United States Rugby Foundation to Auction Glenn Ennis Canada Test Jersey

San Diego, CA (January 19, 2006) –A jersey worn by the former Canadian standout #8 Glenn Ennis in a test match against the United States is the latest jersey to be auctioned off by the United States Rugby Foundation to support its youth and high school grant programs.Ennis, who many thought was one of the best #8s in the world in his prime, made his international debut in 1986 against Japan and went on to earn 32 caps for Canada during a 13 year international career. He scored tries in his first two tests and on five other occasions. He played in all 10 games for Canada in the first three Rugby World Cups (1987, 1991 and 1995). He captained the Canadians in three tests and on several international tours. Among his many honors, Glenn was also named the Best #8 in the Northern Hemisphere by Rugby World Magazine in 1988; and named the 2nd Best #8 in the world by Rugby World Magazine after the 1991 Rugby World Cup.A picture of the jersey, along with a brief account of the test match between the United States and Canada from June 11, 1988 and more information about Glenn can be found on eBay, item #8753700054. The bidding will conclude at 12:00 pm (PST) on Sunday, January 29, 2006.“I had the pleasure of playing head to head against Glenn on six occasions,” said USRF Executive Director Brian Vizard, who is donating 10 jerseys he’s collected throughout his international career with the U.S. to be used as auction items. “The games were always hard fought and a lot of fun to be a part of. I just wished we would’ve won a few more of those clashes than we did.”“We had a very good rivalry with the US back then, especially as we used to come out on top more times than not,” joked Ennis, now an actor and stunt man in the movie and television industries. “I’m glad the jersey will be of benefit to youth rugby in the States. The winning bidder should look closely at the jersey as the fingernail marks of Brian trying to hold me back might still be visible.”The Ennis jersey is the fifth jersey to be auctioned by the USRF. A Dean Richards England #8 jersey was the first to be posted on eBay and raised $760 while a rare green Welsh jersey worn by #8 Paul Moriarty brought in $860. Eric Champ’s #6 French jersey raised $960 while the Noel Mannion Ireland #8 jersey went for $540. All proceeds from the auctions benefit the USRF Ball and High School Start-Up Kit Grant Programs.The United States Rugby Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization with a mission to promote and publicize the amateur sport of Rugby in the United States by making grants to organizations and individuals supporting the Foundation’s goals and by sponsoring programs that encourage the development of youth rugby and support the education and training of coaches, referees and players.For more information about the Foundation, go to its website at: www.usrugbyfoundation.org.