1975 Sexist OSU Newsletter
The Old Man, the newsletter of the Ohio State University Men’s Rugby club announced the formation of the Ohio State women’s team. Note the graphic illustration of a female player.
1977 The Pitch
The Tube and the Pitch, two different Ohio State Women’s team newsletters from 1977 show the grassroots organizing, bawdy nature of women’s rugby at the time.
Support us today!
When you contribute to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation you become part of a movement to support girls and women involved in rugby.
We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
All donations made are tax deductible.
Support us today!
When you contribute to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation you become part of a movement to support girls and women involved in rugby.
We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
All donations made are tax deductible.
Caoimhe O'Sullivan Roche
Age: 29
From: Lawrenceville, NJ
Job that pays the bills: Technical Writer, ZincFive
Rugby life:
New York Rugby Club, Womxn+ (2018-Present)
40 Official WPL League Match Caps
Appearances in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024 WPL Final-Four playoff matches, placing #3 Nationally in 2018 and 2019
Nominated twice for the WPL Dream Team, 2023
Coach’s Award winner, 2019
James Madison University, Women’s Rugby (2013-2017)
Captain and Coach’s Award Winner, 2017
Member of JMU’s 2013 USA Rugby 7s National Championship, 2nd place team
Member of the 2014 Collegiate Rugby Championship, 2nd place team
Multiple appearances in D1 National Collegiate playoff matches.
Attended the 2014 + 2015 Junior and Collegiate All-American Camps
Why we love Caoimhe:
New York Rugby Club, Board Member
Board Chair, Governance Committee Chair: 2024
Director, Finance & Development Committee Chair: 2021 - Present
Club Treasurer, NYRC Womxn Development Chair: 2019 - 2021
Advocated for increased sponsor/donor contributions and equitable financial policies at the NYRC board level, leading to expanded financial access for the NYRC Womxn, and a nearly 80% WPL player cost subsidy over the last 3 years.
Developed a high-level medical team, with designated MD and PT partners, offering high-quality on-field care, expedited scheduling, and in-practice evaluations and prehab-sessions.
Member of the 2022 WPL Working Group, which made foundational decisions to support the eventual formation of a professional women’s rugby league.
Technical Writer, ZincFive Summer (2024-present)
Sole writer of all company technical documents (manuals, install instructions, data sheets, product one pagers) as well as any marketing content
Company named one of Time’s 2024 Top GreenTech Companies
Rugby 4 All, Coach + Program Outreach Manager (2023 - Present)
Youth rugby program bringing the game and its values to schools and community organizations throughout the five boroughs.
Assisted first-responder efforts during the Covid-19 Pandemic as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) (June 2020 - October 2022)
Co-Founded and ran small business Canvex LLC (2017 - 2019)
Utilizing UAV technology and emerging VR software for 3D modeling/mapping, key projects included an archival model of a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cartagena, Colombia, and a virtual reality tour of James Madison University.
2017 Purple & Gold Society Inductee: Annual honor bestowed upon 13 JMU students who embody humility, drive, and the school’s motto, “Be the change”.
"Women’s rugby is a shining example of the power of community. I am forever grateful that I stumbled onto my college team at 18, because with rugby I found my people, and the sport I’d been trying to play my whole life. I’ve learned how to redefine conventional ideas of strength and identity, cultivating a better sense and perception of self. Rugby has provided me so much, in tangible (living space, jobs, lifelong friendships, weekend plans!) and intangible ways. As such, I strive to cultivate an accessible and welcoming space so as many folks as possible can avail of this incredible community. Finances were a huge barrier to entry for not only myself, but many others trying to access high-level women’s rugby. In joining NYRC, I made it my mission to fight for greater support, funding, resource/facility access, and acknowledgement of our elite level of play within the Women’s Premier League. I’m very thankful for the trailblazers ahead of me, and those who I’ve joined in this fight for acknowledgement and equity!
On a personal note, I have lots of interests and leave no stone unturned. I’ve held so many jobs and organizational roles (Soccer/Rugby Coach, Hospitality Services, Woodshop Manager, EMT during COVID, Census Enumerator in under-counted areas during 2020, Paralegal in Monsanto RoundUp Settlement in 2021, Scenic Designer for Movie + TV sets 2022-2023), Technical Writer for an Battery Power company) and strive to always make impact in every role! I love learning through experience and traveling whenever I have the opportunity. Below are links to some cool media coverage of the team that I helped organize and connect, and I also have some speaking opportunities throughout both where I perhaps better articulate my love of the game!"
4 Min. Feeld Co. Feature Piece on NYRC Womxn + Rugby
4 Min. Vice News Segment on NYRC Womxn starting @ 34:04
More about Caoimhe:
All photos provided by the award recipient
Photos taken by: Sean Hale ; Manish Gosalia