NEW YORK (Nov. 29, 2018) – Rugby United New York, Major League Rugby’s latest expansion franchise set to kickoff in January 2019, has named Tiffany Faae’e (pronounced: fay-a-ee) as a coach. Faaee becomes the first female coach in U.S. men’s professional rugby history. Her coaching efforts will focus on the forwards and tackling technique.
As a player, Faaee has competed internationally for the USA Eagles, leading them as a captain in the 2017 World Cup and guiding the team to a fourth place finish. Born in Los Angeles, Calif., Faaee spent parts of her childhood in New Zealand and Samoa, and has also represented the two countries on the international stage. Now residing in Brooklyn, NY, the desire to play and coach in America has led her to this opportunity.
“I am always incredibly grateful for any opportunity to learn and grow as a coach. This opportunity however is better than any I could have imagined. The staff are world class with so much experience and depth,” Faaee said. “I feel blessed to not only join a franchise that is committed to growing the game in numbers and quality rugby, but also in growing the game with the support of the community and local clubs. Not only do I get to continue my journey from playing at the highest level with the Eagles, I now get to experience coaching the game I love surrounded by the best in the business. To also do this in New York, where my international rugby career started, is a huge bonus. I get to give back to the people who supported me.”
“I’ve known and worked with Tiff for three years and have always been impressed by her work ethic, attention to detail and leadership,” RUNY General Manager James English said. “She is a massive addition to our organization and I am very excited and lucky to be part of her growth as a pro rugby coach.”
Faaee has also played with New York Rugby Club women’s team, capturing a National Championship in 2017, and a number of club teams in New Zealand since her playing career began in 2000. Since retiring from playing in November 2017, she has coached New York Rugby Club.
Most recently, she served as head coach of Monroe College men and women’s rugby teams, a role she will continue to hold.
Faaee will join Rugby United New York’s coaching staff during their first season competing in Major League Rugby. RUNY kicks off their inaugural season on Jan. 27, 2019 at 5 p.m. EST at the San Diego Legion. Home games will be at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. For ticket information, visit www.rugbyunitedny.com.
Photos for editorial use can be viewed here.
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About Rugby United New York
Rugby United New York is a professional rugby team that joined Major League Rugby as an associate member in 2018, playing a brief, but successful exhibition season. Their first full MLR schedule will take place in 2019. RUNY’s vision is to bring the excitement of professional rugby to the New York sports landscape. The use of rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, and discipline will help to educate, inspire and connect with the New York Community. Rugby United New York, the city’s first professional rugby franchise, strives to unite the entire rugby community and enrich it at every level throughout the region. The team was founded by James Kennedy of the Murphy Kennedy Group, who is an active supporter of grassroots rugby.
Media Contacts:
Rugby United New York:
Andrew Newman | anewman@rugbyunitedny.com
Ken Fitzgerald | kfitzgerald@rugbyunitedny.com
