New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba will welcome the USA Rugby Select XV vs. England Counties XV rugby match on June 6 as well as the Mayor's Cup Rugby Tournament on June 7. Both events, held at Columbia University's Baker Field, will cap off New York City's first ever Rugby Week--a series of events aimed at raising the awareness of rugby and developing the sport at the grassroots level.

The Mayor's Cup will feature 24 teams comprised of players ages 8-14 who participate in Play Rugby USA's programs located across the five boroughs. The event will offer many of the participants their first taste of competition. The tournament will begin at noon while the elementary and middle school Mayor's Cup finals will take place at 2:25pm and 2:55pm, respectively. The awards ceremony will immediately follow at 3:20pm.

"Play Rugby USA has developed an excellent program that is truly committed to the development of New York City's youth," said Commissioner Podziba. "Participation in rugby can provide children of all socio-economic backgrounds with an opportunity to learn about teamwork, discipline, overcoming adversity, leadership and commitment; all of which will guide them as they move through life. We are truly thrilled to be supporting this landmark event and look forward to watching its continued growth and success."

The USA Rugby Select XV team, comprised of up-and-coming rugby players from the Rugby Super League and national championship teams, will face off against the England Counties XV, a developmental squad for the England National Team that features young professional players. The England Counties XV vs. USA Rugby Select XV match is part of a three-match tour of North America that also features a stop in Canada. The event will start at 7pm. Admission is free of charge, but donations will be accepted to benefit Play Rugby USA.

"Currently, 85% of the children participating in the youth program in New York come from underserved backgrounds," said Mark Griffin, Founder of Play Rugby, Inc. "Rugby is truly a team sport and it teaches the children invaluable lessons in teamwork and self-discipline that provide them with lifelong tools for success both on and off the pitch. We have received tremendous feedback from teachers and administrators about how inspiring it is to see participants improving their self-esteem and exhibiting increased cooperation and fewer behavioral problems after participating in our program. To have the support and endorsement of the Sports Commission in New York is an incredible honor and testament to the difference this program is making. We look forward to working with the city to expand our reach to all of New York City's youth."

Play Rugby USA's first group of participants in 2004 was made up of 75 children from a homeless shelter in Brooklyn. The following year, Play Rugby USA began their school-based program and has since grown to support programs in more than 50 schools throughout all five boroughs. The program is now a fully integrated youth development program that has positively influenced over 5,000 children. Play Rugby USA continues to grow around the nation with offices in San Francisco, CA and Portland, OR with additional offices opening in Philadelphia, PA and Washington D.C. in late 2008.

To maximize Rugby Week's experience for participants and fans, Play Rugby USA is launching www.playrugbyclub.com. The Play Rugby Club is a free and secure online learning social network that will provide event updates, video footage and photos from National Rugby Week's New York activities as well as discussion forums and real-time blogs from professional Play Rugby USA coaches. One of the main features of the site will be an International PenPal program that enables students to connect and build relationships with students from other rugby playing schools and nations around the world. The unique site will integrate into the Play Rugby USA's after school program for member schools.

Columbia University's Baker Field is located at 533 W. 218th Street, west of Broadway.

To learn more about the Mayor's Cup and Play Rugby USA, please visit www.playrugbyusa.com.

For more information about the USA Rugby Select XV team vs. England Counties XV rugby match visit www.usarugby.org.

Play Rugby USA is the program of Play Rugby, Inc., which is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that focuses on developing youth through rugby and places careful emphasis on having fun, improving fitness and developing life skills through delivery of specially designed curriculum.

USA RUGBY, founded in 1975, is the national governing body for rugby and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Rugby Board (IRB). The organization is responsible for the development of boys, girls, high school, collegiate and club athletic programs, as well as the six national teams representing the United States in international competition.

The New York City Sports Commission is the mayoral agency charged with attracting, facilitating and promoting professional, amateur and scholastic sports events in New York City. The Sports Commission has played an integral role in creating or developing many new sporting events, including the NFL Kickoff Live from Times Square, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series™ Champions Week, the BMC Software NYC Cycling Championship, the AVP Brooklyn Open, the NAUTICA NYC Triathlon, the NYC Half-Marathon, the Union Square Street Sessions presented by Jeep®, the Wild Onion Urban Adventure Race, and the Men's Health Urbanathlon.