An error has been noticed in the previous release of the newsletter. The Men's 15s Champions Cup in Glendale, CO will be held on 29-30 April (Saturday and Sunday), not the 28th and 29th of April. We apologize for the error.
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Men's 15s and Women's 7s National Championships Are on the Horizon
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The 2016-17 NSCRO Men’s 15s competitive cycle is heading towards an exciting finish this spring with both National Championships – the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. Four clubs so far have qualified for the championships based on the Fall Regional Championship results: Tufts University and Xavier University have qualified for the Champions Cup while Bethel College and Trinity College have qualified for the Challenge Cup. This is the first time any of these clubs have played in an NSCRO National Championship. Read more about the road to the Champions and Challenge Cup here.
The Challenge Cup will be held at Founders Field in Cheswick, PA on 22-23 April and the Champions Cup will be held at Infinity Park in Glendale, CO on 29-30 April.
All NSCRO National Championships will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person. Details will be found on our website when the event date is near.
Read more about the road to the Champions and Challenge Cup here.
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The 2017 NSCRO Women's 7s National Championship will be held at Founders Field in Cheswick, PA on 29-30 April 2017. This is the first time that the Women's 7s Nationals will be held here.
This will be a 16-team event with qualification through conference championships and an at-large bid process. Champions from ten conferences will automatically qualify for the National Championships with six at-large spots available for teams from participating conferences to bid.
Teams looking to secure a place through the at large bid process should complete our online form: 2017 NSCRO Women's 7s National Championship At-Large Bid Form
For additional details can be found on our website or by contacting Bryn Chivers, the NSCRO Commissioner of Women's Rugby via email.
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Sponsored Advertisement
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Rhino Rugby is the Official Ball and Equipment Supplier of the National Small College Rugby Organization
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Mark S. Reilly Joins NSCRO Board of Directors
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 Longtime sports marketing executive, Mark Reilly, has recently joined NSCRO's Board of Directors.
“Since its inception in 2007, NSCRO has continued to grow in size and participation. Currently, we have more than 230 men’s and 130 women’s team receiving a full range of services”, said Steve Cohen, president of NSCRO.
“Having someone of Mark’s background and experience will be of great use as we enter our next phase of development”.
Reilly, who began his rugby at Bucknell University, was with the broadcaster ESPN for nearly 25 years. During that time he held a variety of senior management positions in advertising sales, program distribution and network development. He also served as the general manager of the Global X Games franchise. Reilly would later return to the game as the Head of Rugby Business, for AIL (now United World Sports, LLC) and oversaw the inaugural HSBC Las Vegas 7s event, as well as the executive producer of its national broadcast.
“It is an exciting time in the growth of rugby in the United States – men’s and women’s, both 15 and 7s - at the collegiate level” said Reilly. “And NSCRO is a great vehicle to enhance that experience for our student-athletes. I am truly delighted to join the NSCRO team in their mission.”
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How is Your Networking Game?
The spring semester has just begun but before we know it, the end of the school year will be upon us. For many of you, that means entering the working world. Whether you have already acquired your first job or are still seeking a position, it is important to network. Here are five tips to help you network more effectively.
Identify your Goals
Knowing what you want to get out of networking is an important step in creating meaningful relationships. Whether you want career advice, or are seeking an internship or full time position, outlining your intentions (and writing them down!) is a good place to start.
Networking is a Two Way Street
Building a successful relationship means both parties benefit from the relationship. Although you may just be starting out in your career, figure out ways the other party can benefit from being connected with you.
As a college student you have unique viewpoints that can be used to your advantage. Millennial’s are America’s largest generation and offering insight into how your generation thinks is a valuable asset to start a conversation.
Be Yourself
Being genuine is important when meeting new people. Avoid the sales pitch and let your passions shine through.
Be Engaging
Having a conversation with someone you just met can be difficult. You might feel the need to sell yourself but don’t dominate the conversation. Ask simple questions and listen carefully to create an interesting and beneficial conversation.
Be Timely
Arrive on time for events and bring copies of your resume. Always have your contact information readily available to pass along to someone who is interested or willing to connect. Follow up promptly, expressing interest in meeting them and gratitude for their time. While doing this, you can remind your new contact what you can offer them.
Networking can be tough, but as rugby people you are fortunate in that you have a built in group of individuals who share a common bond. Be sure to check out the Rugby Business Network, a group that is dedicated to growing the sport of rugby by building meaningful relationships between rugby enthusiasts in the business world. With the motto “How can I help you?,” the Rugby Business Network is a great place to establish networking connections to help you as you progress in your career.
Looking for a job? Check here for openings at Penn Mutual or contact Jessica Choi, AVP Talent Acquisition and Diversity.
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Official Travel Partner of NSCRO/Sponsored Advertisement
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Student-Leader of the Month
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We would like to congratulate John "Jack" Lopiano of Eastern Connecticut State University on being selected as our NSCRO Student-Leader of the Month!
Lopiano, a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University, hasn't let his last year of college slow him down. In addition to playing scrumhalf for his rugby team, he is the chairman/director of the regional New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU) tournament as well as the NSCRO regional tournament. Lopiano is also his team's match secretary and has been the chairman of Eastern Connecticut Rugby's Community Service program for the last year - having logged over 1,000 hours of service and raising over $124,000 for the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic, Connecticut.
Lopiano was recently nominated for the "Who's Who" among American College and University students.
The Penn Mutual NSCRO Student-Leader of the Month receives a framed certificate as well as a jersey courtesy of Rhino Rugby.
We're looking for our next Student-Leader of the Month! For more details about our Student-Leader of the Month program, click here. If you'd like to nominate a player for the next Student-Leader of the Month, complete this form by the 20th of the month.
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NSCRO is Looking for the "Best Tackle of the Year"
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© Shannon Stutzman. Used with permission.
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In collaboration with Rhino Rugby, we have launched the Best Tackle of the Year competition.
The competition is simple. We are looking for the best tackles (i.e., legal, safe and with proper form) made by male players and female players from an NSCRO team.
Prizes will be given to the top two male and female players as well as their respective teams.
First Place Prize: The team will receive a Rhino Senior Tackle Ring (retail $295) and the player will receive a Rhino Vortex Elite game ball (retail $99) and an NSCRO t-shirt.
Second Place Prize: The team will receive a Rhino Senior Hit Shield (retail $129) and the player will receive a Rhino Vortex Elite game ball (retail $99) and an NSCRO t-shirt.
This competition is open to all players on teams competing in NSCRO this year. The top 5 submissions in each category (e.g., best tackle by a male player and best tackle by a female player) will be posted on NSCRO's YouTube channel where you, our fans and followers, will have a chance to cast your vote.
Winners for the "Best Tackle by a Female Player" will be announced on April 7 and "Best Tackle by a Male Player" will be announced on May 15.
The updated dates and deadlines are as follows:
- March 17 - Submissions for "Best Tackle by a Female Player" due.
- March 24 - April 3 - Voting on top 5 submissions for the "Best Tackle by a Female Player" on NSCRO's YouTube channel.
- April 7 - Winners announced for "Best Tackle by a Female Player".
- May 3 - Submissions for "Best Tackle by a Male Player" due.
- May 8 - May 12 - Voting on top 5 submissions for the "Best Tackle by a Male Player" on NSCRO's YouTube channel.
- May 15 - Winners announced for "Best Tackle by a Male Player".
Use the following forms to submit your nominations:
Best Tackle by a Female Player Submission Form
Best Tackle by a Male Player Submission Form
For questions or additional information, please contact marketing@nscro.org.
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Sponsored advertisement
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The Eastern Connecticut State University rugby team held their 6th Annual Plunge for Hunger event recently to help raise money for the Covenant Soup Kitchen - an organization that Coach Ray Aramini and his team has been supporting for almost a decade. So far, they have raised over $124,000 this year alone!
Read more here.
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Check out former University of North Alabama (from the NSCRO Dixie Conference) standout, HP Moore! A member of the Austin Huns Elite, Moore was just selected to the practice squad with the USA Eagles in their preparation this week for their upcoming match against Brazil. He was also named "Man of the Match" when his team defeated the Dallas Reds on 4 February for the first time in four years and moved to number 1 in the Red River Rugby Conference.
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Jay Myles, former FRFC player and current coach of the Mount St. Mary's University men's rugby team was recently presented with the Pat O'Connell Memorial Perpetual Trophy by the Frederick Rugby Foundation. The Mount won the 2016 NSCRO National Championship before joining the newly formed DI-AA Chesapeake CRC.
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It's been a tough February for the sport of rugby. Earlier this month, the former South Africa captain Joost van der Westhuizen passed away at the age of 45, six years after he was diagnosed with the debilitating and rare motor neurone disease. Last week, Sione Lauaki a former All Blacks player died at the age of 35 from heart and kidney complications.
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Major League Rugby is coming to America in 2018. While it is still unclear how these teams (currently nine teams) will become fully professional and how this will affect the future of PRO Rugby, several sponsors have already shown interest.
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Applications are being accepted for the USA Rugby National College Academic Honor Roll. Each year, USA Rugby recognizes outstanding student-athletes that demonstrate excellence in the classroom. Since 2011, nearly than 2,000 college rugby players have been publicly acknowledged for their accomplishments as scholars and athletes.
For more information or to nominate a deserving collegiate student-athlete, click here.
The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, June 23, 2017.
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Nigel Owens, the world's number one referee explains the new high tackle clampdown and guides you through the World Rugby diktat to protect player welfare.
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Rugby New Jersey is holding a town hall event with Dan Payne, CEO of USA Rugby on Friday, 24 February 7-10 PM at Yogi Berra Museum at Montclair State University. For additional information or to register for the event, click here.
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Rugby New Jersey is hosting a College Fair and Rugby Combine on Sunday, 26 February 2017 at the Sports Care Performance Institute in Whippany, NJ. Registration for the boys combine starts at 8 AM and girls combine registration start at 12 PM. Over 40 colleges with rugby programs have been invited to the College Fair which will be held 11 AM - 3 PM. For more information click here. To sign up for the combine, click this Signup Genius link.
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