By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
PreferencesDenyAccept
Pillars of Support

Pathways to Excellence

We provide opportunities for promising players to improve their skills through scholarships, awards, and Pathways Grants for domestic and international player development.

The Graham Downes Development Grants and Pathways to Excellence High Performance Grants provide promising players the opportunity to grow as players, on and off the pitch, at domestic and international rugby academies.

News

Excellence in the News

Meet Pathways Recipients

Max Doerfler and Oliver Kirk

The US Rugby Foundation strives to give every athlete the opportunity to achieve excellence. Two recipients of scholarships through the US Rugby Foundations Pathways of Excellence, Oliver Kirk and Max Doerfler, have reached the end of their term with Nelson College. Hear how these young athletes handled their time in New Zealand and strove for excellence.

Learn more

Meet Pathways Recipients

"JW" Sarkees and Connor Bender

The US Rugby Foundation prides itself in opening pathways to excellence for as many athletes as possible. 2023 Pathway Recipients, JW Sarkees and Connor Bender, are about to enter their first term at Nelson College through the Pathways to Excellence program. Learn more about these athletes and their drive for excellence.

Learn more
Our Impact

Grant Recipients

Pathways to Excellence
Graham Downes Development Fund
Joseph Walter “JW” Sarkees
2023
Connor Bender
2023
Max Doerfler
2022
Oliver Kirk
2022
Damian Morley
2021
Nafi Maafu
2017
Ross Silverman
2010
Don Pati
2009
Cam Dolan
2008
Hanno Dirksen
2008
Kevin Kimble
2008
Kevin Swiryn
2008
Hamish Roberts
2007
Shawn Pittman
2007
Scott LaValla
2006
Taylor Mokate
2006
Conrad Bontrager
2005
Saia Vainuku
2005
Damian Morley
2021
Tohi Angilau
2019
Julian Arteaga
2018
Ian Slack
2017
Jackson Baere
2017
Chuck Wallace
2016
Patrick French
2016
Brian Nault
2015
Hanco Germishuys
2015
Ben Pinkelman
2014
Stories

Stories That Inspire

Meet a Pathways Recipient

Damian Morley

With generous support from the Graham Downes Development Fund and the Pathways to Excellence Fund, U.S. U18s player Damian Morley spent over three months playing rugby at the world-renowned Stellenbosch Academy of Sport in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Learn more
Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it. See what people are saying.

This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
"Nelson College has certainly changed my life on and off the field. Besides the experiences I had and friendships I developed in Nelson itself, the growth it facilitated in me as a player has really boosted my rugby career."
Oliver Kirk
Pathways to Excellence Grant Recipient
"Your contributions have made a huge difference in making this trip a reality and a success. As a fellow fan of rugby I am in constant awe of the facilities and quality of training."
Damian Morley
Pathways to Excellence Grant Recipient
“The word that comes to mind when I think of how lucky I am to be receiving the Pathways to Excellence Grant is honored. I cannot think of a better opportunity."
Andrew Alves
Pathways to Excellence Grant Recipient
“As a young player that aspires to represent this country in the future, the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the heartland of South African rugby is an invaluable experience.”
Miles McCormick
Pathways to Excellence Grant Recipient
Donate

We Need Your Support

With additional funding, the Foundation could send more promising players to develop their skills through domestic and international rugby academies.

Join the clubhouse