If the standard of rugby in the EPRU, MARFU and USA is to improve, it is vitally important that we introduce our players to the game at an early age. Accordingly, increasing emphasis is being placed on the development of high school and youth rugby programs in our Union. At present the EPRU administers these youth rugby programs: U-19 Boys and Girls, U-15 Boys Contact and U-15 Co-Ed Non-Contact.
The High School Rugby Program is for players enrolled in grades 9 to 12. Matches are played in the spring between teams of 15-a-side on a full-sized pitch. Although most Laws of the senior game apply, there are modifications. (See Under 19 Variations) Teams are organized in divisions and play a round-robin schedule. Division I teams also participate in an EPRU Championship.
The EPRU Girls High School Rugby Program is directed by the Girls High School Coordinator. Besides coordinating the scheduling of matches, tournaments and All-Star play, the Coordinator is a liaison between the participating teams and the EPRU.
The EPRU Girls High School Coordinator is responsible for all facets of the high school program.
Girl's High School Coordinator - Responsibilities
Organize league by geography and talent to assure maximum competitiveness
Organize agenda and annual coaches meeting
Prepare league schedule and communicate to membership
Communicate in a timely fashion to membership re league rules, match reporting procedures, protest procedures
Mediate disputes between members
Interact with Referee Society to maximize use of scarce referee resources
Assist EPRU Secretary with the collection of necessary annual paperwork and dues
Interact with USA Rugby U19 coaches/administrators to assure that EPRU players receive selection consideration
Input match results weekly in a timely fashion
Assure that venues exist for end-of-season playoff matches/tournaments
At the conclusion of league season organize playoff brackets/match-ups
Organize committees as required to manage selected league functions
Organize and oversee an All-Star program
Prepare and monitor an annual budget for EPRU HS-related expenses
Communicate player development camp opportunities to members
Respond to member inquiries/issues in a timely fashion
Provide support and assistance to newly-formed teams
UPDATED: Payments Currently Due to EPRU
- 2010 Dues Invoices are now posted. Does your team owe dues, fines or Fairmount Park permit fees? Prompt payment must be made. Some high school teams still have outstanding balances due to the dues increase in Feb 2009. Payments after April 1st are subject to a $50 late fee and monthly outstanding balance fee , Go to Payments Page »
EPRU Field Preparation and Sideline Policy
- All clubs are to adhere to this important Policy aimed at improving the playing environment and enhancing the enjoyment of the match by everyone. , Details »
YOU Can Reach Thousands of Rugby Players !!
- How? Advertise on the EPRU Website! Tournaments, Fundraisers, Businesses, Club Sponsors, Rugby Suppliers, etc. High hit volume and low prices.. , Advertising Details »
Making Rugby Safer and Medical Preparedness
- Have you read the EPRU's proactive safety practices "Making Rugby Safer"? If not, please take the time to do so. Is your Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place? Do you have Medical Coverage at your matches? Contact: Bryan McCloskey, MS, ATC, EPRUsafety@gmail.com, phone: 610-436-2139 , Link to EPRU Safety/Risk Mgmt Program »
Jul 21, `09
8th Annual East Stroudsburg Rugby Player Development Camp
- In its eighth year, the East Stroudsburg Rugby Player Development Camp has been the premier co-educational rugby camp focused on improving athletes’ foundation and knowledge of the game. The camp continues to grow in size and was registered to capacity this year. The campers’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn as well as the instructors’ inspiration and love of the game are instrumental in the camp’s success. Contact: Kevin Castner, castner@live.com, phone: 570-460-2626 , More detail »
Sep 11, `10 - Sep 12, `10
Pumpkin Fest
- Pennypack Park, Philadelphia. For Club Women, College Women & HS Girls Contact: Emily Record, erecord@gmail.com, phone: 267-312-4282 , More detail »
Aug 20, `10 - Sep 5, `10
2010 Women's World Cup, London, England
- USA Women in Pool B in the 6th Women's World Cup facing 2006 runners-up England, as well as Ireland and Kazakhstan. , More detail »
Jul 10, `10
Cheesesteak 7s
- Anson B. Nixon Park, Kennett Square, PA. For Club Men & Women, HS Boys & HS Girls Contact: Lindsay Watson, president@brandywinerugby.org, phone: 215-806-0105 , Details »
Jul 8, `10 - Jul 11, `10
9th Annual East Stroudsburg Rugby Player Development Camp
- For the ninth year the camp continues a great tradition of promoting the sport of rugby & exposing young rugby athletes to an all-star staff of USA National and International level coaches. Contact: Kevin Castner, castner@live.com, phone: 570-460-2626 , Click here for more info and to register »
Jun 26, `10
Harrisburg 7s
- Fort Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Annville, PA - Men's and Women's open divisions and HS Boys & Girls. Contact: Greg Ball, president@harrisburgrugby.com, phone: 717-329-4846 , Details »
May 22, `10
Subaru 7's
- at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, DE. For Club Men & Women, HS Boys & Girls. All teams are guaranteed 3 games. Trophies to all group winners and runners-up. All Division winners receive a set of 10 tournament rugby jerseys.
Proceeds support the Delaware Rugby Foundation Contact: Jerry Humphrey, wrfc36@aol.com, phone: 302-521-9457 , Details »
May 21, `10 - May 23, `10
USA Boys High School and Boys & Girls U 19 Championships
- Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah , Go To The USA Rugby Website »
Mar 13, `10
Coaching Development - Luke Gross Lineout Workshop
- 10:00 am at Cedar Cliff HS - open to coaches and players Contact: Sean Robinson, sean.p.robinson@verizon.net, phone: 717-576-2328 , More detail »
Feb 27, `10 - Feb 28, `10
Frost Bite Pre-Season Rugby Tournament
- Hosted by Hempfield Knightmare RFC and Roses Athletic Club at Hempfield HS, Lancaster, PA Contact: Tom Hallowell, thallowell@aol.com, phone: 717-434-8383 , More detail »
Feb 15, `10 - May 30, `10
EPRU Game Development Opportunities
- Grants available for member clubs Contact: Lisa Rosen, coachingrugby@gmail.com, phone: 215-421-1823 , More detail »
Feb 12, `10
MARFU U23 Women - Warm Up Drill
- A video of the MARFU U23s warming up with some grass drills got picked up by Dan Cottrell's Better Rugby Coaching. Contact: Lisa Rosen, coachingrugby@gmail.com, phone: 215-421-1823 , More detail »
Jan 7, `10
EPRU Welcomes Dr. Brian Reiter
- The EPRU is excited to have Dr. Reiter as a go-to resource for orthopedic injuries with same-day or next-day availability to rugby players. , More detail »
Dec 2, `09
HS Players - Find a College With a Rugby Program
, More detail »
Oct 28, `09
USA Rugby's College Rugby Project - Important Information for HS Rugby Players
- The College Rugby Project is a database of colleges with rugby programs containing information on both the program and the institution. The document is updated each week with new submissions. , More detail »
Oct 2, `09
I Play Rugby - watch USA Rugby's new promo video
- Excellent - share it with your family and friends , More detail »
Sep 7, `09
EPRU Offers College Scholarships to Four High School Players
- The EPRU announced the award of its inaugural scholarship to four accomplished high school athletes , More detail »
Aug 26, `09
USA Rugby Announces Change in Under 20 Women's National Team Eligibility
- To be eligible for the Women Under-20’s squad for the upcoming season players must be under 20 years old on September 1, 2009. This is a change to the prior date of January 1, 2010 , More detail »
Aug 15, `09 - Sep 30, `09
CIPP Registration Opens August 15 for 2009-2010 Season
- All coaches, players, referees, and club administrators must enroll prior to the start of the season to insure full coverage is in place. Contact: Kristin Richeimer, KRicheimer@usarugby.org, phone: 303-539-0300 , Details »
Jun 18, `09
EPRU U19 Girls Win Tournament in Charlotte, NC
- go undefeated and dominate the Georgia Rugby Union, the Florida Rugby Union and the host North Carolina Rugby Union , More detail »
Jun 15, `09
EPRU Announces Winners of Essay Contest
- Four chosen as winners - will attend camp tuition free , More detail »
Jun 12, `09
2009 EPRU Under 19 Girls All-Stars Chosen
- team to travel to Charlotte, NC for tournament
Contact: Tony DeRemer, aderemer@wcupa.edu, phone: 610-517-6385 , More detail »
May 19, `09
USA Rugby Announces Newest Partnership with Better Rugby Coaching
- The Coach Development Department is excited to announce its partnership with Better Rugby Coaching, an online resource dedicated to the betterment and continuous education of rugby coaches around the world. Contact: Mollie McCarthy, USA Rugby, mmccarthy@usarugby.org , More detail »
Mar 30, `09
IRB Issues Monthly Coaching Newsletter
- Check out the latest coaching news. , More detail »
Rugby Magazine Launches New High School Rugby Publication
- a free, oversized 8-page newsletter for American teenage rugby players.
, More detail »
Mar 1, `09
USA Rugby Launches Rookie Rugby Club
- USA Rugby is launching a new online club and educational resource for youth rugby supporters. The Rookie Rugby Club is a social-networking website that allows players, coaches, referees and educators to connect and learn about the game Contact: Mark Griffin, USA Rugby Director, Youth and HS, mgriffin@usarugby.org , Learn more about Rookie Rugby »
Feb 24, `09
Your Club and the East Penn Rugby Referees Society
- Everything your clubs needs to know to make a Match Day go smoothly both on and off the field. Contact: David McHugh, David.McHugh@thomsonreuters.com, phone: 973-207-0186 , More details »
Jan 26, `09
Welcome to IRBCoaching.com
- Sign up today for this free and outstanding coaching resource from the IRB. , More details »
Nov 16, `08
High School Rugby Team Breaks Down Barriers
- For members of what is believed to be the nation's first
all-African-American high school rugby team, the sport has opened up new possibilities. , Link to NY Times Articles »
Nov 14, `08
Sebastian River High School Girls' Rugby Team Is Making History
- First-ever HS Varsity Girls Rugby Team is ready to take the field , SHRS Girls Rugby Website »
Oct 24, `08
Rugby: Going Global
- Maori talk about whakapapa - unbreakable bonds - and the best example I know of whakapapa is the global rugby family. , Details »
Oct 22, `08
USA Rugby Launches New Youth and High School Website Format
- Check out the latest info today! , Link to USA Rugby Website »
Oct 18, `08
EPRU HS Player Wins 2008 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Grant
- Seymira Salamy of State College Girls RFC is selected for grant. , Details »
Oct 13, `08
Ernie Vargas - Making an Important Difference for troubled kids through Rugby
- Ernie Vargas is doing something so positive with a group of kids everyone else had completely written off. , Link to Full Story »
Sep 6, `08
USA Rugby CIPP Update - Transfer Forms & Dual Roles
- USAR now accepting electronic request forms for transfers and dual roles. , Details »
Jun 14, `08 - Jun 15, `08
RESULTS: EPRU U 19 Girls Compete in Northeast U-19 Tournament
- defeat Met NY 37-10 , Details »
May 11, `08
State College Girls Win Fifth Straight Division 1 Championship
- defeat Doylestown 26-0 in final , Details »
If the standard of rugby in the EPRU, MARFU and USA is to improve, it is vitally important that we introduce our players to the game at an early age. Accordingly, increasing emphasis is being placed on the development of high school and youth rugby programs in our Union. At present the EPRU administers these youth rugby programs: U-19 Boys and Girls, U-15 Boys Contact and U-15 Co-Ed Non-Contact. 
