Metropolitan New York
Rugby Football Union Est. 1967
"Come Play the Game"

Dear Met Union,

    I have been working for nearly a year to find a rugby vendor that would work with our Met Union.  Initially, I was just looking for a company that would give a good price for some select side jerseys for our various select sides. I remembered Curt Hacker from American Rugby Outfitters and I spoke to him out at the National All-star Championships last December. I remembered too, that he was once very helpful on short notice in a special order for commemorative jerseys for rugby players lost in the 9/11 tragedy.

    While there are a number of rugby vendors out there, American Rugby Outfitters made a great offer to help out the union, which as you know, has operated with limited finances.

   Initially, after making a select side team order, I asked if select side jerseys could be available to union players that might want to buy them.  My feeling was that some players might like to buy a replica  or commemorative jersey after having made the select side. Mr. Hacker indicated that this was possible. At this point I discussed the possibility of other merchandise being designed and available.

Right now,  we have established that Met jerseys, shorts, polo's, and balls will be designed and available. American Rugby Outfitters  was willing to give incentives and percentages to the union, if in fact, clubs too, wanted to order. There is no push or hard sell here, by me, or the company. I am not receiving any money or any freebies of any sort for this endeavor. I am simply endorsing this company because we have talked a number of times and I trust them. I've recently seen a college jersey order bill for one set of jerseys. I know that two sets of jerseys could have been purchased for that price.  

    What I wanted was a vendor to recommend that would work with us in the Met Union.

Secondly, I wanted a "click in" company for our Met teams placed on the web site. I wanted clubs to be able to be able to order team jerseys at reasonable prices. I wanted clubs that order team jerseys to have the opportunity to buy individual jerseys after the initial order. Fans who want jerseys, parent who want to give gifts, teams presenting awards could have a chance to obtain a jersey. Torn jerseys can be replaced. 

I felt that it would be good to have a company that would have Met polo's available too. 

 Curt has offered to design Met practice balls. The price of 8 balls for $100.00 is an example of American Rugby Outfitters working with the Met Union.

    I have been aggressive with this company in asking that if Met clubs order, if  we could we revisit our agreement. I have been assured this is possible.

    I think I have a good company available for Met teams to work with. The union operates on a limited budget and I think this may be a chance to put some money in the coffer.

    After the link to American Rugby Outfitters is designed for the Met Union, I will ask Chris Page to put it on the Met web site.  Currently, you can go to www.americanrugby.com  if you would like to talk to Curt about the needs of your team.

American Rugby Outfitters has asked very little of us in return, but I hope our partnership can grow if Met clubs will order from  this company.

       I want you to know that Met administration supports this effort to bring some uniformity to our Met Program.  

    I hope that this letter finds its way to your club. I will ask Chris Page to post it on the web site. If you have some comments or questions, feel free to email me.

            Colin Kiley/Met

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Metropolitan New York
Rugby Football Union, Inc.
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