What is The US Rugby Foundation?
The US Rugby Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization, which has for six decades supported the growth and development of youth rugby in the United States. The Foundation accomplishes this by funding and promoting grassroots programs, college scholarships, coach & referee development, and health & safety.
Six Decades of Lasting Change
Three men of vision – the late Fritz Grunebaum, Ed Riseborough, and Bob Lemire - established the United States Rugby Foundation in Boston in 1963. They believed the 100-year-old sport of rugby could take root in the United States through the creation of a foundation whose dedicated mission would be to grow and promote the sport at the grassroots level.
From its origins as the Bay State Rugby Foundation, the Foundation grew under Grunebaum’s guidance and the leadership of Dick Poulson of the Washington Rugby Club and Joe Walsh of the Boston and M.I.T. Rugby Clubs. Today, the Foundation continues to build on this bold vision through its programs and activities. Rugby is now played by thousands of men, women, masters, girls, and boys throughout the United States, with the greatest growth coming in the formation of new youth and high school rugby programs.
The Foundation preceded the formation of USA Rugby (the governing body of the sport in the U.S.) by twelve years. While the Foundation is completely independent of USA Rugby, its programs generally complement and support those of USA Rugby.
Our Financials
We know it’s important to you that your donation is being used effectively. It’s important to us, too.
Leading The Foundation
Shane Young
A nationally recognized leader in using rugby to disrupt youth poverty, Shane has spent over a decade building transformative programs that empower thousands of young people.
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Jon Hinkin
Jon brings decades of leadership across sports, business, and non‑profit organizations, backed by a distinguished career in USA Rugby and major international events.
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Travis Warrington
Travis blends competitive athletic discipline with over a decade of non‑profit leadership, specializing in project management, international development, and strategic relationship‑building.
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Jon leads a remarkable group of Directors and Governors, which includes 15 former US Eagles, five past Eagle Captains, three past Presidents of USA Rugby, several USAR Founders and former Board Members, as well as past Presidents of many of the most successful rugby clubs in America, three former Eagles head coaches, top-level coaches from club, college, high school and youth rugby teams, a past Chairman of the USAR’s Medical Committee and a former team physician of the USA Men’s Eagles.
Our Directors volunteer their time to support the Foundation and, collectively, have a broad background in business, law, and academia. While the current roster of Foundation Directors is notable, we continue to invite additional Directors who can help us accomplish our mission.
Board of Governors
Assisting the US Rugby Foundation Board of Directors are our Board of Governors. Our Governors are from around the country, act as our advisors and a sounding board, and work hard to carry and spread the mission of the Foundation and help us raise funds.
Like our Directors, our Governors have distinguished rugby careers, and, collectively, have a broad background in business, law, and academia. While the current roster of Foundation Governors is notable, we continue to invite additional Governors to broaden our geographic coverage of the country.
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Emeritus
Recently transitioned board members, governors, and key contributors to Emeritus status, honoring their significant impact on American rugby development. These individuals, whose leadership established crucial programs and growth initiatives, now serve in advisory roles where their expertise and connections continue to benefit the organization while making room for new leadership to build upon their foundation.
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Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors are selected to represent a region where they act as an on-the-ground interface with state and local organizations in their area. They are selected on the basis of their knowledge and involvement in local youth and high school rugby programs. We work closely with them to identify and develop promising grant opportunities in their area.
In Memoriam
We pause to honor and remember those who have made a lasting impact on the rugby community and beyond. This section is dedicated to celebrating their lives, contributions, and the meaningful legacy they leave behind.
Interested in Becoming a State Ambassador?
Interested in becoming a State Ambassador? While our current roster of Governors and Ambassadors is notable, we continue to seek additional Governors and Ambassadors to broaden our geographic coverage of the country. If you have an interest and commitment and would like to make a difference in helping us grow grassroots rugby in America, please let us know by completing our application.
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