St. Bonaventure University’s men’s rugby program is getting a boost from the pros.

The Bonnies have signed a partnership agreement with Rugby ATL, the Major League Rugby franchise based in Atlanta. Former SBU rugby star Kevin McCorry, ’13 and ’14, is vice president of operations for Rugby ATL.

“Crucial to the success of the sport of rugby here in the U.S. is the creation, expansion and augmentation of athlete-performance environments across the country,” McCorry said. “Our commitment to St. Bonaventure and its rugby team is providing available resources to assist SBU in perpetual growth both on and off the rugby pitch.”

Throughout the development program, Rugby ATL will make available coaching resources and education at the request of St. Bonaventure to assist with player pathways, talent identification and long-term player development, McCorry said.

“Our goal is to maximize the potential of our student-athletes and make their experience at SBU a special one,” said Tui Osborne, Bonnies head coach. “This partnership with Rugby ATL will, without a doubt, make us a better rugby program. We’re very excited to be working with Kevin, Coach (Scott) Lawrence and his staff moving forward.”

The partnership will enable St. Bonaventure to take advantage of Rugby ATL’s expertise in player and coaching development and allow both organizations to share their knowledge on physical development (strength, speed, conditioning and flexibility).

Rugby ATL will also provide the Bonnies opportunities for summer internships and professional development.

Former SBU star Eamonn Matthews, ’19, signed a contract with Rugby ATL in November.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. In 2019, St. Bonaventure was named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report.

About Rugby ATL: Rugby ATL, Atlanta’s newest professional sports team, is bringing the physical and fast-paced game of rugby to the Southeast during its inaugural season in 2020. Part of Major League Rugby (MLR), the team is committed to delivering on its mission of excellence day in and day out, on and off the field. Rugby ATL is building a solid foundation with young, premiere players and coaches along with supporting the on-field product with a fantastic game-day experience. For more information and tickets, visit Rugby ATL at www.rugbyatl.rugby.

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