Attending Major League Rugby matches provides an opportunity to interact with fans, as well as team staff and players. Old Glory DC has a fantastic facility in Segra Field, a 5,000-seat capacity stadium in Leesburg, Virginia, with the possibility of additional fans.
The team listened to fans about how to make their fan experience better for games. Sheehy Auto Group’s sponsorship has meant that there is free parking for all home games. Food trucks are available, players greet fans, there is live music, service dogs are present, there is a team store for merchandise, and alcohol may be purchased. Although tailgating is permitted in the parking lots, alcohol is not permitted. There are also curtain raiser games, which may include college men’s and women’s rugby, as well as Young Glory academy or representative side rugby.
During the off-season, a new General manager and a head coach were hired with Marcelo Blanco and Josh Syms at the helm, respectively. The team’s talent level has also improved and should translate into increased wins, faster development of U.S. talent, and a better fan experience.
Old Glory opened the season with a win for the first time, 42-27 over the Chicago Hounds. Former U.S.M.A. (Army West Point Rugby) graduate, Collin Grosse, started as a blindside flanker for the season opener and scored a try in the first minute.
Rugby enthusiasts will be interested in learning more about the team. View the interviews below as you will have a greater perspective on the team.
Old Glory DC Interviews
Old Glory DC Owner Chris Dunleavy discusses developing U.S. players, partnership with Scotland Rugby Union, new Head Coach & General Manager, Military relationships, and collegiate rugby.
Old Glory DC General Manager Marcelo Blanco discusses GM responsibilities, developing domestic players, player welfare, team diversity, bonding, and challenges, military presence, and promotional challenges. (Team members Captain Gardy Lebon, Collin Grosse, and Darby Koi Koi Nelligan are discussed). Click on their name for the player’s profile)
Young Glory DC Director Tim Brown discusses Rugby Academy and Youth Development, giving an example of a player pathway from Academy to MLR in Jose Reyes, with OG scrum-half John Lefevre joining the discussion. Rugby East teams, Mount St. Mary’s, the University of Mary Washington, and the U.S. Naval Academy are mentioned, along with the state of college rugby. (Click on Jose Reyes & John Lefevre for the player’s article.)
Old Glory DC Head Coach Josh Syms discusses his coaching style, player development, working with a diversity of players, player development in Scotland, and potential for Old Glory player development in New Zealand.
Old Glory DC Argentina International Tighthead Prop Ramiro Herrera arrived this week in Washington, DC. He discussed his rugby background, and reasons for joining MLR, and appreciates the team’s Argentinian influence. (Click on Name above for Player article)
Other Articles
DJCoil Rugby articles by Doug Coil are also available on Facebook. Other Social Media sites to follow or subscribe to include Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for interviews.
