Rugby Legend Shawn Lipman to coach the USA open mens rugby team-2013

Philadelphia, PA, May 22 – Former USA Maccabiah Rugby Captain Shawn Lipman was appointed head coach of the USA Open Men’s Rugby team to compete at the 19^th World Maccabiah Games in Israel, July 17 – 30, 2013.  Lipman has an extensive history as an athlete at the Maccabiah Games, participating five times, the first as a member of the South African Team and subsequently as a member of the USA Team winning two gold medals (one for South Africa), one silver and two bronze medals.

In addition to his Maccabiah Rugby career, Lipman played at the international level for the USA. As a U.S.  Eagle, he represented the United States at the 1991 Rugby World Cup and has played for the U.S. National Team in over 20 international matches, including 9 test matches.

Lipman has played against some of the best national and international teams in the world, including the New Zealand All Blacks, England and France. He is the first Jewish Rugby player to ever play in the World Cup of Rugby – Rugby’s highest international competition. Additionally, Lipman is a member of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (2004) and the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (2011).

Lipman will be assisted by another Maccabi USA Rugby alumnus, Gregory Schor-Haskin, at the Games.  They are working together along with Jeff Simon, Maccabi USA Rugby Chairman, to recruit a world-class squad to represent the USA at the 19^th Maccabiah Games.

“My experience at the [Maccabiah] Games has defined me as a person and as an athlete,” Lipman said. “My primary reason for coaching this team will be to do all in my power to rekindle the high expectations of performance of the USA Team.”

Lipman and Schor-Haskin are seeking the best Jewish Rugby players in the USA to compete for a spot on this team.  Athletes should apply for the team at www.maccabiusa.com prior to the tryout, which is scheduled for August 31 – September 3, 2012 in Highland Park, IL. For further information or questions about eligibility, please contact Coach Lipman at usamaccabiahrugby@gmail.com.