Who We Are

David played rugby for 45 plus years, mostly in New Zealand. David was the San Diego Mustangs President as well as Director of Rugby for Torrey Pines. David has previously served as President of SoCal Youth Rugby. Prior to becoming President, he sat on two SCYR’s Member Councils, the U8-U12 and Boys High School Competition Sub-Committees.

Jason Divine is the Executive Director of Rugby NorCal and has been involved with rugby for over 25 years. Coach Divine formally coached at Sacramento State and Granite Bay. Coach Divine started playing rugby in high school at the Cougar Rugby Club and played wing with the USA U19s and at Sacramento State University.

Bill Stevens currently coaches Fort Wayne Men’s Rugby Club. Coach Stevens has passion for rugby and over 35 years of experience as a player and coach on a local, regional and international level and wish to help develop Youth Rugby to an elite level of operation.

Greg is currently the Senior Vice President and Head of the North American Beverage vertical for DHL Supply chain (The largest logistics company in the world and a key sponsor of rugby globally). Greg grew up in South Africa and played rugby for a top tier school in South Africa. After moving to the USA in 2009 he started coaching at San Clemente Gators rugby in Southern California. He coached all the age groups starting at u10 to eventually be appointed u18 head coach for the Gators at both XV’s and 7’s version of the game. He is a level 200 coach and certified referee. Greg lives in Montgomery Texas with his wife and 17-year-old daughter. He has 2 older sons, one who lives in Montana and the other who lives in Southern California.

‍

‍

‍

Kat Aversano is a USA Level 300/ WR Level 2, and PCA Certified coach for NOVA WRFC and Fort Hunt Rugby. Coach Aversano is the Founder and Commissioner of the Chesapeake Rugby Conference (girls tackle) and the Girls Tackle Commissioner of Rugby Maryland. Coach Aversano is the Chair of both the Y&HS Nominations WG and the Girls Growth WG.

Erin has been playing and coaching rugby for 13 years. She is a USA L1 certified coach. Erin is currently the president and head coach of the Cedar Rapids Rugby Club's women's team, which she helped to found in 2011. She has also helped to coach the Iowa U23 Women's Select Side in 2023. She currently sits on the Iowa Rugby Union's Select Side Committee as well as the Women's Development Committee.

Matt Persanis is the founder of Pelham Youth Rugby and the head coach of Pelham Memorial HS varsity and JV. Matt is the President of RUGBYNY.  Matt was formerly the head coach of The New York Athletic Club and played for Manhattan rugby club for over 12 years, 8 of them as captain. Prior to that he played for White Plains Rugby Club, Long Island Rugby Club, the Schenectady Reds Rugby Club and was captain for the SUNY Oneonta Rugby team.

Giovanni brings 10+ years of experience in the sporting industry. Having held roles that include working for Football.com, the Australian Open, San Diego State and Club Corps leading Country Club, the multidimensional perspective brings a different outlook to his role as Executive Director of the organization.

‍

On a personal front, Giovanni was born and raised in South Africa, but has since become a citizen of the United States. His weekends are spent either watching sports or playing sports with his wife, Roxanne, and two kids Siena and Capri.

With a family history in Australian Rugby, a professional background in project management, executive administration and operations, Sarah provides key support to the USA YHS members, clubs and SYROs throughout their engagement with the Youth and High School council.

‍

For any questions regarding registration, navigating the Rugby Xplorer platform, accreditations or general inquiries, please contact Sarah: sarah.dunbar@usayhsrugby.org