Dear youth leaders:
As you well know, the US Women’s and Men’s Olympic Teams begin their quest for gold this Sunday, August 6 at the Olympics in Rio. This is an amazing opportunity for you to connect with your clubs and promote your youth programs to the broader rugby community outside of the traditional match/tournament environment.
SAMPLE OLYMPIC-THEMED PRESS RELEASE
Photo from your competitions
HEADLINE
By: AUTHOR | Caption to photo
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CITY, ST. Local rugby clubs prepare for rugby’s return to the Olympics
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 [STATE] rugby clubs looking for options to try the sport locally.
In [STATE], [STATE RUGBY ORGANIZATION] runs competition, both recreational and competitive, throughout the year for boys and girls ages [5 to 20]. The main seasons for high school and youth are [hs season] and [youth season].
“[STATE RUGBY ORGANIZATION] 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 kids of every shape and size to be successful on the field, and the emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship is without equal in youth sports. Parents or youth interested in trying out rugby can find a local club at playrugbytoday.com or can go to our website at
[STATE RUGBY ORGANIZATION will hold watch parties and special events in LOCATIONS, DATE AND TIME, where the general public is welcome to learn more about the sport & opportunities locally].
The women's team will kick off the Olympics in play pool matches against Fiji, Colombia, and Australia on 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 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.
Team USA (Women) | 2016 Olympic Games
Bui Baravilala
Ryan Carlyle
Lauren Doyle
Joanne Fa’avesi
Carmen Farmer
Victoria Folayan
Kelly Griffin (C)
Jessica Javelet
Kathryn Johnson
AlevKelter
Jillion Potter
Richelle Stephens
Travel Reserves:
MeyaBizer
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
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
Perry Baker
Danny Barrett
Garrett Bender
Andrew Durutalo
Nate Ebner
Madison Hughes
Carlin Isles
FolauNiua
Ben Pinkelman
Zack Test
MakaUnufe
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
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 / MENSaturday, August 6th / Tuesday, August 9th
9:00 AM / USA v. Fiji / NBCSN / 7:00 AM / Australia v. France / NBCSN
9:30 AM / Australia v. Colombia / NBCSN / 7:30 AM / South Africa v. Spain / NBCSN
2:00 PM / USA v. Colombia / CNBC / 8:00 AM / Great Britain v. Kenya / NBCSN
2:30 PM / Australia v. Fiji / CNBC / 8:30 AM / New Zealand v. Japan / NBCSN
9:00 AM / USA v. Argentina / NBCSN
Sunday, August 7th / 9:30 AM / Fiji v. Brazil / NBCSN
9:00 AM / Fiji v. Colombia / USA / 12:00 PM / Australia v. Spain / USA
9:30 AM / USA v. Australia / USA / 12:30 PM / South Africa v. France / USA
1:00 PM / 1st Pool A v. 2nd Best 3rd / 1:00 PM / Great Britain v. Japan / USA
1:30 PM / 2nd Pool C v. 2nd Pool B / 1:30 PM / New Zealand v. Kenya / USA
2:00 PM / USA v. Brazil / CNBC
Monday, August 8th / 2:30 PM / Fiji v. Argentina / CNBC
10:30 AM / Semifinals / NBCSN
11:00 AM / Semifinals / NBCSN / Wednesday, August 10th
2:30 PM / Bronze Medal Match / CNBC / 9:00 AM / Argentina v. Brazil / USA
3:00 PM / Gold Medal Match / CNBC / 9:30 AM / Fiji v. USA / USA
1:00 PM / 1st Pool A v. 2nd Best 3rd / USA
*ALL TIMES PT / 1:30 PM / 2nd Pool C v. 2nd Pool B / USA
2:00 PM / 1st Pool C v. 2nd Pool A / CNBC
2:30 PM / 1st Pool B v. Best 3rd / CNBC
Thursday, August 11th
10:30 AM / Semifinals / NBCSN
11:00 AM / Semifinals / NBCSN
2:30 PM / Bronze Medal Match / NBCSN
3:00 PM / Gold Medal Match / NBCSN
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