Delaware Rugby Foundation

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 654
Hockessin, DE  19707
(302) 453-9256		  

The Delaware Rugby Foundation will promote the game to new audiences and provide seed money to fund development programs. The Foundation will also provide leadership and direction in establishing the right public image of rugby and in building the infrastructure required for the long-term successful growth of rugby in Delaware.

 

The Delaware Rugby Foundation is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) dedicated to the promotion and growth of rugby in Delaware. Particular emphasis is given to educating new audiences, especially among Delaware youth, on the benefits of participating in a competitive, physically demanding, global sport which is widely recognized for its character and team building attributes. Rugby will be positioned as different from other sports in that, while highly competitive, it is played in a fun, friendly spirit that bonds participants together in a “global family” of friendships with teammates and opponents that often last a lifetime.
 

Board Members

Andy Newcombe - President
 Andy Newcombe BSc. CChem, MRSC, was educated at Gowerton School, Wales and Brunel University,London England where he graduated with a degree in Medicinal, Environmental, and Agricultural Chemistry. Whilst at Gowerton School, Mr. Newcombe was captain of the senior rugby team and represented West Glamorgan U18, West Wales U18, and was also a member of the Wales U18 schools squad. Whilst attending Brunel University, Andy captained the university rugby team, and represented London and England Universities. After graduating Brunel University, Andy joined ICI Agrochemicals as an analytical chemist and worked for 5 years at the Jealott’s Hill International Research Station located in Berkshire, England. During this time, Andy also joined London Welsh RFC and was elected captain of the 1st team in 1994. Whilst playing for London Welsh RFC, Andy also represented Berkshire County, Crawshay’s, and the Voyagers and Magpies invitational 7’s teams. During his time at London Welsh RFC, Andy made 61 appearances for the 1st team, 30 times as captain.

In the summer of 1995, Andy relocated to the USA with Zeneca Inc. where he was employed for 5 years as a Senior Research Scientist. Currently, Mr. Newcombe is employed as a Principal Scientist with ARCADIS Inc. and has acquired more than 18 years of international experience in the field of agrochemical research. Whilst living in the USA, Andy has played for the Wilmington, Brandywine, and Philadelphia-Whitemarsh rugby clubs. He has also represented EPRU and MARFU select sides, captained the Atlantis 7’s team at the Benidorm International 7’s tournament, and has 9 caps for the US Classic Eagles.

 Mr. Newcombe joined the Delaware Rugby Foundation board in 2004 and has served as secretary to the board and also chair of the fundraising committee. Currently, Andy is serving as the president of the Foundation. Andy and his wife Lee live with their three children, Rhys, Graeme, and Gavin in Wilmington, Delaware.
Kevin McDermott - Vice President
Kevin J. McDermott, D.C., graduated from the University of Delaware in 1993 with a BA in Chemistry. He then attended Life Chiropractic University, receiving the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic in 1997. His involvement in rugby began in his sophomore year at Delaware, and continued in chiropractic school when he played for Life Rugby Club. After playing for Life for 3 years, he played for 1 year with Atlanta Old White Rugby Club. Upon returning to Delaware to enter practice, he began playing for the Wilmington Rugby club, where he played for 8 years.

Dr. McDermott has been a member of the Delaware Rugby Foundation Board of Directors since 2004, and is currently the vice-president of the foundation. He is also the head of the program committee. He is married with 3 children, is a practicing chiropractor in Bear, Delaware, and is the team chiropractor for the University of Delaware.