Sacred Heart University Women’s Rugby Club was founded in 1995 and since that time has developed a philosophy deeply rooting in motivating, inspiring, and nurturing young women as athletes, students, and individuals. Over the past 20 years the Queens of Heart Women's Rugby team has become a symbol of strength, unity, and commitment providing generations of women with the opportunity to mature in an environment that promotes discipline, self- respect, and hard work.

It is customary for a University to accommodate athletes with various athletic abilities. This is done by providing programs at both the club and varsity levels. Due to the elimination of the Sacred Heart Women's Club team, the current women's rugby teams feels compelled to comply with the social responsibility of pursing the truth behind the discontinuation and to make others aware of this as well.

In keeping with Title IX compliance, Sacred Heart University recently announced that Women’s Rugby will be the 32 Division 1 varsity sport added to their every growing Division 1 list. The announcement is met with conflicting emotions as the elevation of women’s rugby to Division 1 has both pros and cons. While Sacred Heart is recognizing that rugby is the fastest growing women's sport in the country and is supporting its development, this has resulted in the discontinuation of the women's club team. Although the installment of the varsity program is a progressive step in raising the level of competitiveness in American rugby, the depletion of the Queens of Heart family is a great mistake. The inclusive nature of club rugby at Sacred Heart embraces the Universities philosophy of commitment to community by providing an avenue for athletes of varying athletic levels to learn and participate in this new and exciting sport. After 20 years for tradition, dedication, excellence, and friendship it would be a disservice to past, present, and future generations of Sacred Heart community and alumni to put an end to this club.

By signing this petition, you are agreeing to the reinstatement of the Sacred Heart Women’s Club Rugby team for the Fall 2015 season so that our legacy may carry on for generations to come.