RFCLA Announces the Hiring of Olivia Soares to Regional Development Role

Soares who hails from Gridley in Northern California has been a passionate rugby fan since she was fourteen years old when she convinced her father to start a program in their small town so she could play.

Olivia earned her Bachelors degree from San Diego State University where she created the first Collegiate Women's Team there, who went on to make the Collegiate Playoffs in just their second season as a team, and again in their third.

Olivia has worked with SoCal Youth Rugby and Imagine Rugby for the past few years and will continue to build on those relationships as she begins to build out our community development and engagement strategy.

General Manager, Rugby Mark Carney said that appointment is one that is fundamental to the growth of rugby in SoCal.

"Olivia brings a positive attitude and a great deal of experience to this role with RFCLA.

"Her passion for the growth of the sport is evident and we are excited to be able to put more boots on the ground here in Southern California to continue to support the existing rugby infrastructure, but to also identify and foster new fans, players, coaches, referees and administrators".

Having played and grown up with the game, Soares was thrilled to be joining MLR's newest team, in her home state of California.

Olivia Quote if needed,"I am very grateful for the opportunity to get even more involved with the local community and continue to work to support further development of rugby here in SoCal.