USA Rugby announced today that Michele Kang and Jonathan Bobbett will be the first recipients of the Eagle Honor Award and Enduring Impact Award, respectively, at USA Rugby's Golden Gala in Washington, D.C., on July 17 at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium.
The Golden Gala, which is kicking off a historic weekend for the sport and will be the largest fundraising event in USA Rugby history, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of USA Rugby by looking back at the past five decades of historic moments, as well as being a catalyst for today's teams and tomorrow's successes by being the official send-off for the 2025 Women's Eagles World Cup team.
Learn more and reserve tickets at usa.rugby/goldengala
"The Golden Gala will be another key moment in this special 50th year for USA Rugby, as well as a memorable event for our historic weekend in D.C., said Bill Goren, USA Rugby CEO. “We're thrilled to honor Michele and Jonathan as our inaugural award winners for their impactful contributions to USA Rugby, as well as their belief in our teams to be the world's best and inspirations to future generations of rugby players."
Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and London City Lionesses women's soccer clubs, is dedicated to the advancement of women's sports through Kynisca, the first global, female-owned, multi-club organization in women's football. She will be the recipient of the inaugural Eagle Honor Award.
The Eagle Honor is an annual recognition of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the good of the sport and the rugby community. The individual displays character, leadership and vision for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of our sport. They can see a challenge on the horizon and rise above the challenge, pushing beyond the face value of their individual achievements and relentlessly pursuing their passion.
Following the historic US Women's Rugby Sevens team run at the Paris Olympics, Kang made an unprecedented donation of $4 million over the course of four years to the USA Women's Rugby Sevens team to help grow the sport and provide improved resources to the players and coaching staff in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“I’m deeply honored to receive USA Rugby’s inaugural Eagle Honor Award,” said Michele Kang. “Like so many others, I was inspired by the Eagles’ historic run at the Paris Olympics. But what continues to inspire me even more is how these players are driving lasting change – not just in rugby, but across all women’s sports. They are redefining what’s possible, breaking barriers and proving that investment in women’s sports delivers impact. I have no doubt that USA Rugby will continue to reach new heights and realize their dream of capturing the gold in Los Angeles in 2028."
The first-ever Enduring Impact Award will honor Jonathan Bobbett, a founding member of the Golden Eagles.. The Golden Eagles, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial support and career advancement to the Men's and Women's USA Sevens athletes and programs, has provided more than $3 million to the programs since 2021 through the efforts of many contributors.
The Enduring Impact Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant, lasting impact on the future of USA Rugby. This prestigious award acknowledges an individual who sees a need and an opportunity to make a difference and then dives in and makes that difference. Through their drive and sheer determination to solve a problem, they help transform the future of USA Rugby and the sport of rugby throughout the United States.
“When we began the Golden Eagles, it was not in hopes of being recognized with an honor like the Enduring Impact Award, we did it to be able to help the sport reach its full potential and make a difference for future generations of rugby players,” said Bobbett. “The Golden Eagles are just a part of what makes the sport of rugby special, and being able to continue to support this great sport is an honor on its own.”
“We look forward to bringing a weekend filled with the great sport of rugby to D.C.”, said Paul Sheehy, Golden Gala Co-Chair. “I can't think of a better way to begin the weekend than remembering the past 50 years and looking forward to the future at the Golden Gala while honoring two amazing supporters of the sport."
Golden Gala Co-Chair Bob Watkins added, “As someone who has seen how the sport of rugby can impact those involved, it is a privilege to see the USA Rugby Golden Gala recognize Michele and Jonathan for their commitments. We are excited to be able to showcase the history of USA Rugby and use this event to continue making an impact on the sport's future."
Individual and VIP tickets go on sale today and can be reserved at usa.rugby/goldengala.
Individual tickets can be purchased for $500, while limited VIP tickets are available for $1,000.
VIP tickets include:
- Tickets to US Rugby Foundation's Hall of Fame Dinner (Friday, July 18)
- Tickets to Double Header: USA Men vs. England & USA Women vs. Fiji at Audi Field (Saturday, July 19)
For more information regarding table purchases contact Erin Jones, erin@cfcvail.com.
