January 29, 2016
New Jersey Rugby Business Network Holds First Meeting
Doug Coil
The New Jersey Rugby Business Network held its first meeting at the Professional Economic Growth Group (Penn Mutual) in Edison, New Jersey on January 27, 2016. Approximately 40-50 people were in attendance. This included members of the New York Rugby Business Network, the Empire Rugby GU, Union County, Morris, Monmouth, Bergen, Rutgers, Atlantis, Northeast Academy and various Rugby New Jersey members. Former Eagles were also in attendance. It was a evening to enjoy, network, promote rugby and enjoy the excellent presenters.
The program included Mark Griffin, CEO and Founder of Play Rugby USA who discussed Collaboration and it’s impact of being in an organization. Earlier this month, Play Rugby USA in partnership with the Northeast Academy was selected as the nation’s first Community Olympic Development Program for rugby.
KJ Feury, President of Rugby New Jersey, discussed the growth of youth rugby in New Jersey.
Rugby New Jersey Spring 15s Tackle Teams have grown in number. They are divided into division and include:
- Division 1 – Bridgewater, Highlander, Morris, Ridge and Union Rugby
- Division 2 – Bergen, Cape Storm, Monmouth, PAC, South Jersey Rugby
- Boys Single School – CBA, Delbarton, Hudson catholic, St. Peter’s Prep, and St. Augustine
- Girls High School – Elizabeth High School, New York Rugby Club, Play Rugby USA, South Jersey, The Harvey School and Union Rugby
- U12 Boys – Morris, Ridgewood and Union Rugby
- U14 Boys – Morris, Ridgewood and Union Rugby
- U14 Girls – Morris Rugby
Officers of Rugby New Jersey include:
- President – KJ Feury
- Vice President – Terry Matthews
- Treasurer – Sharon Mennella
- Secretary – Diane Dabulas
- Director of Rugby – Tom Feury
- Program Manager XVs – Terry Matthews
- Program Manager 7s – Pat Moroney
- U12-14-16 – Bill MacLaney
- Development – Craig Chapman
Shortly after the conclusion of the presentations, Rugby New Jersey also had the opportunity to have a Business meeting.
Rugby New Jersey will also be conducting a Combine and College Fair on February 21, 2016. Details are below.
Rugby Business Networks continue to expand into cities. There are at least 50 cities that are part of the Network and comprise 25,000 members. The Rugby Business Network is the main connector of rugby and business in the world. Life as a rugby player is temporary and can end as quickly as it started. Therefore it is extremely important that there is a plan in place to prepare for a transition into a successful post rugby business career.
There are many similarities between rugby and business. Vital skills such as effective communication, relationship management, competitiveness and teamwork are all completely transferable from the rugby field. Skills that will add value and benefit to any business.
Youth Clinics by Aviva Premiership Rugby
Not all news is gained through presentations. Through the opportunity to network at the meeting, it was learned that Aviva Premiership Rugby Clinics will be held in New Jersey/New York, Philadelphia, and in Washington D.C. beginning at the end of February. This coincides with the first Aviva Premiership Rugby regular season match being held at Red Bulls Arena on March 12th. More will be shared on the clinics as information becomes available.
Interview of Kevin Holt and Michael Esposito by DJCoil Rugby
Kevin Holt is the organizer of the New Jersey Rugby Business Network and has worked closely with Michael Esposito, Vice president of Professional Economic Growth Group, the local Penn Mutual affiliate. Rugby New Jersey is also integral to this network.
