PENINSULA GREEN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB – A BRIEF HISTORY
In 1998 several players at Sacred Heart Prep High School (SHP) were interested in playing rugby at the high school level. Chad Keck (former player at Army, Harvard Business School and Manhattan [NY]) and father of SHP player, Matt Keck, was instrumental in organizing the players and recruiting coaches for the the team. Coaches Paul Negus (London Wasps, PAXO, PAXO Old Blacks) and Rich Kelly (Santa Clara, Mission RFC) took the initiative and established The PGRFC for High School age players in 1998 in order to provide a competitive high school rugby experience for athletes on the mid peninsula. The coaches emphasized rugby basics and team tactics, fielding successful teams that were known for both competitiveness and fair play. The team toured British Columbia, Canada in 2003.During these early years, the team often practiced on peninsula park fields without lighting and coach Paul Negus brought both a large light and a generator to illuminate the field for practices. Negus also personally financed much of the team expenses - jerseys, balls, transportation.
It had always been the intention of Negus and Kelly to train younger rugby players. In 2000 Negus and coach Bob Benson (Harvard Business School, Back Bay, PAXO, PAXO Old Blacks) decided to expand the age level offering and founded the Peninsula Green Youth Rugby program for players from 5 yrs to 14 yrs old. With a lot of assistance from other coaches this program quickly grew to over 150 youth players and split into 4 geographically separated programs on the Peninsula which now have over 400 youth players. In 2003 Benson also joined with Negus and Kelly to help coach the high school program.
Coach Rich Kelly retired in 2007 and coaches Moses Similai (Hawaii RFC, Old Blues RFC, PAXO Old Blacks RFC), George Richard (Chico RFC), Phil Bertetta (San Diego State, San Jose Seahawks) joined the PGRFC. Coach Jim Collins joined the coaching staff in 2008.
In 2009, Negus retired from the Peninsula Green Rugby Football Club and Bob Benson became head coach supported by coaches Moses Similai, Jim Collins, and Phil Bertetta. In 2012, 4 new coaches joined the coaching staff to replace Jim Collins and Phil Bertetta – John Foster, Vic Dippenaar, Greg Lee and Steve Everett. For 2013 the Club decided to expand with younger players in the Middle School (U14) and U12 age groups. Coaches Wade Hess and Brad Richey joined the PGRFC coaching staff to coach the Middle School teams.
Peninsula Razorhawk Youth Rugby Club - http://www.razorhawks.com/
San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club - http://www.sfggrugby.org/
Lamorinda Rugby Club - www.lamorugby.com
San Mateo Rugby Club - www.sanmateorugby.org
Hayward Rugby Club - http://www.rugbyclubs.com/griffins/hs.html
East Palo Alto Rugby Club - http://www.razorbacks.eparugby.org/
Bellarmine College Prep High School Rugby Club - http://www.facebook.com/BCPrugby
South Valley Rugby Club - http://southvalleyrugby.com
- Sweatshirt (Hoodie) $ 48
- Practice Jersey (Black) $ 45 (Provided as part of kit with dues payment)
- T-shirt Beavers (White) $ 15
- Blanket $ 30
- Boot bag $ 15
- Cap (Baseball) $ 20
- Car Decal $ 5
- Kit bag $ 80 (With player name - Special order - Once per year)
- Rugby ball $ 20
Purchase and Order information:
See Kendra Cortinas Kendra for ordering and purchase of all the Pen Green merchandise. Kendra is usually at all of the practices and games, and can be reached through email or cell phone. Many items require special order to receive quantity discount.
Kendra Cortinas This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (650) 269-2580
1. Hooded Sweatshirt (Pen Green Rugby - Hoodie)
- Description: Hooded Sweatshirt - Long sleeve. Front - Pen Green Beaver Logo (embroidered), middle hand warming pocket. Back - Pen Green Name in large letters (silk screen)
- Colors: Available in Green or Black.
- Sizes: S,M,L,XL,XXL to 6XL (Other sizes may be ordered).
- Special Order:
- Price: $48.00
2. Practice Jersey
- Description: Practice Jersey - Short sleeve. Front - Pen Green Beaver Logo (silk screen), Back - no writing or logo
- Colors: Black.
- Sizes: S,M,L,XL,XXL (Other sizes can be ordered).
- Special Order: Once per year
- Price: $55.00
3. T-Shirt (Beaver Rugby, White)
- Description: T-shirt - Short sleeve. Front - Beaver pointing figure for number 1 (silk screen), Back - Pen Green Name in large letters (silk screen)
- Colors: White.
- Sizes: S,M,L,XL,XXL (Other sizes can be ordered).
- Order: Shirts in inventory
- Price: $15.00
4. Blanket (Pen Green, Green)
- Description: Blanket. Corner - Pen Green Beaver Logo (embroidered)
- Colors: Green.
- Sizes: Std size.
- Order: Special order
- Price: $30.00
5. Boot bag (Peninsula Green, Green and Black)
- Description: Boot bag for storing boots and shoes (or other uses). Front - Pen Green Rugby chevron logo on front (Silk screen)
- Colors: Green bag with Black front panel.
- Sizes: Std size.
- Order: Bags in inventory
- Price: $15.00
6. Cap (Pen Green baseball)
- Description: Baseball Cap. High quality adjustable cap. Front - Peninsula Green Rugby name (embroidered)
- Colors: Green cap with white on the side of the brim and side of hat.
- Sizes: Asjustable Std size.
- Order: Caps in inventory. Special Order.
- Price: $20.00
7. Car Decal (Pen Green Rugby Chevron Logo)
- Description: Decal. Peel-off for adhesive to mount on any surface.
- Colors: Green decal with white and black chevron Peninsula Green Rugby Club rugby ball carrier Logo .
- Sizes: One size - 4-1/4" x 6-1/4".
- Order: Decals in inventory.
- Price: $5.00
8. Kit Bag (Peninsula Green Rugby w Player Name)
- Description: Kit Bag for carrying rugby gear. Heavy duty canvas. Peninsula Green name on one side and player name on the other side.
- Colors: Green w/ black bands and white ends.
- Sizes: One size - 3' x 1.25' diameter.
- Order: Special order - Need 12.
- Price: $80.00
9. Rugby Ball
- Description: Rugby ball .
- Colors: White w/ Green and black bands.
- Sizes: Size 5 (Standard Professional, HS and MS)
- Order: In Inventory.
- Price: $20.00
Peninsula Green Rugby Coaches – 2016 Rugby Season
Bob Benson (650) 520-1060 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Moses Similai (650) 630-1014 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Steve Everett (650) 862 3872 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wade Hess (650) 291-6155 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kala Kalauta (650) 274-6603 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Peter Yoon (510) 295-8516 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alex Avendano (650) 400-8693 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Iseleli Mailau (510) 328-5033 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tory Golino (408) 829-8679 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alani Langi (650) 520-5166 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bob Benson
- Player / Coach / President at Harvard Business School, Palo Alto, PAXO, PAXO Old Blacks, Back Bay Rugby Football Clubs.
- 16 years experience coaching Youth, HS rugby.
- Rugby NorCal Certified coach, NorCal All Stars coach, USA Rugby certified Coach Trainer, USA Rugby HS All American Manager, Rugby NorCal Officer and Board Member.
- Certified referee - 7 years experience
Moses Similai
- 2-time USA Eagles player, Tonga national team, Hawaii Rhinos, Hawaii Nation, BYU RFCs.
- 10 years experience coaching youth & HS rugby.
- Rugby NorCal Certified coach, NorCal All Stars coach,
- USA Rugby HS All American Coach, NorCal All Stars selector.
- Certified referee - 5 years experience
Steve Everett
- Player at Ulster RFC, English Leagues.
- 20 years experience coaching English, Irish and US youth, HS & University rugby.
- Rugby NorCal licensed coach
Wade Hess
- Player at Hayward Griffins, San Jose Seahawks, Barbarians, Golden Gate, San Bruno Saints Rugby Clubs.
- 6 years experience coaching US youth rugby.
- Certified coach
Kupa [Kala] Kalauta
- Tonga National Team Fitness Coach - 5 years.
- Played on various Senior Club level teams in Tonga.
- 10 Years coaching youth rugby.
Peter Yoon
- Player at San Jose Seahawks,
- 6 years experience coaching US youth rugby.
Alex Avendano
- Player at Peninsula Green Rugby Club.
- 2 years experience coaching US youth rugby.
Isieli Mailau
- Played for Tonga Rugby.
- Coached at Hayward Rugby Club
- 3 Years coaching US youth rugby.
- Certified referee - 4 years experience
Tory Golino
- Player / Coach - San Jose Seahawks Rugby Football Club.
- Player - San Mateo Rugby Club (7's)
- Player - Humboldt State Rugby Club
- Player - Los Gatos High School Rugby Club
- 12 years experience coaching men's club rugby (7's and 15's)
- 3 Years coaching US youth rugby.
- Rugby NorCal certified coach - 3 years experience
Peninsula Green Rugby Coaches – Alumni
John Foster (650) 248-5984 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Brad Richey (650) 388-6306 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Joe Brophy (650) 218-3625 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
John Foster
- Player at Cal RFC, Old Blues RFC, Club leagues.
- 5 years experience coaching Youth, HS rugby.
- Rugby NorCal licensed coach
Brad Richey
- Player at UC Irvine.
- 2 years experience coaching US youth rugby.
- Certified referee - 6 years experience
Joe Brophy
- Played at SFGG RFC (HS) St Mary's College RFC - 5 years.
- Played in New Zealand (Christ Church) - Senior Club level
- 1 Year coaching US youth rugby.
Home Field: Woodside High School - 199 Churchill Avenue Woodside, CA 94062
Alternate Practice Field: Mitchell Park - 600 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94306