The Women’s Rugby Coaches & Referees Association (WRCRA) is a professional organization for the U.S.-based rugby community, and it’s linked with the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation (USWRF). Both entities have been busy supporting and elevating the American game and connecting people with the opportunities that exist therein. In 2025, USWRF will celebrate its 20th anniversary.
RELATED: The following updates feature in WRCRA’s free newsletter
Denver to Host Annual Conference
Since its inception, the annual WRCRA conference has been held on the East Coast, from Providence, to Virginia, to North Carolina. Now the event is heading west to Denver, Colo., on Jan. 17-19, 2025. Learn more. To boot, Denver was just announced as one of the first three cities that will be home to a Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) professional rugby team for spring 2025. Conference planning is well underway, so contact Kerri Heffernan if you’re interested in contributing to the content.
WRCRA in the Wild
Left: Fitz, Jordan, Vix Folayan; Right: Roach, Russell Earnshaw, Austin
A huge congratulations to WRCRA members Nancy Fitz and Jami Jordan (above, left) on their July induction into the USRF Hall of Fame. • Congrats to WRCRA members and former 15 Under 30 winners Carolyn Roach and Savannah Austin (above, right). Both received Horizon Awards to attend a coaching immersion course at the Polar Bear Rugby Camp, July 11-14.
WRCRA at Work
The Kathy Flores Memorial Fund provided funding to support USA U20 Coach Kitt Ruiz Wagner. The grant enabled Kitt to bring her daughter with her to Wales for the summer 15s tour. WRCRA is pleased to support member coaches, referees, and administrators who are juggling parenting responsibilities.
WRCRA x NCR … WRCRA is partnering with National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) to offer an administrative shadow opportunity to WRCRA member Sallie Buckner. Sallie will attend the NCR National All-Star 7s Cup and work under the direction of WRCRA member and NCR Director of Women’s Rugby Angela Smarto.
Horizons Project funding … WRCRA has awarded Legends Rugby and Irene Gardner the funds for 12 aspiring coaches to attend a Level 1 course at Stanford University on August 24. To date, the Horizons Project has paid the certification fees for over 100 aspiring coaches and referees.
The 2024 Annual College Coaches Survey results are in and will be posted here in short time. (Data is available to WRCRA members only.)
WRCRA Online Learning Series is back … The service began in July and will offer two webinars in August, one for coaches and one for administrators, so please look for sign-up info. Attendee Theresa Pitts Singer offered:
“I always embrace the chance to learn from any coach. The experienced ones have many tips and tools, and the inexperienced ones highlight the current questions and struggles. Belonging to a group such as WRCRA that practices generosity in sharing the craft of coaching is comforting and empowering.”