U-21 Pilot Program Launched by TRU and USA Rugby

Texas Rugby UnionUSA Rugby Logo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUSTIN, TX, Sept. 16, 2016:

U-21 PILOT PROGRAM LAUNCHED BY TEXAS RUGBY UNION and USA RUGBY

Photo courtesy Norma Salinas Photography
Photo courtesy Norma Salinas Photography

GET BACK ON THE PITCH! In a joint effort to retain high school rugby players who aren’t playing collegiate rugby, and to attract new players to the game, USA Rugby (USAR) and the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) are sponsoring a U-21 league this Fall. Any player who has graduated from high school and will still be under 21 on or before January 1, 2017 is eligible to participate.  This includes collegiate players who have the permission of their collegiate coaches to participate.

WHY ME?

First, because you miss the game. Or, if you have never played, you miss what is great about rugby…contact, athleticism, teamwork, sportsmanship, competition and camaraderie. You owe it to yourself to play.

Photo courtesy Norma Salinas Photography
Photo courtesy Norma Salinas Photography

Second, because it’s not going to cost you very much. USAR, TRU and the participating TRU Clubs are covering most of the costs. Your cost? $45 to register as an “At-Large” member of USA Rugby, and the cost of boots, a mouth guard, and some gas / food money for two road games. When you weigh that against the fun of playing rugby and a lifetime of friendships, it’s a no-brainer. At the end of the competition you can transfer your registration to the men’s club of your choice.

Third, what else do you have going on that’s better than rugby? Nothing, that’s what.

OK, I’M IN. WHAT NEXT?

  1. Go to: https://goo.gl/forms/xUKYpBZK2UoIiEoe2 and sign up.
  2. Contact your Regional Coordinator and Show up for Training: In the inaugural season, the U-21 League will only play matches in the Fall of 2016. Teams are being organized in the Northern, Central, and Southern portions of the TRU. The regional contacts are:

NORTH (Dallas)

Joe Kelly
joekellytx@gmail.com
469-892-8081

CENTRAL (Austin)

Bill Taute
billtaute@mindspring.com
512-940-0666

SOUTH (Houston)

Dave Yeoman
david.yeoman@gmail.com
832-425-6293

WHAT NOW?

TRAININGS: The First trainings in each region are as follows:

NORTH: 9/17 @ 12:00 p.m., Lake Highlands Field, 1000 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, TX 75218.

CENTRAL: 9/17 @ 10:00 a.m., Burr Field, 6013 Loyola Ln, Austin, TX 78724

SOUTH: 9/24, Time & Location TBD. Contact Dave Yeoman.

Subsequent trainings will occur weekly. Check the TRU Facebook page for updates.

MATCH SCHEDULE

The league will play in 3 round-robin tournaments. The planned match schedule is as follows:

Oct. 8, 2016
Austin Area Tournament
4107 Nixon Lane
Austin, TX 78725

Oct. 22, 2016
Dallas Area Tournament
1000 N. Buckner Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75218

Nov. 12, 2016
Houston Area Tournament
Lone Survivor Tournament, Walter Hall Park, 807 SH 3 N. League City, TX 77573

GET BACK ON THE FIELD!

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