The Women’s Rugby Coaches and Referees Association (WRCRA) is pleased to announce that five more sponsors have committed to the success of its 1st Annual Women in Rugby Conference. Penn Mutual, Carolinas Geographic Union, Irish Rugby Tours, Ruggers Rugby Supply, and World Rugby Shop have joined Atavus, Taco Mac, 24K Brands and Rhino Rugby in the support of this landmark event, which occurs Friday-Sunday, December 7-9 at Queens University in Charlotte, N.C.
The Women’s Rugby Coaches and Referees Association (WRCRA) is pleased to announce that five more sponsors have committed to the success of its 1st Annual Women in Rugby Conference. Penn Mutual, Carolinas Geographic Rugby Union, Irish Rugby Tours, Ruggers Rugby Supply, and World Rugby Shop have joined Atavus, Taco Mac, 24K Brands and Rhino Rugby in the support of this landmark event, which occurs Friday-Sunday, December 7-9 at Queens University in Charlotte, N.C.
“We are ecstatic to have these well-known rugby and historical stalwart companies sign on as sponsors of our conference,” says USWRF President and WRCRA Board Chair Danita Knox. “Their sponsorship shows an endorsement of the important work we are doing, but also shows their commitment to the women’s game."
The three-day conference will focus on capitalizing on women’s leadership and opportunities in rugby, as well as shifting the narrative in the women’s sports movement -- key business and value pillars of the conference’s newly named sponsors.
Gold Sponsor Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company has distinguished itself as a leading proponent of rugby, in particular the college game.
“Unlike other sports, rugby has a balance and equality within the sport that we feel is important on many levels. Women and men play with the same ball, on the same size pitch, and by the same rules—just like the women who work for us,” says Eileen McDonnell, Penn Mutual Chairman and CEO. “Our support of women's rugby has allowed us to reach a growing number of confident women who will be tomorrow’s business leaders and financial decision makers in households. It is our hope that they will long remember Penn Mutual for recognizing their worth both on and off the pitch, before it became in vogue to do so!”
The Carolinas Geographic Rugby Union is also supporting the conference at a Gold Sponsor level. The organization is responsible for administering the men's and women’s 7s and 15s clubs and colleges in North Carolina and South Carolina.
“The Carolinas Geographic Rugby Union is proud to support the Women in Rugby Conference,” says Carolinas president Ted Hardy. “We are excited to have the conference here in the Carolinas and believe that this conference is a vital component in the continued growth and progression of women's rugby in the United States. We're seeing positive growth in women's rugby in the CGRU and hope to see our members take advantage of this great learning and networking opportunity.”
Silver Sponsors Ruggers Rugby Supply, Irish Rugby Tours and World Rugby Shop are successful, established entities in the rugby world, and directly support those in and around the pitch.
Irish Rugby Tours brings one of the best aspects of the sport to life, curating specialized trips for touring teams that want to experience Ireland’s brand of rugby camaraderie and culture. Per Irish Rugby Tours managing director George Hook:
“Irish Rugby Tours are delighted to be involved in the WRCRA Women in Rugby Conference 2018. Having a very close relationship with Girls’ and Women’s Rugby in USA Rugby over the last 20 years, we felt this was the perfect fit for our company. Women’s rugby is the fastest growing sport in the US and we are delighted to be part of it. With the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 going down to NZ we are looking forward to bringing many teams on tour as we have done so over the years. I am sure the weekend will be a success through and through."
Ruggers is a leading supplier of apparel, equipment, team kit and more, and has been outfitting teams and fans for years. World Rugby Shop has spent the previous 20 years growing from a five-product shop to one of the largest rugby apparel and equipment distributors in the world.
With less than a week remaining before the WRCRA Women in Rugby Conference, organizers are exceedingly pleased with the outpouring of support from sponsors and the 100-plus attendees traveling to Charlotte, N.C. For more information on the agenda, speakers, and more visit the event homepage.
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ABOUT PENN MUTUAL
Founded in 1847, Penn Mutual believes that life insurance is a central part of a sound financial plan, and that it can make an enduring impact for generations to come. For more information, visit www.pennmutual.com or read Penn Mutual’s rugby-specific blog.
ABOUT CAROLINAS GEOGRAPHIC RUGBY UNION
The organization is responsible for the administration of Rugby Union (15s and 7s) for adults and unaffiliated colleges in North Carolina and South Carolina. Learn more on the GU’s website, or visit its Facebook or Twitter pages.
ABOUT IRISH RUGBY TOURS
For 16 years, Irish Rugby Tours has been introducing rugby teams from around the world to the Emerald Isle and its devout rugby culture, making Ireland the perfect touring destination. The Cork-based touring specialist offers a wide selection of tourist and rugby options, so visit www.irishrugbytours.com to learn more.
ABOUT RUGGERS
Based in West Springfield, Mass., Ruggers Rugby Supply is one of the longest standing rugby apparel and equipment vendors in the U.S. Check out ruggers.com for a huge selection of match-day kit, training equipment, team stores and more, or e-mail vic@ruggers.com for more information.
ABOUT WORLD RUGBY SHOP
Established in 1999, World Rugby Shop is a rugby apparel and equipment company that has partnered with the 2007 Rugby World Cup, USA Rugby, South Africa Rugby Union and New Zealand Rugby Union, while also investing heavily in the U.S. grassroots community. For more information, visit www.worldrugbyshop.com.
ABOUT WRCRA
Established in 2017 by the US Women’s Rugby Foundation, the Women’s Rugby Coaches and Referees Association is the professional organization for women’s rugby coaches and referees from all levels of play, and extends to players, administrators, media and fans. For more information, visit www.uswrf.org/wrcra or contact wrcra.info@gmail.com.
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