See Your Impact in Action.
These success stories show how USRF partners achieve great results through collaboration and smart design. Each project highlights how efficient building methods, reduced waste, and attention to detail lead to lasting impact.
The Stories
Cormac Saint’s rugby journey began at Mother Lode Rugby Club in Northern California, where he spent nearly a decade learning the game and growing into a leader. His dream of playing for Cal Rugby was fueled by determination and shaped by years of dedication on the field. In 2022, that dream was accelerated when he was named the recipient of the US Rugby Foundation’s Terry O’Reilly Memorial Scholarship.
Kevin Swiryn’s rugby journey began later than most. After his college football program was cut, he gave rugby a try at age 19 and never looked back. Just a few years later, he was an All-American captain and recipient of the US Rugby Foundation’s Pathways to Excellence grant in 2008. That support helped open doors for Kevin to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Brian Nault’s rugby journey embodies the power of early investment and tenacious ambition. Honored as a Graham Downes Scholarship recipient in 2015, Brian earned support that enabled him to develop his skills and continue his rugby education, both in the U.S. and abroad.
That groundwork paid dividends. He advanced to the USA Selects squad, impressing selectors with his performances, and subsequently graced the Major League Rugby stage as a prop for NOLA Gold—earning a 2023 re-signing thanks to his consistency and grit.
Shawn Pittman’s rugby journey began with potential, and the Pathways to Excellence scholarship helped unlock it. After receiving support from the US Rugby Foundation in 2007, Shawn launched into a career that would take him from the fields of American rugby to the professional ranks in London and ultimately to the global stage as a USA Eagle.
Ben Pinkelman’s rugby career is a powerful reflection of what happens when early support meets extraordinary determination. As the first-ever recipient of the Graham Downes Rugby Scholarship, Ben was equipped with the resources and belief that helped launch a standout playing career. He went on to become a dominant force for the USA Eagles, representing the nation in both 15s and 7s at the highest levels of international play.
From the moment Hanco Germishuys stepped onto the rugby field, it was clear he had something special. As a recipient of the US Rugby Foundation’s Graham Downes Scholarship, Hanco gained critical support during his rise through the ranks of American rugby. That support helped fuel a journey that saw him earn caps as a USA Eagle, proudly representing the United States on the world stage, including a historic victory over Scotland in 2018.
Cam Dolan’s rugby journey is a shining example of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. As a recipient of the US Rugby Foundation’s Pathways to Excellence scholarship, Cam had access to the support he needed during critical developmental years. That investment paid off—he not only earned his place as a USA Eagle, representing his country with pride on the international stage, but also went on to build a successful professional career with NOLA Gold in Major League Rugby.
The US Rugby Foundation strives to give every athlete the opportunity to achieve excellence. Two 2002 recipients of scholarships through the US Rugby Foundations Pathways of Excellence, Oliver Kirk (pictured) and Max Doerfler, spent a term at Nelson College. Hear how these young athletes handled their time in New Zealand and strove for excellence. Read Article
The Poly United Rugby Club is grateful to be a part of this wonderful grant. It is with great gratitude that we have had the opportunity to utilize these balls for the youth in our club. The balls are a huge benefit to the club.
We are excited to bring our tent with us to all of our tournaments this upcoming season around the US. This will be a great hub for our teams, coaches, and parents to gather in between games, stay out of the sun, and hydrate!
The Foundation helped me fundraise for a trip to Ireland where I was able to challenge myself. The Shanagher-Morrison Referee Development Fund matched the grant, which would never have happened without the Foundation.
In 2023, US Rugby Foundation is honored to have provided $20,000 in support of the USA Men's U20s team as they looked to earn qualification to the 2023 World Rugby U20s Trophy in Kenya.
We are also encouraged to highlight 3 US Rugby Foundation college scholarship recipients from 2022 who are on the traveling roster for these games against Canada.
We are not just teaching them a sport; we are instilling life skills, resilience, and leadership. The US Rugby Foundation's belief in our mission has sparked a positive ripple effect, creating a lasting legacy in the communities we serve.
We wrapped up the 2024 Spring Season with 166 Total Registrations, which I believe put us at the largest overall rugby program in the State of Washington.
Since 2022, the US Rugby Foundation has proudly supported Memphis Inner City Rugby (MICR) with $10,000, fueling their robust mission to engage youth in rugby. MICR's impactful programming is actively developing top-tier student-athletes, a testament to which is scholarship recipients like Erron Hubbard (Kaler Family Scholarship), who helped win the Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference in 2022, and Jayla Hampton (pictured) (Higgins Scholarship).
In 2018, Ethan McVeigh, a promising talent, received the US Rugby Foundation's Kevin Higgins College Scholarship. Fast forward to 2025, and his dedication, fueled by that early support, has landed him in the USA Rugby Men's Eagles Pool. Ethan's story powerfully illustrates how foundational programs like the College Scholarships nurture the next generation of American rugby star.
