compete on the natural grass pitch in Chester, Penn. PPL Park opened its doors for the first time June 27, 2010, when Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union defeated the Seattle Sounders 3-1. The MLS’ expansion into Philadelphia occurred in 2008, with the Union becoming the League’s 16th team. The average attendance for the Philadelphia Union’s 2012 season was 18,053, good for 11th-highest in the 19-team League. The attendance at PPL Park also attributed to the MLS having higher average attendance figures than both the National Hockey League and National Basketball Association for their 2011-12 seasons. After hosting the 2012 Big East Men’s Soccer Championship last November following the tournament’s relocation from New Jersey’s Red Bull Stadium due to Hurricane Sandy, PPL Park was selected to host the 2013 NCAA College Cup. The College Cup, the culmination of the 48-team NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament, will be played December 13 and 15. The inaugural Army-Navy Cup, contested between the two service academies’ soccer teams, was played at PPL Park last October, but the Cup was not awarded due to a 1-1 draw. The Black Knights and Midshipmen will both be hoping to take home
the trophy this year when the second Army-Navy Cup – and 80th overall meeting between the two teams – is played at PPL Park November 8. The University of Delaware and Villanova University rivalry, dubbed Battle of the Blue since 2007, marked the first American football game played at PPL Park November 19, 2011. The Delaware Fighting Blue Hens defeated the Villanova Wildcats 2616 to win the Battle of the Blue Trophy for the first time and earn their first victory between the two schools since 2006. The rivalry will continue at PPL Park November 17, 2013, with Villanova holding an all-time 24-21-1 record against Delaware. Most recently, PPL Park was home to the Major League Lacrosse’s Championship Weekend August 24-25. The fourth-ranked Charlotte Hounds defeated the top-seeded Denver Outlaws 17-14 in the first semifinal before the Chesapeake Bayhawks edged the Hamilton Nationals 13-12 to book their third trip to the MLL Championship Game for the third time in four years. The Bayhawks captured their fifth overall MLL Championship and second consecutive with a 10-9 win. PPL Park was selected as the “Sports/Recreation Project of the Year” by Mid-Atlantic Construction Magazine in September 2010 and was awarded the 2010 William H. Bates Memorial Award by the Delaware Country Planning Commission. The Eagles have never played in the state of Pennsylvania, but will end that drought Saturday, November 9, against the New Zealand Maori All Blacks. Purchase tickets here before the world-class PPL Park sells out!
Tickets released for USAvMaoriABs at PPL Park Chad Wise Monday, July 22, 2013
“It’s a privilege to be able to host a world class team such as the Maori All Blacks here on American soil." BOULDER, Colo. – Tickets have today been released for one of the year’s most anticipated international rugby matches between the Men’s Eagles and the Maori All Blacks at Philadelphia’s PPL Park November 9. Starting at just $15, tickets for the 20,000-seat stadium are expected to sell fast for the match, which takes place two weeks after the Eagles’ two-leg Rugby World Cup Qualifier against Canada. “It’s a privilege to be able to host a world class team such as the Maori All Blacks here on American soil,” USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville said. “With the recent record-breaking attendance at our match against Ireland in Houston, we are hoping another premier venue like PPL Park will draw an enthusiastic crowd to celebrate the progress being made to grow the game here in the United States. “The Eagles will continue to benefit from the level of competition to be brought from the Maori All Blacks. It is also a great opportunity for our sponsors, broadcasters and media partners to be involved in a true international rugby experience.”
Purchase tickets for USAvMaoriABs here >> “It is great to have AIG – a commercial partner of both USA Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Union – eager to bring two unions together competitively on U.S. soil,” USA Rugby Chief Commercial Officer Jon Persch said. “AIG has been an outstanding partner to both and is hugely-supportive of the event on the east coast.”
