Speaking of Whistles...

Welcome to 2026! We hope you had a fun and safe New Year’s celebration. At midnight around the world, you could hear fireworks, pots and pans clattering, and whistles being blown.

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Fun Fact

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Speaking of Whistles...

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The same historic Gil Evans whistle, used first by Welsh referee Gil Evans in a 1905 New Zealand vs. England match, has started every Rugby World Cup opening game since 1987 as a cherished tradition, symbolizing rugby's continuity from its early days to the modern global tournament, housed at the New Zealand Rugby Museum.                           (Image: FB @The Welsh Rugby Union)

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Did You Know?

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Tents & Balls

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Across the United States, many youth rugby clubs rely on a pay-to-play system just to get on the field. Families are asked to cover fees so clubs can afford necessities like equipment and match-day support. In many communities—especially urban areas—this creates a real barrier to participation.

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The US Rugby Foundation is working to change that.

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Through our Match Day Tents and A Ball 4 All grant programs, we provide youth clubs with official sideline tents for protection during matches and high-quality rugby balls for teams of all sizes—so players can focus on learning the game, not worrying about resources.

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In 2026, our goal is to put more tents and more balls into the hands of more youth clubs across the country. But we can’t do it alone.

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Your donation helps remove barriers, support young athletes, and grow the game at the grassroots level.                   (Image: Wrentham Barbarians - 2025 recipient)