1975 Sexist OSU Newsletter
The Old Man, the newsletter of the Ohio State University Men’s Rugby club announced the formation of the Ohio State women’s team. Note the graphic illustration of a female player.
1977 The Pitch
The Tube and the Pitch, two different Ohio State Women’s team newsletters from 1977 show the grassroots organizing, bawdy nature of women’s rugby at the time.
Support us today!
When you contribute to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation you become part of a movement to support girls and women involved in rugby.
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We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.​
All donations made are tax deductible.
Support us today!
When you contribute to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation you become part of a movement to support girls and women involved in rugby.
​
We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.​
All donations made are tax deductible.
Women's Committee Award
Named in honor of the original governing body of women's rugby, the USWRF Women's Committee Award annually recognizes 2 outstanding administrators.
To nominate an administrator or for more information please contact KHeffernan@uswrf.org
2024 Administrator Award Winners:
Kirby Gordon​
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At age 30, Kirby is the President of the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union.​ She is the first Black President and just the 3rd female President in EPRU history. In addition to serving as President she is the Division 3 Women's Competition Coordinator and serves on the EPRU Board of Directors. Prior to that she was the Disciplinary Chair, and member of the EPRU Executive Committee.
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Kirby was instrumental in developing the Club All Star Program and created and manages the EPRU 7s series. She created EPRU Red and White day, an intra-union All Star day featuring men's and women's matches. She manages the Dana Bateman Memorial Program which funds the ongoing education, training, and development of EPRU members.
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It’s not an exaggeration to say that nobody has been more essential to the growth, development, and success of the EPRU than Kirby. She is actively involved on a day to day basis with Men's Division 1-4 and Women's Division 1-3. In addition to her administrative work, Kirby plays for the Philadelphia Rugby Club and the Blackyardigans. She is a member of the Eastern Penn Rugby Referee Society and a RugbyPA Professional Match Official. All while managing her duties as a full time public defender.
Erin Kennedy​
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Erin Kennedy has worked in sports administration for over 14 years, focusing most of that in rugby development and administration. She is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of Girls Rugby and is currently the Regional Development Manager for Rugby Americas North. She’s worked in development and management for both USA Rugby and Rugby Canada, on Rookie Rugby and Try on Rugby.
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Erin has also worked for the North American Caribbean Rugby Association, developing youth rugby and women's rugby programs in the Caribbean and Mexico. She coordinated programs for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Switzerland, focusing on the Youth Olympic Games. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver, a World Rugby Trainer, has played for multiple teams in the US and abroad, as well as coached at the youth, high school, and adult club levels.
Erin holds a Master's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology and is a passionate advocate for the growth of youth and women's rugby in North America. She is also the author of The Value of Rugby, a children’s book aimed at teaching the core values of rugby.
2023 Administrator Award Winners:
Katherine Aversano
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Program Director and Head Coach, Howard University Women’s Rugby
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Program Director and Head Coach, Howard University Women’s Rugby
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Former Coach, NOVA 15s, (2017-2021)
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World Rugby Level 3 Coach Certification (in process)
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Co-Director, USWRF Women’s Rugby History Project
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Competitions Coordinator, Premier Rugby 7’s (PR7s)
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Founder and Commissioner, Chesapeake Rugby Conference, Mid-Atlantic Division and the Collegiate Clinic Series (2016-2019)
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Member, USAR’s Nominations Committee, DEI Committee and Discipline Committee (2020-present)
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International Rugby Advisory Board Member, Old Glory (2020-present)
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Board Member, James Robertson and Clive Sullivan Rugby Foundation
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Board Member and the Region 6 Director, USA Youth and High School Rugby (2020-present)
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Girls Tackle Commissioner, Rugby Maryland (2020-present)
Angela Smarto​
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Head Coach, Robert Morris University (2013-present)
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Director and Division I & II Commissioner, National Collegiate Rugby (NCR)
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Collegiate Coordinator, Allegheny Rugby Union
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Executive Officer, Allegheny Rugby Union (former)
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Executive Officer and President, Pittsburgh Forge Rugby Club
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Director and Fundraising Chair, Steel City 7s (2014-2017)
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World Rugby Level 2 Coach
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Assistant Coach, Allegheny Women’s Select Side Program (2017-2022)