May 4, 2018 Houston, TX

The lunch is upon us but before we get to June 15 and the Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon or June 16 and USAvSCO at Compass BBVA Stadium we have some rugby to watch and support.  So get your tickets to the lunch right here.

The Houston Sabercats is Houston's entry into Major League Rugby or MLR.   They play a great style of rugby that is highly entertaining. Tickets are $30 per match or get a discount for season tickets.  Tonight there will be a watch party in the Rice Village.  Here are the details:

HEY SABERCATS FANS !!!! 

 

WHAT :         Houston SaberCats Rugby Watching Party

                        (The Cats are in San Diego for this week’s match)

 

WHEN :         Friday, May 4 at 700pm   /  Kick-off is at 730pm 

 

WHERE :       The Gorgeous Gael  (Irish Pub)  

                        5555 Morningside in Rice Village

                        https://www.thegorgeousgael.com/

 

OTHER :        Drink Specials

                        Raffle for SaberCats Gear and Tickets                       

                        Meet the “LadyCats”  -  the SaberCats Dance Squad

                        Bring some friends and show The Gorgeous Gael they made a good choice teaming-up with the SaberCats  !!!







April 13, 2017 New York

For those of us in the US who picked this game up in their late teens and early twenties the Barbarians, especially the 1973 team that beat the All Blacks in that famous match, was synonymous with how many of us dreamed to play the game.  The game is played that way today and not just by the Barbarians, but by schoolboys and girls in Houston. We were fortunate enough to have Fergus Slattery of Barbarian, Ireland and British and Irish Lion fame, speak at last year's lunch.  We ask now that you pencil in December 1, 2017 for next year’s lunch.  The lunch lives on so more young men and women can lace up the boots, while attendees have a good time, but the respect for the game is enhanced by knowing the history.  Here is a great piece from the RFU outlining that history of the Barbarians.  Help us make our own history by supporting the lunch and by donating to the Houston Youth Rugby Association.  Here is the story.



December 30, 2016 
New York, NY

There are wonderful stories that happen each day because of rugby.  Coaches from Katy to the Woodlands, down to St. Thomas High School and across to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, can tell you about a boy or girl that didn't know they had a rugby player  within them but found it and then thrived on the pitch. The RFU shared one last year.  Your help either this year, or next can make these stories happen in Houston.  If you would like to donate then go here.

We wish you well for the New Year.  If you missed this last year, then enjoy the story.




December 24, 2016 Houston, TX


This year the Jewish calendar is nearly aligned with the Gregorian Calendar as Chanukah begins on December 24. Most of America celebrates Christmas or Chanukah in some form or fashion beginning tonight.  For many it is a deeply important day and a moment where we pause and appreciate those that we love, especially family.  To all in the rugby family we hope that 2016 was one of joy and happiness and if not, that 2017 is filled with love, kindness, health and many tries under the post.

We are a charity organization so should you desire to help and would like to add one more tax deduction please support us by clicking here or the Holiday Rugby Ball.

Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings and Happy New Year from

The Houston Youth Rugby Association Board of Directors & the Lost Afternoon Rugby Committee
New York, NY

"A date which will live in infamy" are the words of FDR following the attack on Pearl Harbor. It triggered an event that would reap havoc across Asia, Europe and the world and lead to over 400,000 US dead and over one million US casualties.  There will be plenty of reminders today of the death and destruction in Hawaii 75 years ago today. One man whose life changed was Jay Berwanger, star running back for University of Chicago, and the first winner of what was to become the following year, the Heisman Trophy.  He went on to star in rugby after he turned down the contract offer from the Chicago Bears but Pearl Harbor ended his rugby career as he went on to become a Lt. Commander in the United States Navy. You can read all about Jay Berwanger and all members  of the US Rugby Hall of Fame right here. If you want to help rugby in Texas please go here



November 11, 2016 
New York, NY

Today is a day that has its roots in the soils of France, Belgium, and the oceans and seas of Europe.  Veterans Day was borne from the blood and carnage that the Great War brought the world, or what sadly became World War I after World War II brought new terror, and touched even more nations.  Originally Armistice Day in America, it is celebrated on November 11 because hostilities ceased on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. Today we salute all veterans who served our nation while our friends salute their veterans.  We share a message from USA Rugby's dynamic CEO, Dan Payne.



HelloAll!

On this Veteran’s Day, USA Rugby joins all Americans in celebrating the brave men and women who have answered our country's call, as well as the families that have supported them. We are eternally grateful for our fellow Americans that have served and ensured the American way of life will continue for future generations.

Many of our USAR colleagues have served in the military.  I would like to extend my personal thanks and appreciation to each of them for their courage and service. I am tremendously thankful and proud that our veterans form such an integral part of the USA Rugby family.

Sincerely,

Dan Payne, CEO





October 7, 2016 
New York, NY

Over the years Rugby Texas has sent many players from Houston to represent the age grade national sides.  They have been a product of the fine programs in the Woodlands, Katy, and St. Thomas. Bronson Teles is one such athlete and he has now distinguished himself enough to be headed to Australia as well.  He played nine years for Katy, Rugby Texas  and USA Rugby before heading off to continue his rugby at the University of Arizona.  He has now been named the 
2016 Mark Loane Medalist. It was commissioned in 2015 to commemorate the achievements of alumnus and former Australian Wallabies rugby captain Mark Loane and allows for Bronson to play at University of Queensland at their famous academy.

The Lost Afternoon's purpose is to find, not only the Bronson Tele's who excel for our national sides, but any young man or woman that might find joy in playing the great game of rugby. Read the entire article in its entirety here at the University of Queensland's website.  It is not too late to register for this year's Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon brought to you by Singapore Airlines and help us grow the game.






September 30, 2016 New York, NY

Tables continue to sell with the Baylor Strikers RFC just one of many that sold this week.  In the past we have had many clubs buy tables,  some still playing like Austin Blacks, HARC and Bay Area Rugby Club,  and some with us in spirit only, such as the HoustonOld Boys, Houston RFC and the Houston Heathens to name a few.  Click this link to register or click the photo of the Strikers belowto visit our website but also to view photos from years past.  Remember, we do this to have fun but of more importance to support the future of rugby.  Come meet Fergus Slattery, Dan Payne, CEO of USA Rugby and Seth Payne of SportsRadio 610.



September 26, 2016 
New York, NY


The Fastest-Growing Team Sport in the Nation Breeds Big Business reads the headline.  Mandy Antoniacci of Inc. Magazine talks about the growth of sport in the US and it is rugby not lacrosse or soccer that is moving the fastest. Rugby i
s growing in television viewership through  the World Cup  or Rugby Sevens.  Seeping into popular culture may be a bigger indication where rucks and mauls have joined the word scrum in our vocabulary.  Rugby fans have known what a great sport it is for years and we welcome everyone to the party.

You can help by joining our party that is now in its eighth year and benefits youth rugby.  The Lost Afternoon 
in Houston or Chicago helps make rugby a reality for kids  and you can help by registering here.

CREDIT: Getty Images










September 16, 2016 New York, NY

With a lineup that already includes Fergus Slattery, one of international rugby's great open side flankers, and Dan Payne the CEO of USA Rugby, the Lost Afternoon is now expanded further with the inclusion of a Master of Ceremonies.  Seth Payne of WCBS affiliate Sports Radio 610, and former NFL defensive lineman, will join us for our strongest list of rugby and media personalities in the eight year history of the lunch.


Seth played his college football for Cornell University.  He then proved that an Ivy League education will open doors, not only on Wall Street but also to the NFL, was a fourth round draft choice of the Jacksonville Jaguars and spent ten years in the league.  He played five years for the Jacksonville Jaguars, including the 1999 team that seemed destined for the Super Bowl winning 14 games against 2 losses.  The Jaguars' Super Bowl hopes were ended in a controversial playoff loss to a Titans team whose defense was coached by Gregg Williams.   Seth moved to nose tackle in Houston and was an important piece of Dom Caper's defense. Enjoying a very productive fifth season in Houston, Seth suffered a season ending, and what turned out to be a career ending ACL injury, but not before he became a fan favorite.  Seth is a Houston resident now and a popular radio  personality for Sports Radio 610's KILT on their morning show.



It is no coincidence that Seth Payne and Dan Payne share a last name as they grew up in the same house in Victor, NY. While Seth moved on to star in football, his brother  Dan was an All American heavyweight wrestler at Clarion University.  Dan ultimately found his way to the sport of rugby, playing for the US in the 2007 World Cup.  Seth has been attracted to his older brother's sport, and while enjoying the game, he appreciates the special camaraderie that rugby creates.  In addition, Seth joined a growing list of American coaches, such as Urban Meyer and Pete Carroll, in seeing rugby tackling as safer, but of more importance, a more effective way of tackling.  



Join us for an afternoon of fun, rugby, and always remember that this may help us find the next Fergus Slattery or Dan Payne. If we fail at that we can guarantee it will help        more young men and women to participate in a sport, which if you are reading this, at one time enjoyed yourself. So register here  and help us grow the game.

































New York, NY

The Lost Afternoon is pleased to announce that we are celebrating our eighth year on October 29, 2016 and registration is now open. Through your support the lunch continues to grow in popularity and this year we are pleased to open registration. Sponsored tables of ten are again $1000 while individual seats are $80.00. There will be an exceptional array of silent and live auction items to bid on, as well items that will be raffled off. Finally, expect quite a few laughs as well as the usual great time that this day always brings.

Dan Payne, CEOof USA Rugby has graciously agreed to attend the lunch and share with us his vision for USA Rugby. As a player, Dan was an Eagle who played in the 2007 Rugby World Cup for the US. In addition to playing for Old Blue of New York he led Old Mission Beach Athletic Club to a Super League Championship. Dan was an assistant coach for the US and head coach of both Life University and San Diego State.

Our keynote speaker is our first member from the Rugby World Hall of Fame to speak at the lunch. John Slattery, more commonly known to rugby fans as Fergus Slattery, will be joining us from Dublin. Fergus played for Ireland from 1970-1984 and captained Ireland eighteen times. When he retired, he was the most capped flanker in the history of the game with 61 caps. A two time tourist with the British Lions, including the storied 1974 tour where they beat the Springboks in all three matches, Fergus was also part of the Barbarians side in that memorable game in 1973 versus the New Zealand All Blacks.

Thank you for the continued support of youth rugby. Please forward and share this with anyone that may have interest. If interested in receiving a poster to forward, or a banner ad for your website, please let us know and we will forward.

Many thanks from the Houston Youth Rugby Association and the hardworking committee members of the 2016 Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon. See you on October 29th.

Click on the following link to register.

https://lostafternoon.org/8thRugbyLunch





 

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