Army National Guard Partners with USA Rugby

Boulder, Colo.  ( October 31, 2007 ) – USA Rugby and the Army National Guard announced today that they have signed an agreement that will make the Army National Guard an Official Sponsor of USA Rugby.  This deal includes title sponsorship of USA rugby’s College and High School Championships as well as select National Team. 

This strategic partnership will enhance the support provided to the nations’ top performing rugby athletes in premier matches throughout the United States .  The National Guard’s sponsorship of USA Rugby will include events such as the U.S. National College Playoffs and Championships, the Boys and Girls High School Championships, the National Guard Military Challenge and select Men’s and Women’s Championship events.

“The National Guard is looking forward to partnering with USA Rugby,” said Col. Mike Jones, chief of the Army National Guard’s Strength Maintenance Division. “This initiative will reach communities across the nation, increasing awareness of the Army National Guard.  USA Rugby’s beliefs of lifelong camaraderie beyond the game and the greatest asset being the players are beliefs the Army National Guard shares.  These shared values are a big part of the reason I think both organizations will benefit from our partnership.”

In addition to title sponsorships, another added benefit of this new partnership is that in conjunction with official USA Rugby licensees, USA Rugby and the National Guard will also launch a comprehensive college kit campaign that will provide apparel and equipment to 300 college teams across the U.S.   All colleges in good standing with USA Rugby will be eligible to apply for the free college kit.  You can access applications for this program by clicking here! Completed applications will be processed by USA Rugby, effective immediately.

This partnership between USA Rugby and the National Guard also includes an array of highly visible sponsorship programs that will be announced throughout the ’07-’08 rugby season.

“This is great news for the sport of rugby in the U.S. ,” Vice President of Business Development David Voth said.  “USA Rugby is always looking for the right kind of partner.  USA Rugby and the National Guard share several admirable traits among members, including character, strength, vision and intelligence.  A partnership with the National Guard will ensure positive exposure for both organizations at the highest level of play.” 

For more information on the USA Rugby/National Guard Partnership, visit www.usarugby.org/goto/national_guard

About the National Guard

The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation’s longest enduring institutions.  The National Guard operates in all 50 states, three territories (Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands) and the District of Columbia .  For more information, visit the National Guard’s website at http://www.1-800-GO-GUARD.com.

USA RUGBY, founded in 1975, is the national governing body for rugby and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Rugby Board (IRB).  The organization is responsible for the development of boys, girls, high school, collegiate and club athletic programs, and ultimately, the 11 national teams representing the United States in international competition.

USA Rugby kicked-off its partnership with the National Guard last weekend at the Women's Senior Club Playoffs in Austin , Texas .