USRF Provides Grant for USA Women’s National Team

San Diego, CA (April 6, 2010) – USA Rugby’s Women’s National Team has qualified for the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in London, England in August and September of 2010 and the US Rugby Foundation is proud to have supported a film project geared for community outreach and fundraising for the WNT. The Eagles won the first official Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, finished second in the two following World Cups (1994 and 1998) and ended the 2006 campaign with a 5th place finish despite a 4-1 record.If they can prepare properly, the women stand a very strong chance of reaching their goal of a semi-final berth — and hopefully beyond — in the 2010 World Cup. Reaching the podium will be dependent on maximizing the amount of time spent in training and competition leading up to the World Cup. To achieve this, the team has planned an aggressive program of 80+ days of assembly, including four preparatory Test matches and a four-week World Cup Residency Training Camp.The total cost for the 80+ days of assembly exceeds the team’s budget by over $150,000 — so the team desperately needs help. With enough training time together, these athletes can put the USA into a World Cup final again. These women represent the true spirit of elite amateur athletics and they have made enormous financial and personal sacrifices to represent their country to the best of their abilities.The US Rugby Foundation has supported the WNT and their quest for the World Cup by providing a grant to produce an inspirational film by Academy Award nominated Director and former Eagle, Amanda Micheli. The film can be viewed on the WNT website, www.weWaNTrugby.com, which also includes the 2010 WNT schedule, links and media covering the team’s World Cup preparations, athlete profiles, and a donation link. “We can’t thank the US Rugby Foundation enough for their generous support of Amanda’s film.” said Alex Williams, USA Rugby’s Women’s High Performance Manager. “The video provides a moving and meaningful message about the athletes of the Women’s National Team and the many young rugby players who both inspire and are inspired by them. I think the video will go a long way toward helping us to increase awareness of and support for this amazing team, as well as for all the young girls who are discovering the wonderful, empowering world of rugby.”Any questions about the WNT’s Road to the World Cup or alternate donation options should be directed to Alex Williams at awilliams@usarugby.org.