The James G. Robertson and Clive Sullivan Rugby Foundation (RSRF) endeavors to establish a sustainable presence for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the USA Rugby and World Rugby community. The Foundation’s mission is to provide HBCUs with the resources they need to develop, grow and flourish in the game of rugby. Our HBCU Rugby Initiative will establish men's and women's teams across the country.

Founded in 2021, RSRF was conceived to fill the gap that exists in the American collegiate rugby landscape. RSRF’s role is to bypass the hurdles that student athletes face when trying to start a team at a university where the administration has little to no background on the sport. Our HBCU Rugby Initiative supports student leaders with the financial backing and logistical support that they need to effectively advocate for the inclusion of rugby in school athletic programs. With the full support of national associations, such as the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association and National Collegiate Rugby, and a background in grassroots rugby initiatives, the Foundation can successfully navigate administrative minutia and supply the equipment and coaches needed to start a rugby club.

Your donation will offset the cost to register both a men’s and women’s team with the National Collegiate Rugby governing association, provide team equipment and supplement the expenses associated with practices, home and away games.

Support the HBCU Rugby Initiative

Establishing men's and women's rugby teams at HBCUs

Team Members