Ongoing: Rugby Women & Their Orgs/Companies

A continually updated list of women-run or women-focused rugby organizations and/or companies:

ORGANIZATIONS / CHARITIES

• Girls Rugby Inc. – Founded by Hannah Harper, Jenn Heinrich, Erin Kennedy. Runs all-girls flag rugby leagues in various states.

• Women’s Rugby Coaches & Referees Association – Professional membership organization for coaches and referees (and administrators, supporters, etc.)

• U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation – 501c3 charitable organization that supports national team, community and other efforts

• Women For Rugby – Founded by Nicole Strasko and Morgan Roberts, the non-profit’s first order of business is fundraising for the USA Women’s RWC 7s campaign: event.

COMPANIES

Alofa – Owned by Tempe’s Lindsey Mahoney (TRB story), apparel

Brazo Fuerte Brewery – Owned by Bev Armstrong; brewery

Love Rugby – Owned by Christina Bennett and Chris Kirkwood; apparel supplier

Project Rugby Love – Run by Jenny Lui, swag sales donated back into rugby community (TRB story)

The Ruggers Edge – Owned by Karen Fong Dongohue; college advisory firm

MEDIA / FORUMS

Rugby Women’s Mentorship Group: Facebook. Page dedicated to developing women coaches and growing the women’s game. No adverts, for example.

The Rugby Breakdown: Run by Jackie Finlan; original news on U.S. girls’ and women’s rugby

Women’s Rugby Connection: Facebook. Players/teams looking for numbers, recommendations, promoting tournaments, etc.

Your Scrumhalf Connection: Run by Wendy Young; a women’s rugby news aggregator

National Development Academies

• ARPTC – Little Rock, Ark. Run by former USA 7s HC Julie McCoy. Players typically relocate for the summer and engage in a full-time high performance environment. Competes toward USAR Club 7s Championship

• Atavus – Based in Seattle. Year-round training

• CCIG – Hayward, Calif. Run by Adriaan Ferris. New entity connected with Life West Chiropractic resources

• Northeast – Bases in NYC, Boston and Buffalo; focuses on development of local players

• Santa Barbara – Based in southern California and run by Kevin Battle. Active in SoCal 7s

• Scion – Based in the D.C. area and run by Joanne Liu. Active year-round and competes toward USA Rugby Club 7s National Championship