SNEAKY FOXES

Much is talked about rugby league in America being centered around the south east corner.  With efforts being made out in the west coast with PCRL and its clubs its , the North Eastern is also to be given its spot light and attention. Delaware Black Foxes where founded in 2015 and have stayed steadfast in competing yearly regardless of competition. This year we will also see the beginning of the Rugby League United  competition, which the Black Foxes are a founding member of. I personally have been a fan of theirs from afar and am excited for the Foxes to take the pitch again. 

I deeply appreciate Ian from the Black Foxes taking time to answer some questions and I hope you all can enjoy. 

LLR- It's been some time since the Black Foxes were fairly active with a competition. What has the club done to stay active with players and keep the group intact?

I- We've always kept communication lines open with the players and tried to organize at least one team event each season. During times when we haven't been able to play consistently we still have had training sessions. We also got together to play touch just to keep our basic skills sharp and played at least one proper rugby league match every summer.

LLR- With as much chaos as it seems to be with the code of League in America, hopefully for the betterment of the health of the game here, what are the Black Foxes doing to help keep the team alive for next year and the years to come, are there youth groups being formed or active potential player communication happening ?

I- Every year we reach out and recruit from various rugby union clubs with the goal of getting more players to give rugby league a try. The past few years we've also built a good rapport with several university coaches in the surrounding areas. This helps replenish and rejuvenate the club with new players each season. We don't currently have a youth team specific to the Black Foxes, however, there are several players on this team that help coach youth and rookie rugby at various schools in our communities.

LLR- The women's side of the game is beginning to grow and some clubs throughout the USA are actively trying to also have a women's side compete with the men's. Is this something you all are looking into as well at this time?

I- Yes. We have been working on putting together a women's side called the Delaware Vixens. We're still in the early planning and recruiting stages of this process but the goal is to get the Vixens on the field competing possibly in 2024.

LLR- Where will home games be played?

I- Eden Park in Wilmington, DE.

LLR- Rugby League United is a brand new competition for yourselves and the fellow North Eastern clubs are set to begin play this year. Why now and not next year and has there been communication to others about joining down the road?

I- Honestly now just seemed to be as good of a start time as any. Delaware has done alright the past couple seasons but other teams in Northeast really struggled to bounce back after Covid and a few other factors. Now that some time has passed and these teams have had some time to recover, we all agreed that this was the right time to get back on the pitch and compete officially. We're trying to keep things relatively simple this first year by having only 4 teams in RLU but we won't rule out adding new teams and expanding the competition next year and beyond.

LLR- What is the current status with the relationship between the RLU and it's clubs with USARL competition and as a governing body?

I- Right now we're mainly concentrating on what's going on between Delaware, Brooklyn, Boston, and DC however we're always up for a chat and keeping communication lines open between our clubs and the USARL.

LLR- Has there been any communication between yourself and the other groups in America like The Championship (CRL) and Pacific Coast (PCRL) ?

I- Not officially but we'd be open to discussions with them and other groups/organizations in the future.

LLR- Final question, how can fans follow the Delaware Black Foxes and their journey and also the Rugby League United competition?

I- We have a website (Black Foxes Rugby) and we're on social media as well:

Facebook: The Delaware Black Foxes

Instagram: @blackfoxesrugbyleague

Twitter: @DEBlackFoxesRL

Help grow Girls Rugby

The Birth of Women's Rugby Champions

Ever wonder what it takes to be a commissioner of a collegiate sport confrence, let alone a rugby commissioner. Tiffany Lopez from West Coast Rugby Conference was very gracious to take time out of her very busy and exciting schedule to answer a few questions that I think will put you all at aw and excited when learning about Tiffany and how she's breaking down doors and positioning the WCRC as thee collegiate rugby Conference to play in and dominate the western side of the United States. It is not just one team or two but many who Tiffany has taken the time to work with to elevate not just competition side of the various clubs but also the professionalism of each member. 2033 World Cup will be a every lasting effect for women's rugby here in America for all levels, but the WCRC has already begun to lay the ground work and build the infrastructure for young girls and current college players will be ready to dawn their country's colors and show the world that The Game has arrived and we've been waiting.

LLR- When did you assume the roll as league commissioner?

TL- I was voted into the role at the beginning of the 2019 season, just a few months after I graduated from San Jose State University.

LLR- What level of collegiate rugby does the conference play at?

TL- The conference is a D2 women’s collegiate league.

LLR- What was the hardest transition when leaving a club team and into an administrative roll that now over sees multiple clubs?

TL- I didn’t really have any difficulty transitioning into the position. My professional background was actually in professional sports already and this transition was actually really smooth. The previous board was doing everything right by the book. My promises coming in was to continue facilitating a competitive conference and following protocol with the addition of some progressive rugby ideologies: to promote rugby in the United States, we need to start marketing it. Rugby is more than just showing up on a Saturday with some lines and uprights. It’s about getting fans out, support, funding, and highlighting players for higher level rugby. That’s how we grow women’s rugby.

LLR- What's been a highlight ?

TL- Last season my playoffs was an event that was talked about around the United States. We had a rugby clubs from high school to club D2 to WPL teams out there supporting the event, awarding players of the final match, and recruiting. We had HS students coming up to coaches saying “I want to join your team. I’ll see you next season”. That’s what it was all about. In addition we had event partners like Topo Chico giving out free waters and new flavors, vendors, food, and 500+ fans come out for what was a small championship. We invited vendors like the Modish Rugger & Callipygian who are small businesses owned by conference alumni and allowed our visiting teams to use the event as a fundraiser. It really was something special. This year’s event will likely be the same!

LLR- What's been the hardest moment thus far in your administrative time?

TL- We've had a lot of changes in our competition management systems and registration with USA Rugby. With every season typically having a new President every year, there is no continuity in training. It’s like starting over every year and then having to learn the new system and be expert enough to walk them through registration.

LLR- Where would you like to take the conference, what's the next step?

TL- I would like to expand the conference. Could I take on adding D1 to the conference? I think so. I would love to oversee a bigger picture program that leads into more higher pathway opportunities. So far last season we’ve had many players get selected for teams like the U23 National Team, the U23 Grizzlies and now selections on high performance squads like: Rhinos Rugby & The Grizzlies 7’s. I want to see more of that. I have been connecting with teams from All Around the US, coaches, conferences, organizations and more. It’s that network that’s important for our growth as a conference.

LLR- With a Premier Rugby 7s team essentially calling San Jose home and the conference having a footprint in the same area , is there benefits for both the PR7s and WCRC to have from each other?

TL- I believe it’s too new to see any direct benefits. But I think it has potential to build a strong network. Some of our players have already tried out for the player pool and we have had a player that made it. But with the way the draft works, it doesn’t guarantee that if she was selected it would be for the San Jose team. As one of the franchise managers for PR7’s, I see the growth and the development behind closed doors. I really do think the direction it’s going will have a major positive impact on our conference goals in the future.

LLR- If there is a women's program that is looking to join a conference or wanting to move up a level, what criteria is needed to do so to join the WCRC?

TL - Per our bylaws, they would need to contact me directly and join us at our AGM to be voted into but would have a probationary year. We would get them friendly matches with our teams and then would need to vote them in after their first trial year.

LLR- Last two questions, there's been rumors and hints that between now and the USA Women's Rugby World cup in 2033 that we could see a MLR women's version or something similar being established. Have you had any discussions with interested parties in helping provide players for and pathways to fill rosters and what's your opinion on such plans?

TL- I haven’t heard much about it. My focus has been supporting PR 7’s, World Rugby and will have some exciting rugby career updates soon. Right now the sport is growing exponentially in so many directions.

LLR- What would you say to that middle school or high school female student who doesn't know if she should play rugby, what words of encouragement do you offer to college players who maybe coming out for the first time?

TL- Give it a chance! You may just find lifelong friends, a passion for something new, a community that is growing and a professional career. I came into college rugby my 3rd year of college not knowing anything about the sport. And now I am running the largest women’s college conference, work with international teams, got to work at the World Cup, traveling the United States, am a paid professional team manager and soon will be traveling internationally. 6 years ago, I had no idea that my first rugby practice would have lead to this now being my career and passion… all because I gave it a chance.

Instagram - @wcrc_wc

Tiffany Lopez

Commissioner West Coast Rugby Conference

(510)-468-8949

www.ironparadiseontour.com

tiffany@ironparadiserecovery.com

Rebirth of Sparta

Men's Spartan Rugby Club at San Jose State has a very rich history that any program would be excited to have. However playing rugby in the San Francisco Bay Area unfortunately has its down sides. With Saint Mary's and Cal , and Stanford for that matter, many people tend to not realize there are plenty more college rugby being played although not at the consistency winning as the programs mentioned before each has a rich tradition and each has at times added wood to the fire as to why the Bay Area is a hot bed for Rugby in this country. San Jose State over the past several years has unfortunately slowly fallen down the ladder and become inconsistent in league play. Not for lack of trying by each of the coaches and staff but the culture and communication has broken down. 

Thankfully out of the ashes a rebirth is happening. With the rallying of alumni there's change happening to position the Spartan Men's amongst the best in the San Francisco Bay Area and out west. To be part of the conversation when speaking about St.Marys , Cal rugby . First step was hiring a homerun of a hire for a new head coach. Next was rebuilding communication & community among its alumni base and re-engage the players. I would like to thank the Chairman of the alumni association Lance for answering questions about the program and its future. A Rebirth of Sparta is happening,  take note and beware. 

LLR- Can you share a bit about your connection with the Spartan Rugby Club, when did you play and what position?

LC- I played from 1991-1995 for SJSU. I started playing my High school position of open side flanker #7 but when I got to college, I was undersized for that position. I was always a bit faster than I looked and had a good boot so I made the adjustment to flyhalf #10 and played at that position through my career at SJSU and beyond.

LLR- Most college rugby teams have some sort of alumni association, what makes this alumni association different from years past?

LC- SJSU never really had an organized Alumni Association. It was always seen as a social rugby club with a few bright spots of success on the pitch here and there. Mike Annab established the Alumni Association by vetting and selecting board members from various generations of SJSU Rugby that had a passion for the club, its history and the awareness of its impact on student athletes and the broader rugby community. We are just over a year into the establishment of the Alumni Association and we have made some positive moves to improve the club. We have hired a new coach, fundraiser for new kit, held a successful Spartan Rugby tailgate at the Homecoming game, began to develop sponsorships and partnerships with area companies to sponsor the club, rebranded our social media presence and committed to keep alumni updated with schedules, scores, events and highlights.

LLR- What is the relationship currently between the current players and those who have graduated and part of the alumni group now?

LC- This is an area of opportunity for us to connect these two groups. Formally, it occurs at the alumni match in spring each year but we are working on having more events throughout the year to foster tighter connections. We feel this is incredibly important for a number of reasons; to connect college players with men’s club teams like the San Jose Seahawks, connect current players with established professionals in their field of study who may be able to provide job opportunities and to share the love of the sport across generations. Rugby is a welcoming community and it’s important to crest the opportunities for those connections to occur.

LLR- As an association what's being done to help the growth of the team?

LC- We hired a new coach this season, Nick Schlobohm, who came via a close friend and former coach of mine at the Olde Gaels RFC, John Compaglia. When I told John we were looking for a coach to transform our team from a social club to a high performance competitive side, John simply said “I have your guy”. Nick was an Assistant Coach for the Olde Gaels at the time but had aspirations to lead his own club and the timing could not have been better. Nick is a two time Collegiate National Champion with St. Mary’s with a deep love of the sport and a high rugby IQ. We chatted a number of times, conferred with the Board and hired him. Coach Nick’s impact has already been felt with solid wins over Stanford and Cal Maritime this season. The team is looking good and the future looks bright.

We have also committed to providing more content for the alumni to raise the level of engagement and interest in their former team. So far, we have seen a nice uptick in our comments and feedback about the content and information we are providing online. It’s been very positive.

I arranged for a sports photographer to take team photos which is a hallmark of any organized team. This is a seemingly small act but means a great deal to the players, their family, and friends communicates history and tradition as this will be a standard from now on.

Through my company, I donated funds to purchase the Rugby jerseys for the season. The club was in transition, their finances were a mess which left them with no funds to replace their older incomplete set of jerseys. As an Architect and designer myself, I designed the jerseys for the team and presented them to them before their first match earlier this year. It was a humbling moment to be able to give back to the club that means so much to me.

The Board is working hard to connect the active players and coaches with ClubSports to secure funding moving forward. During the coaching transition, this was not addressed and left the club on the brink of collapse. It’s been great to work with Coach Nick on this and we are looking forward to more support from the school in the years to come.

LLR- What are some goals for this year and next season, and where would you like to see things with the alumni and club team in 5 years time?

LC- As an alumni association, We have some big goals but now we have a hill to climb to establish some of the basics including solid organization, reconnecting alumni with the current team, developing our Spartan Rugby Community, fundraising, putting on more events and supporting the coaching staff. If we do those things well, what happens on the pitch will take care of itself. Beyond that, we want to be a part of creating an experience for the players during their time at SJSU that they will never forget and hope they return as alumni and stay connected and to give back to the club in some way. 

LLR- What's been the most rewarding part and difficult?

LC- The most rewarding part is seeing the team on the pitch doing what they love and enjoying themselves. Talking to the players after the match and getting to know them as people, hearing their stories and supporting them in whatever way we can. The most difficult thing has been locating, connecting and engaging with the alumni. SJSU Rugby has been around for over 50 years now but it has been surprisingly challenging to find those players and develop a platform of connectivity. Depending on their generation, we have found that they use a wide variety of communications, so we end up communicating across several platforms to reach as many alum as we can. It’s been a good pace of growth but there are many more out there that we still need to connect with. We are excited about that challenge.

LLR-To the players what message would you like to tell them and also to the alumni who may not be aware of the change at hand, what would you like to pass on to them ?

LC- To the players, we want you to know that the alumni board is committed to supporting the club to help you succeed on the pitch. For the first time in the club’s history, you have an organized group of committed alumni focussed on the team’s success short term and long term.

To the alumni, change is here. For the first time in club history, the team is led by two coaches who each have won Rugby National Champions twice! Coach Nick and Assistant Coach Hadin are transforming the team into a competitive team with their sites on a league title and more. So, engage with us on social media, keep up to date on the team and attend the events to reconnect with your team and meet up with friends new and old. You will love it.

LLR- Are there any special events coming up or key dates we should all keep an eye out for?

LC- Yes. March 18 is the last home match of the season. Kickoff is at 12:30pm vs Nevada. It should be a great one.

April 28 is the alumni Golf Tournament. Please contact me if you are interested in playing. You can email me at llcrannell@yahoo.com

April 29 is the alumni Match. All are welcome to watch. There will be a BBQ and an opportunity to meet the players and buy some team gear. Bring a friend.

We are active on Facebook and Instagram. Look up Spartan Rugby or SJSU Rugby Alumni and you will find us. You can always text 925-550-6800 for any updates, information or questions you may have.

We are also continually fundraising and we have found that Venmo is the quickest and easiest way to show your support. You can venmo any amount you can spare to

@Spartan_Rugby_Alumni

Your donations will go a long way toward helping the club.

www.spartanrugbyalumni.org

#UnitythroughRugby #RuntotheFight