Philadelphia, PA, March 11 – The Games will be held from December 26, 2015 – January 5, 2016 in Santiago, Chile.
“We’re excited about gathering a young squad that will not only compete, but hopefully take home the gold medal. While part of the intention of the tour is to prepare for the World Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2017, our primary focus is certainly on Chile,” said Davis, winner of the silver medal at the Maccabiah Games in 2001 and 2005 and two National Championships with the Santa Monica Dolphins.
The Rugby competition at the 2015 Pan American Maccabi Games will feature both 7s and XVs. Argentina, Australia, Chile, South Africa and USA have confirmed their participation in the one day 7s tournament. Countries that have confirmed their participation in XVs include Argentina, Chile, South Africa and USA.
“There will be three XVs games and a full day of 7s packed into the short tour, allowing us to take players who specialize in either code, or those that play both,” explained Davis, who was the vice-captain at the 2013 Maccabiah Games.
Stanford, Team USA’s Assistant Rugby Coach, was also involved in the 2013 Maccabiah Games, captaining the squad to a bronze medal in XVs and gold medal in 7s. The former USA Eagles player will be taking the field in Chile for the 7s event.
“It’s an amazing honor to represent your country, and to play one of the greatest games on earth, especially alongside people that share a similar heritage. We’re hoping to attract plenty of new up and coming players to Chile to add to our already impressive Maccabi USA Rugby alumni network, which includes Super Bowl XLIX Champion Nate Ebner and USA Rugby Olympic athlete Zach Test,” smiled Stanford.
Erik Dollman, Maccabi USA’s Rugby Chairman, is extremely excited about the upcoming tour: “Although we’ve received a ton of applicants, we know there are still plenty of young, talented and Jewish Rugby players out there.
To apply for the 13th Pan American Maccabi Games, interested Rugby candidates should visit http://www.maccabiusa.com/sports_main/rugby/ to fill out an application. All athletes are responsible for raising $5,900; Maccabi USA has prepared a robust fundraising plan to aid players in securing their funds for the trip. For more information, please contact Rugby Chairman Erik Dollman at erik.dollman@tbs.toshiba.com, Aaron Davis at aaronloringdavis@gmail.com, and Dallen Stanford at dallen.stanford@playrugbyusa.com.
About the organization:
Maccabi USA (MUSA) is a federally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, and the Pan American and European Maccabi Games, as well as a sponsor of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America. As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.
MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities. It strives to provide Jewish athletes the world over the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings. MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish Continuity, Zionism and Excellence in Sport. Maccabi USA Builds Jewish Pride Through Sports.
Maccabi USA has been selected by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) as a Multi-Sport Organization (MSO). The nonprofit organization becomes one of 35 MSOs nationwide to be recognized by the USOC for its ability to cultivate a national interest in sport and increase opportunities for participation internationally, nationally and at the grassroots level.