Play Rugby USA & the Oakland Warthogs: A Common Approach to Youth Rugby

Play Rugby USA (PRUSA) is incredibly excited to announce the merger of the Oakland Warthogs program with our Bay Area program, effective as of September 2016.

Play Rugby USA and the Oakland Warthogs share a common a youth-development approach to rugby - designing and delivering a rugby program and creating a culture that empowers young people to develop the skills they need to realize their true potential in life. Both programs have experienced significant success -  PRUSA’s Academy and the Warthogs proudly boast 100% high school graduation rates among a demographic where nearly 50% of students drop out of high school. Furthermore, for this past academic year both programs’ seniors achieved a 100% college enrollment rate which is truly incredible. 

The newly named Oakland Warthogs Rugby Empowered by Play Rugby USA, effective September 2016, will see Ryan Burke taking a significant step back from day to day management. However, he will remain President of the Warthogs program and continue to be deeply involved, alongside Mark Griffin, CEO of Play Rugby USA, in the ongoing development of funding, partnerships and sustainability for the program.

The Oakland Warthogs Rugby Empowered by Play Rugby USA  is an exciting opportunity for Play Rugby USA to provide programming to hundreds of additional youth in Oakland each year. The Oakland Warthogs also plan to expand its program offerings to female participants which will strengthen the long-term sustainability of the program and expand the opportunities offered by The Oakland Warthogs Rugby Empowered by Play Rugby USA.