Photos: Colleen McCloskey
On Sunday, USA Rugby Trust hosted a farewell event for the USA Women’s National team and staff heading to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland. More than 50 attendees convened in Washington, D.C., to support the Women’s National Team, and together they helped raise more than $50,000 for the overseas campaign.
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“USA Rugby and USA Rugby Trust were delighted to have so many attend the events of the Washington D.C. weekend to not only raise funding for the Eagles, but to also show their support for the athletes and wish them well in their quest for a cup in Dublin,” USA Rugby Trust Executive Director Chris Reed noted. “Beyond the support, there was also a palpable sense of pride from the players who will wear the jersey, to the parents, friends, staff, and young D.C. area rugby players present on Sunday evening.”
USA Rugby Trust organized the event, and Reed gave special thanks to Joanne Liu and Scion Restaurant (Washington, D.C.) for hosting 50-plus attendees. Capital GU president Matt Robinette and Women’s 15s rep Meredith McAlister (whose photo booth was especially popular) earned praise from Reed, as did Rob Bell of B & B Casino Party Pros, Scion Rugby Academy and Washington Irish players, and members of USA Rugby Congress for their support and attendance.
Three-time World Cup 15s Eagle Phaidra Knight and Olympic 7s phenom Jill Potter co-emceed the event, and attendees engaged in a Q&A with the players and coaches. USA Rugby CEO Dan Payne thanked participants for their support, and honored the athletes’ and coaches’ dedication and hard work during the build to the Dublin.
Colleen McCloskey was on hand for the event and took some fantastic photos (see gallery above). The Eagles are currently in pre-World Cup camp in Dublin – an assembly supported by Irish Rugby Tours – and will kick off the tournament on Wednesday, Aug. 9 against Italy.
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