- RAN set to share stories of UNSTOPPABLE women throughout the month of November, from Canada to Bermuda, and Mexico to Curaçao
- RAN to host three ‘Try & Stop Us Forums’ to provide opportunities for advancement across various important topics
https://youtu.be/4zE6ePI1iBYNovember 2, 2020 – Rugby Americas North (RAN) is proud to launch its first-ever UNSTOPPABLES campaign throughout the month of November to highlight exciting growth of women’s rugby throughout North America and the Caribbean.The online campaign – which will feature stories across its digital media platforms and three Try & Stop Us online panel discussions – is designed to showcase inspirational women in our region with ‘unstoppable’ qualities and further spark growth amongst member unions.RAN proudly boasts the second highest percentage of total female players between its member unions amongst the six World Rugby regional governing bodies, sitting only behind Rugby Europe. From 2012 to 2019, RAN’s registered female player figures have grown from 31,000 to 43,000.Furthermore, RAN held the highest participation percentage of women with 48% in its 2019 Get Into Rugby totals, with more than 70,000 female participants picking up a ball in World Rugby’s flagship development program.“RAN is committed to fostering and supporting the growth of women’s rugby throughout our region, and this month-long campaign will highlight many of incredible women in rugby that go above and beyond in their respective unions,” said Niall Brooks, RAN General Manager.“2020 has been a challenging year globally, and we know the importance of keeping the rugby community engaged and providing a platform to thank and congratulate the many women who drive our sport,” he added.In August, RAN held its first-ever Online Women’s Forum with more than 450 attendees from 30 countries taking part in four webinars across a wide variety of important topics, including player welfare, breaking barriers, building participation and recruiting and retaining coaches and referees.“The Online Women’s Forum in August was a huge success, and we’re delighted to once again be hosting this month’s discussions as a way to further engage and support our member unions’ development,” added Brooks.RAN'S UNSTOPPABLES TRY & STOP US FORUMSTuesday, November 17th – 7pm ESTWomen in Rugby - Leading the Game – Panel DiscussionPanelists:Emilie Bydwell - USA Rugby, Director of Women's High Performance (USA)Katie Wurst - Director of Rugby, Queens University of Charlotte (USA)Julianne Zussman – Former Canadian International & World Rugby Match Official (CANADA)Kwanieze John - Former T&T International & Youth Rugby Development (TRINIDAD & TOBAGO)Tiff Faaee - Former USA International & Rugby United New York Assistant Coach (USA)Women fill many important roles in the world of rugby. From team managers, to players, to program directors, physiotherapists, coaches, match officials and more. Our team of accomplished panelists will be sharing their experiences in rugby, discussing the current roles available in our region for women, and providing advice on how to reach these opportunities.Tuesday, November 24 – 7pm ESTRugby beyond the pitch: Opportunities Abroad – Panel DiscussionPanelists:Fernanda Vazquez – World Rugby scholarship recipient (Mexico)Maria Thomas – World Rugby scholarship recipient (Trinidad & Tobago)Kameka President – St. Lucia International & Student at St. Mary’s UniversityLili Riley – Doylestown women’s rugby player/OLIMPICO de Pozuelo in Spain (USA)This panel discussion aims to provide women with a detailed overview of the opportunities that rugby can bring to their lives outside the pitch, from being a high-level rugby player to amateur – both domestically and around the globe. Rugby can provide a wide variety of exciting opportunities, including education, career development, international travel, networking and beyond. Our team of expert panelists will share their different experiences in rugby, discuss potential opportunities and share how they are giving back to their communities.Tuesday, December 1 – 7pm ESTStrategies for Generating Revenue through Sponsorship and Fundraising – Webinar and Q & AHost:Mark Griffin – Commercial Director, USA RugbyMark Griffin, Commercial Director for USA Rugby and Founder of Play Rugby USA, presents a practical framework you can employ to increase revenue for your club / league / program / National Governing Body. Understand why individuals and companies may be motivated to support you, what you can offer them in return and how to build a meaningful and sustainable relationship. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions beforehand when registering for the webinar.To register for each discussion, please click below:https://form.jotform.com/203024277651248For more information on the campaign and UNSTOPPABLES, please visit: www.rugbyamericasnorth.com and follow Rugby Americas North on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.-30-Media Contact:Bryan Kellybkelly@rugbyamericasnorth.comhttps://youtu.be/PHRLdQ2NBmY https://youtu.be/5sulSeWGHbY
