By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
PreferencesDenyAccept
Pillars of Support
Grant Programs
Awarding grants to support the growth of grassroots rugby.
Coaches
Growing grassroots rugby starts with proper techniques provided by coaches.
Pathways to Excellence
Sending players to develop their skills through rugby academies.
General Grant Application
Nominate your program to receive a general grant.
Referees
Providing opportunities for referees to improve their skills on the pitch.
Health & Safety
Minimizing the risk of youth and high school rugby injuries.
Youth & Development
From ball grants to match day tents, we are helping to grow the game.
A Ball 4 AllMatch Day TentsCollege ScholarshipsMake A Pitch
Events & News
Events
Take a look at the upcoming events happening throughout the US.
News
Take a look at the latest initiatives, projects, and stories.
With You! Rugby Podcast
Designed to give you an in-depth look at the US Rugby Foundation.
About Us
About
You can start right now to help grow grassroots rugby!
History
A donation of any amount is the easiest way to get involved.
President
Join our community of annual donors bringing opportunities to young athletes.
Board of Directors
Nurture and develop sources of contributions for the Foundation.
Board of Governors
Support us while you shop.
Regions
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us!
About Us
About
The US Rugby Foundation has been on a mission for six decades to grow grassroots rugby.
Hall of Fame
Celebrate the history, honor the heroes, inspire the youth and preserve the legacy of rugby.
Get Involved
Get Involved
You can start right now to help grow grassroots rugby!
Make a Donation
A donation of any amount is the easiest way to get involved.
The Clubhouse Membership
Join our community of annual donors bringing opportunities to young athletes.
Become a Governor
Nurture and develop sources of contributions for the Foundation.
GoodShop
Support us while you shop.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us!
Hall of Fame
Join The Clubhouse
Pillars of Support

Pathways to Excellence

We provide opportunities for promising players to improve their skills through scholarships, awards, and Pathways Grants for domestic and international player development.

The Graham Downes Development Grants and Pathways to Excellence High Performance Grants provide promising players the opportunity to grow as players, on and off the pitch, at domestic and international rugby academies.

Stories

Stories That Inspire

Meet a Pathways Recipient

Damian Morley

With generous support from the Graham Downes Development Fund and the Pathways to Excellence Fund, U.S. U18s player Damian Morley spent over three months playing rugby at the world-renowned Stellenbosch Academy of Sport in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Learn more
Our Impact

Grant Recipients

Pathways to Excellence
Graham Downes Development Fund
Damian Morley
2021
Nafi Maafu
2017
Ross Silverman
2010
Don Pati
2009
Cam Dolan
2008
Hanno Dirksen
2008
Kevin Kimble
2008
Kevin Swiryn
2008
Hamish Roberts
2007
Shawn Pittman
2007
Scott LaValla
2006
Taylor Mokate
2006
Conrad Bontrager
2005
Saia Vainuku
2005
Damian Morley
2021
Tohi Angilau
2019
Julian Arteaga
2018
Ian Slack
2017
Jackson Baere
2017
Chuck Wallace
2016
Patrick French
2016
Brian Nault
2015
Hanco Germishuys
2015
Ben Pinkelman
2014
Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it. See what people are saying.

This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Your contributions have made a huge difference in making this trip a reality and a success. As a fellow fan of rugby I am in constant awe of the facilities and quality of training."
Damian Morley
Pathways to Excellence Grant Recipient
“The word that comes to mind when I think of how lucky I am to be receiving the Pathways to Excellence Grant is honored. I cannot think of a better opportunity."
Andrew Alves
Pathways to Excellence Grant Recipient
“As a young player that aspires to represent this country in the future, the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the heartland of South African rugby is an invaluable experience.”
Miles McCormick
Pathways to Excellence Grant Recipient
Donate

We Need Your Support

With additional funding, the Foundation could send more promising players to develop their skills through domestic and international rugby academies.

Join the clubhouse