In collaboration with World Rugby, Rugby Americas North (RAN)is excited to welcome representatives from 15 countries to Miami, Florida, USA. The 2025 Grow the Game Conference will be hosted at St. Thomas University (STU) on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1. World Rugby has been working across the six regional associations to run an event focused on and targeted to meet the needs of each individual region, with Rugby Americas North first up for 2025.
The conference brings together rugby leaders, administrators, and development professionals from across North America and the Caribbean united by a shared mission: to strengthen and expand the game of rugby in our home countries. Throughout the conference, participants will explore innovative development strategies, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions to the unique challenges facing our unions.
“With a focus on increasing participation, enhancing grassroots programs, and fostering sustainable growth, the sessions will provide practical tools and insights tailored to the needs of our diverse rugby communities,” said Erin Kennedy, RAN Regional Development Manager and one of the conference main facilitators.
“Our Member’s dedication to rugby’s development is what drives the sport forward, and we are excited to support their efforts in making rugby more accessible, inclusive, and impactful across our region”, Kennedy reinforced.
The conference will also feature on-field activities, including a hands-on experience with World Rugby’s Rugby Rising Play and T1 Rugby curriculums. Saturday will also present a chance for participants to get a glimpse into the American university rugby structure as St. Thomas UniversityMen’s Rugby faces University of South Florida on campus at 2:00 PM EST.
PARTICIPATING MEMBER UNIONS /
Bahamas – Kyle Charlton
Barbados – Donovan Bagwell and Rommel Paris
Belize – Levi Baldwin
Bermuda – Gemma Godfrey and Gillian Cross
British Virgin Islands – James Morris
Canada – Stephanie Veal
Cayman Islands – James Greenwood
Cuba – Eric Gutiérrez Rodríguez
Curaçao – Tamara Van Leeuwan
Guyana – Ryan Dey
Jamaica – Anthony Johnson and Simone Graham
México – Heriberto Lachica
St. Lucia – Chantel John & Tommy St. Clair
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines – Dellon Durrant
Trinidad & Tobago – Jade Ramjag, Chad Simeon, and Maria Thomas
WORLD RUGBY STAFF /
Greg Woods – Participation Programs Manager
Ninette Kruyt – Women’s Participation Programs Manager
Jennifer Gray – Rugby Services Manager for Rugby Americas North
RUGBY AMERICAS NORTH STAFF /
Niall Brooks – General Manager
Scott Harland – Regional Training Manager
Carly MacKinnon – Communications Manager
Erin Kennedy – Regional Development Manager
Gavin McLeavy – Conference Host and STU Men's Rugby
