Leinster Rugby is to host a first ever fundraising dinner in New York on November 8th.
It will be used to deepen the connections Leinster have been building in the USA over the last few months as well as using the opportunity to raise vital funds for the development of the game in the 12 counties of Leinster.
Former Leinster and Ireland players Dave Kearney and Rob Kearney will be in attendance, as will current Leinster Contact Skills Coach and former British & Irish Lions star, Seán O’Brien.
Current members of the Leinster senior men and women’s team will also be in attendance and will form part of a wider panel of guests and speakers on the night.
“The last six months or so have been hugely positive as we took those initial steps into the States to see what appetite there was for Leinster as a club but also as a brand, to reach out and to engage on the east coast,” said Leinster Head of Rugby Philip Lawlor.
“Our partnership with Syracuse University was the first step and that has started very strongly with nearly 100 children attending our summer camp and close to 30 coaches taking our coaching clinic with Seán O’Brien.”
“Colin O’Hare, one of our Coaching Development Officers, has been appointed and is now based on campus and is already working with rugby staff and their students and players to develop the rugby programme in Syracuse.”
“What we have seen is a huge energy towards Leinster Rugby in America and we are very much looking forward now to expanding that further. The Gala Dinner will give us a chance to meet new people and to tell our story to even more people, some of whom may never have heard of Leinster Rugby, but who would like to understand our From The Ground Up model and who would like to make a real difference in our communities, in the 12 counties of Leinster and on the ground in the US.”
The Dinner is being organised by Rugby Capital Advisors (RCA), who were also closely aligned with the roll-out of the summer camp programmes for Leinster in Syracuse University over the summer.
“The Gala Dinner in November promises to be a memorable night filled with conversations with rugby legends, their stories, and insights into what makes Leinster Rugby exceptional, both on and off the pitch,” said Niall Farren of RCA.
“More importantly, it will be a night of enjoyment. We are delighted to have secured the presence of Rob, Dave, Seán, and the current players who will really bring this event to life.”
“Ultimately this is about the next generation and our vision extends beyond Leinster. We aim to nurture rugby talent, provide resources and funding to create player pathways not only for Leinster Rugby but also for aspiring US rugby players.
“It’s an exciting step towards building a strong foundation for rugby in the United States, especially as we look forward to the Rugby World Cup in 2031 and 2033. We hope this Gala Dinner marks the beginning of a series of such events in New York and beyond.”
To register your interest in attending the Leinster Rugby Gala Dinner, or for further information, please contact info@rugbycapitaladvisors.com
A silent auction will be held on the night in aid of the charity partner for the event, USA Youth and High School Rugby, an organisation dedicated to creating a vibrant and secure space for the growth of rugby in America.
