USA Rugby to Honor Michele Kang and Jonathan Bobbett at Golden Gala

USA Rugby will honor Michele Kang and Jonathan Bobbett as 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 gala will celebrate the 50th anniversary of USA Rugby as well as being the official sendoff for the 2025 Women’s World Cup team.

“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 chief executive officer. “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.”

Kang is owner of the Washington Spirit, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and London City Lionesses women’s soccer clubs through Kynisca, the first female-owned, multi-club organization in women’s soccer. The Eagle Honor Award is recognition of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the good of the sport and the rugby community.

Following the US Women’s Rugby Sevens team run at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris, Kang donated $4 million over the course of four years to the team to grow the sport and provide improved resources to the players and coaching staff in anticipation of the 2028 Olympic Summer Games.

“I’m deeply honored to receive USA Rugby’s inaugural Eagle Honor Award,” said 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 Enduring Impact Award will honor Bobbett, a founding member of the Golden Eagles, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial support and career advancement to men’s and women’s sevens athletes and programs. The organization has provided more than $3 million to the programs since 2021.

“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.”