2016 marks the return of rugby to the Olympic Games, and Team USA is set to defend their 1924 gold medal, the last Olympiad to feature the sport. Rugby isn’t as familiar to American audiences, but once Team USA fans experience rugby sevens, many fans will find their way to Pennsylvania rugby clubs looking for options to try the sport locally.
In our part of the state, the EPRU runs competition, both recreational and competitive, throughout the year for both men and women at the club level. The main rugby seasons in Pennsylvania are Fall 15s, Spring 15s, and Summer 7s.
“Harrisburg Rugby wants to wish the US Women’s and Men’s Olympic Teams good luck on their quest for Gold at the 2016 Olympic Games! Rugby has an option for individuals of every shape and size to be successful on the field, and the emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship is without equal in organized sports. Anyone–of any age–interested in trying out rugby can find their local club at playrugbytoday.com. If you are located in the Harrisburg area, we encourage you to browse HRFC’s website and join us at Memorial Field in Highspire for practice. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!,” said Jeff Cook, HRFC Chairman of the Board.
Members of Harrisburg Rugby are planning to gather together at Champions Sports Bar & Grill in Highspire, where the general public is welcome to learn more about the sport & opportunities locally. Keep an eye on our Club Event Calendar for further information.
The women’s team will kick off the Olympics in play pool matches against Fiji, Colombia, and Australia on Saturday, August 6. Six players of the roster were a part of the team that won Silver at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
“I have selected a group with a wide variety of playing styles and I am excited to see them all come together and play for each other in Rio,” Coach Richie Walker said.
The men’s team will begin their quest for gold in pool play matches against Fiji, Argentina, and Brazil on Tuesday, August 9. The team includes Nate Ebner, a defensive back for the NFL’s New England Patriots, and crossover-sport stars Perry Baker and Carlin Isles, along with professional Rugby players who play both in the US and overseas.
Coach Mike Friday said, “The squad itself represents the country on so many levels and is cosmopolitan in makeup, which is a true reflection of the country. The team is balanced in terms of physicality, power, X-factor, and out-and out pace.”
All 6 Team USA pool play matches will be broadcast live, with a total of 34 rugby matches of the 2016 Olympic Games being broadcast live on NBCSN, CNBC, and USA Network. This truly is a great time to become a fan of the fastest growing sport in America!
Team USA Rosters, Staff, & Schedules | 2016 Olympic Games
Team USA (Women) | 2016 Olympic Games Players
Bui Baravilala
Ryan Carlyle
Lauren Doyle
Joanne Fa’avesi
Carmen Farmer
Victoria Folayan
Kelly Griffin (C)
Jessica Javelet
Kathryn Johnson
Alev Kelter
Jillion Potter
Richelle Stephens
Travel Reserves:
Meya Bizer
Nicole Heavirland
Team USA (Women) | 2016 Olympic Games Staff
Richie Walker, Head Coach
Pete Steinberg, Assistant Coach
Jared Siegmund, Strength Coach
Nicole Titmas, Physio
Andrew Locke, Video Analyst
Dr. Lisa Bartoli, Team Doctor
Emilie Bydwell, Team Leader
Alex Magelby, Director of Rugby
Team USA (Women) | 2016 Olympic Games Schedule
v. Fiji – Saturday, Aug. 6 – 9:00 a.m. PT – NBCSN
v. Colombia – Saturday, Aug. 6 – 2:00 p.m. PT – CNBC
v. Australia – Sunday, Aug. 7 – 9:30 a.m. PT – USA Network
Team USA (Men) | 2016 Olympic Games Players
Perry Baker
Danny Barrett
Garrett Bender
Andrew Durutalo
Nate Ebner
Madison Hughes
Carlin Isles
Folau Niua
Ben Pinkelman
Zack Test
Maka Unufe
Chris Wyles
Team USA (Men) | 2016 Olympic Games Staff
Mike Friday, Head Coach
Chris Brown, Assistant Coach
Phil Greening, Assistant Coach
Brian Green, Physio
Paul Goulding, Video Analyst
Sarah Sall, Massage Therapist
Dr. Eric Test, Team Doctor
Nick Tricarico, Manager
Team USA (Men) | 2016 Olympic Games Schedule
v. Argentina – Tuesday Aug. 9 – 9:00 a.m. PT – NBCSN
v. Brazil – Tuesday Aug. 9 – 2:00 p.m. PT – CNBC
v. Fiji – Wednesday Aug. 10 – 9:30 a.m. PT – USA Network
Full Broadcast Schedule
WOMEN
| Saturday, August 6th | ||
|---|---|---|
| 12:00pm | USA v. Fiji | NBCSN |
| 12:30pm | Australia v. Colombia | NBCSN |
| 5:00pm | USA v. Colombia | CNBC |
| 5:30pm | Australia v. Fiji | CNBC |
| Sunday, August 7th | ||
| 12:00pm | Fiji v. Columbia | USA |
| 12:30pm | USA v. Australia | USA |
| 4:00pm | 1st Pool A v. 2nd Best 3rd | |
| 4:30pm | 2nd Pool C v. 2nd Pool B | |
| Monday, August 8th | ||
| 1:30pm | Semifinals | NBCSN |
| 2:00pm | Semifinals | NBCSN |
| 5:30pm | Bronze Medal Match | CNBC |
| 6:00pm | Gold Medal Match | CNBC |
*all times EST
MEN
| Tuesday, August 9th | ||
|---|---|---|
| 10:00am | Australia v. France | NBCSN |
| 10:30am | South Africa v. Spain | NBCSN |
| 11:00am | Great Britain v. Kenya | NBCSN |
| 11:30am | New Zealand v. Japan | NBCSN |
| 12:00pm | USA v. Argentina | NBCSN |
| 12:30pm | Fiji v. Brazil | NBCSN |
| 3:00pm | Australia v. Spain | USA |
| 3:30pm | South Africa v. France | USA |
| 4:00pm | Great Britain v. Japan | USA |
| 4:30pm | New Zealand v. Kenya | USA |
| 5:00pm | USA v. Brazil | CNBC |
| 5:30pm | Fiji v. Argentina | CNBC |
| Wednesday, August 10th | ||
| 12:00pm | Argentina v. Brazil | USA |
| 12:30pm | Fiji v. USA | USA |
| 4:00pm | 1st Pool A v. 2nd Best 3rd | USA |
| 4:30pm | 2nd Pool C v. 2nd Pool B | USA |
| 5:00pm | 1st Pool C v. 2nd Pool A | CNBC |
| 5:30pm | 1st Pool B v. Best 3rd | CNBC |
| Thursday, August 11th | ||
| 1:30pm | Semifinals | NBCSN |
| 2:00pm | Semifinals | NBCSN |
| 5:30pm | Bronze Medal Match | NBCSN |
| 6:00pm | Gold Medal Match | NBCSN |
*all times EST
