Rugby United New York Unveils Plan for U-20 Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RUNY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR MEN’S UNDER 20s PROGRAM

NEW YORK (October 24, 2018)- As a commitment to the growth of high performance rugby in the Tri-State area, Rugby United New York has unveiled their plans for their Men’s Under 20 Program. The Program will launch with a Development and Talent ID Camp on Wednesday 21st November from 3pm-5pm at Glover Field, Pelham, New York. It is planned that the U20 Program will play a MLR curtain raiser this spring at the soon to be announced RUNY Stadium.

We caught up with General Manager James English for a quick Q & A about what the program will look like.

What is the Rugby United New York Men’s Under 20 Program?

It’s the start of our bigger strategic vision for a comprehensive academy structure. Our primary focus Year 1 is building our Major League Rugby team. However, we see the importance, even at this early stage, of investing in the development of upcoming, local talent.

The objective of the program is to provide high performance coaching, as well as an introduction to our strength and conditioning program, to potentially elite rugby players that we are currently in the process of identifying.

What can the RUNY U20 Program offer?

All athletes selected will be directed into an Individual Development Program that is geared towards ensuring their potential as a rugby player is maximized. The goal for each athlete selected is to become a professional rugby player with RUNY.

How does an athlete enter the U20 Academy Process?

Athletes will primarily be selected from our RUNY open development camps. Athletes can also be nominated by their schools, colleges, clubs, or scouted by our Academy staff.

Who do we expected to see leading the program?

The RUNY U20 program will sit very much alongside the MLR program, with aligned philosophies and coaching concepts. Our Head Coach, Mike Tolkin, will play a large role overseeing the coaching. However, the program will be led by Phil Terrigno and supported by developing coaches, from the Tri-State area, that we have already identified. This will become part of the RUNY Coach Development Pathway.

Can you give us more information on the Lead Coach, Phil Terrigno?

Phil is an assistant coach at Army West Point men’s rugby with a focus on forwards and set piece. Prior to join Army West Point, he was the head coach of the Texas Tech University men and women’s rugby teams and the interim commissioner of the Red River Conference.

He is an USA Rugby L300 certified coach, and recently completed a six-week coaching and management apprenticeship in South Africa’s Currie Cup during the summer of 2018.

Terrigno holds advanced degrees from both Columbia University and Texas Tech.

For any player nominations, please send all information to [email protected]. Details to register for the upcoming U20 Development and Talent ID Camp can be found HERE.

Coaches are also encouraged to attend the U20 Development and Talent ID Camp. A free registration link can be found HERE.

About Rugby United New York

Rugby United New York is a professional rugby team who joined Major League Rugby as an associate member in 2018, playing a brief, but successful exhibition season. Their first full MLR schedule will take place in 2019. When they officially join the league, RUNY’s vision is to bring the excitement of professional rugby to the New York sports landscape. The use of rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, and discipline will help to educate, inspire and connect with the New York Community. Rugby United New York, the city’s first professional rugby franchise, strives to unite the entire rugby community and enrich it at every level throughout the region. The team was founded by James Kennedy of the Murphy Kennedy Group, who is an active supporter of grassroots rugby.

About MLR

MLR is a professional rugby league that launched in April of 2018. It’s an initiative of the American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that American rugby can thrive at the highest levels: as a commercial enterprise; as an influential player on the international scene; and as a participation sport at the youth and senior level. MLR is the pinnacle of American rugby, and provides a rallying point for local communities, a focal point for American rugby fans, and an aspirational destination for young athletes. For more information, visit usmlr.com.