Your support matters:

Since shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Penn State Rugby Foundation has been in close contact with the Ukrainian Rugby Union.

In cooperation with the Ukrainian Rugby Union, the Penn State Rugby Foundation is proud to spearhead a fundraising effort in the USA to provide assistance to the Ukrainian Rugby Federation. The need is great. The war has devastated facilities, totally disrupted operations, and has continuing, tragic consequences to staff, players, and their families.

All the cities that you have seen in the news--Kiev, Kharkiv, Lviv, Odessa, Khmelnitskiy, Mykolaiv, Irpin, and more--have dynamic men’s, women’s and youth rugby clubs and strong rugby communities. Most of the 3,000+ active Ukrainian players currently are in their streets defending their country.

Your donations will go toward the following in Ukraine:

Supporting the Ukrainian National rugby teams and their participation in international competitions (training camps, kit, equipment, etc.)

Providing funds for Ukrainian rugby clubs of all ages to purchase equipment to enable them to return to the domestic competitions

Rebuilding rugby facilities that have been damaged by bombings
Supporting Ukrainian rugby players who are volunteering in Ukraine to purchase fuel, safety equipment, and spares for the work they are doing in the community
Supporting the families of rugby society representatives who were killed or injured in the war

The spirit and traditions of rugby transcend boundaries and nations. The jersey shown below was kindly sent to us during the early days of the invasion. It took a couple of months to get to us but will have a permanent place in the Penn State Rugby Kabala Family Hall as a reminder of what is important in this world and how sport can be an important part of healing.

Through our contacts with the leaders of the Ukrainian Rugby Union, we are replicating the funds transfer arrangement used by the European Rugby Union. We are aware how the money raised will be spent and who will make those decisions. We know together we can make a difference. The Ukrainian Rugby Union will be providing us with regular reports and updates on how the funds will be used, and we will be sharing these with all donors on this platform.

Please consider making a contribution and spreading the word throughout our USA Rugby Community.

Sincerely,
Penn State Rugby Foundation

An appeal from the General Secretary of the Ukrainian Rugby Union:

For more than 8 years Ukraine has been heroically fighting for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the confrontation with the Russian aggressor. Our generation was entrusted with the sacred mission of defending our land within the limits recognized by international law 30 years ago. Thousands of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, millions of citizens both inside Ukraine and abroad make every day their maximum efforts to end forever this devil from the east, Russia and its criminal regime.

The rugby community of Ukraine has always been and will be grateful for all kinds of help from our American friends! The United States of America has never stood aside when our State needed support from international partners, as evidenced by the level of assistance from your Government, The Penn State University Rugby Foundation, and ordinary Americans.

This Ukrainian rugby jersey is special, because it is a symbol of the fight for truth and freedom and the future recovery of Ukrainian rugby. During the war, dozens of rugby fields were destroyed, where both young and adult rugby players honed their skills. It is your sincere support that will contribute to the earliest possible return of a full-fledged life in our country.

We thank Penn State Rugby Foundation and all those who have contributed to support us.

“Glory to Ukraine!"

Iryna Arkhytska
General Secretary of the Ukrainian Rugby Union

Additional Information:

Information on the Ukrainian Rugby Union (PDF, English)

The National Rugby Federation of Ukraine (Ukrainian)

The Penn State Rugby Foundation

Penn State Rugby Booster Club

Penn State Rugby (Womens)

Penn State Rugby (Mens)

Your Opportunity to Support Rugby in Ukraine