June 19 - Eagle Impact Rugby Academy (EIRA) is proud to announce that Met New York will become the newest addition to the network of regional academies providing top-of-the-line coaching and development to youth across the country in September, 2015.

EIRA Director Salty Thompson has appointed Matt Persanis as Head Coach for the academy, which will seek to train the best high school prospects in the New York City and surrounding areas with a skilled network of coaches from a vibrant rugby community ready to assist. As current Head Coach at Pelham High School, and the founder of Pelham Youth Rugby, Persanis brings a wealth of experience to the role which also includes his time as Head Coach of New York Athletic Club.

Thompson pointed to the growth of the game in the area and the dedication of coaches and staff as key reasons for the selection of Met New York as the seventh location for EIRA. “With outstanding single school and multi school clubs in the area and the excitement surrounding the growth of the game in the United States, the Met New York area is a perfect venue to continue to grow the game and help to prepare players for the next steps in their career at the high school, collegiate, and senior levels” said Thompson.

Founded in 2013, EIRA has continued to grow at a fast rate as the sport blossoms across the United States. Endorsed by USA Rugby as a high performance provider for age-grade players, EIRA has core academies in Southern California, Washington, Indiana, Texas, and the Carolinas. Western New York EIRA was a tremendous success following its foundation this year and will work together with Met New York in the implementation of curriculum within a three month off-season program aimed at developing skills and decision-making. Touring sides are to be announced shortly, with Under 18s slated to participate in the Victoria International Sevens July 10-11 and Under 16s to tour Vancouver July 12-19.  EIRA also operates satellite academies in Florida, Virginia, and New Mexico with additional states and regions slated to join later in 2015.

For more information about Eagle Impact Rugby Academy, head to www.eirarugby.org.