Please join us in welcoming Rich McLeod to the Girls Rugby Oregon/SW Washington team as our Program Manager. Rich comes to Girls Rugby with an impressive background of working in education and sport. He has a great passion for rugby and providing opportunities for girls to be successful through sport.  Rich is incredibly excited to get started and help build Girls Rugby programming in Oregon and SW Washington.

Rich McLeod, Girls Rugby Oregon/SW Washington Program Manager

Tell us a little bit about yourself and a bit of your background
I am Canadian who has recently relocated to the Portland, Oregon area. I have spent most of my adult life living and working around the world. I am a husband,  father of three, lover of travel, food and sports.

Why did you want to work with Girls Rugby?
The values, mission and objectives of Girls Rugby align with me both professionally and personally. Sports and education have been my life, and I believe this an opportunity to grow the game of girls rugby in the Portland area and yet more importantly foster productive, confident and healthy young women in our community.

Why is empowering young girls important to you? 
I am the proud father of two girls. I have spent most of my professional life leading sports programs in schools that embrace accessibility and equity. I “champion” girls in sport.

What is an important value that you think is important for girls to learn? 
A strong growth-mindset, to embrace lifelong learning, self-belief, courage and resilience.

What are you most looking forward to with the upcoming season? 
I am looking forward to seeing the girls running with the rugby ball, making a great pass to a teammate and scoring a try. I look forward to the smiles and seeing the sense of accomplishment on the faces of our girls.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I have a cat from Uzbekistan named Vassia. I have lived in 11 countries and can speak Russian rather poorly.

Get to know Rich and join us in welcoming him to the team! To reach Rich or find out more information on Girls Rugby programs in Oregon and SW Washington, contact him at oregon@girlsrugbyinc.com.