Major League Rugby is recognizing Game Changers in the League, players that are changing the sport of rugby for the better. These players are building rugby pathways and supporting future generations.
In addition to Nate Augspurger, former USA Eagle & rugby veteran Ryan Matyas was nominated to represent San Diego Legion as an MLR Game Changer. Here's how Ryan is helping to build #RoadToRugby pathways in North America...
Ryan Matyas demonstrates his passion for rugby by mentoring youth athletes and developing their performance techniques through clinics. He is dedicated to amplifying the rugby grassroots movement in North America – in a way that will have an immense impact for future generations.
As he shares his love for the game by coaching youth and supporting clinics throughout Southern California, he is also committed to informing and guiding young players on the importance of having good mental and nutritional health.
Comments from Ryan Matyas on why building rugby pathways in North America is so important to him:
"I started playing rugby when I was 12. Since then, I did everything I possibly could to get my hands on rugby advancement programs in order to increase my knowledge of the game—even if that meant catching a Greyhound Bus from Tucson, AZ to Seattle, WA. My dream was to become a professional rugby player.
Fast forward to today, I’m doing whatever I can to create more opportunities and rugby pathways for future generations of players in North America. I take great pride in playing alongside/against someone that I supported into their career with Major League Rugby.
Even if I played a minor role in their development, I feel like I am helping make rugby more accessible in the United States."
Want to see more MLR Game Changers? Visit majorleague.rugby/news/mlr-game-changers and check out the full list of XV players across the league that go above and beyond to build rugby pathways for future generations.