Willard "Bill" Fraumann Elected as USRF Chair of the Board of Directors
The United States Rugby Foundation, which for over six decades has supported the advancement and growth of youth and grassroots rugby in the United States, today announced that Willard “Bill” Fraumann has been elected as Chair of the not-for profit’s Board. Outgoing chair Brad Andrews will assume the role of Director and Chairman Emeritus.
Fraumann is a long serving member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and has served as Vice-Chair since 2017. Fraumann has had an impact for US Rugby outside the boardroom as well. He scored the first two US Eagles test tries of the Modern Era as he dotted down twice when the Eagles played host to France in Chicago in 1976. He is a retired partner of Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago. He was inducted into the US Rugby Hall of Fame in 2015.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
“I look forward to taking the baton from Brad who has done a great job of leading the Foundation for almost a decade,” said Bill. We are going to continue to focus on creating opportunities for girls and boys to play touch, flag and contact rugby across the country. With both the Women’s and Men’s Rugby World Cups coming to the United States in less than ten years, we need to build a base of young rugby players who love the experience of playing rugby. Hopefully, some of them will be representing the US on the rugby pitch in a few years!”
In this new role, Andrews will serve in an advisory capacity to ensure an effective and seamless leadership transition. As Chair, Andrews oversaw the expansion of the USRF, including a steady increase in grants awarded and the successful With You! Campaign which raised over $2.5 million. Andrews is a multi-capped player and captain of the US Eagles and a member of the US Rugby Hall of Fame.
“Fraumann has established himself as an experienced leader in our organization. He has the strategic vision, experience, skill set, and focus to sustain our strong momentum and carry our performance to the next level," said Andrews. "Under his leadership, I am confident the USRF will continue to expand its support of boys and girls youth rugby and enhance the growth of grassroots rugby in the US.”
USRF
The US Rugby Foundation, a non-profit organization, has for six decades supported the growth and development of youth rugby in the United States. The Foundation accomplishes this by funding and promoting grassroots programs, college scholarships, coach and referee development, and health and safety. To show support or learn more visit usrugbyfoundation.org.
