From humble beginnings back in 2003 as a weekend rugby program for homeless youth in Brooklyn, Play Rugby USA has grown to become a leader in not only the promotion of grassroots rugby in underserved communities across New York City, but as a principal driver in the growing national effort to promote Sports-Based Youth Development (SBYD) as an effective vehicle for addressing critical socio-economic challenges faced by so many youth.

We bring over 20 years of high-impact experience, rooted in a deep understanding of the sport and the best practices of youth development. Our intentionally designed curriculum and methodology cultivates character, builds skills and develops lifelong habits of mind and body. We achieve powerful, tangible results; outcomes you can see on paper, on the field, in the classroom and throughout the communities we serve.

Founded by former USA Eagle – Mark Griffin – who has gone on to be honored by Her Majesty the Queen as a “Member by Order of Excellence of the British Empire” (MBE) for his charitable works in youth development in the USA - we live by his #GoForward mantra, with the firm belief that together we can create a better world through rugby.