United States Rugby Foundation Raises $960 from Eric Champ Jersey

San Diego, CA (September12, 2005) – French flanker’s Eric Champ #6 jersey raised $960 for the United States Rugby Foundation from a recent auction on eBay. The auction took place from September 1-11 and was the third of many proposed jersey auctions by the USRF.“The amount raised from the Champ jersey was a pleasant surprise,” said USRF Executive Director, Brian Vizard, who is donating 10 of the test match jerseys he’s acquired during his 22-test match career with the United States National Team. “Although there wasn’t quite as many viewers or bids placed when compared to the Dean Richards or Paul Moriarty jerseys, the Champ jersey brought in the most money.”Every cent raised from the jersey auctions has been targeted for ball grants or High School Start-Up kits, just two of the many ways in which the USRF is supporting rugby in the United States.“Despite being an Englishman, I am honored to add the French National jersey to my sports memorabilia collection,” said winning bidder Jules Arthur. “And I look forward to paying twice as much for a shirt from the reigning world champion English team.”The next jersey to be auctioned by the USRF will be the Ireland #8 jersey worn by Noel Mannion from a match against the United States in 1989.The USRF is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization established in 1963. Although its main focus is supporting youth and high school rugby, the Foundation also provides grants to coaches and referees; establishes international student exchanges and college scholarships, has assisted the United States Collegiate All-Americans and Boys Under-19 teams, and also provides grants to Safety and Risk Management Research.For more information about the United States Rugby Foundation, visit www.usrugbyfoundation.org.