Robertson & Sullivan Rugby Foundation
Our Namesake
James G. Robertson
James G. Robertson was the first Black man on record to play rugby. Born in 1854 in The Gambia to a Scottish father and Gambian mother, he moved to Scotland for school and played for the Royal High School Former Pupils club in Edinburgh. He also represented Edinburgh four times against Glasgow in District matches.
Clive Sullivan
James G. Robertson was the first Black man on record to play rugby. Born in 1854 in The Gambia to a Scottish father and Gambian mother, he moved to Scotland for school and played for the Royal High School Former Pupils club in Edinburgh. He also represented Edinburgh four times against Glasgow in District matches.
Robert & Sullivan Rugby Foundation Initiative
The HBCU Rugby Initiative, led by James G. Robertson and Clive Sullivan, is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sport of rugby. This initiative focuses on developing and implementing strategies, policies, and programs that create a welcoming environment for all participants. By collaborating with clubs, administrators, players, coaches, referees, and other stakeholders, the initiative aims to celebrate and respect the unique identities and experiences of everyone involved in the rugby community.
HBCUs, central to this initiative, represent a vital segment of the academic and cultural fabric of the United States. With 107 institutions enrolling over 228,000 students, these schools offer a broad range of academic programs, including 32 doctoral, 53 master’s, 84 bachelor’s, and 33 associate degree programs. Comprising about 3% of all U.S. colleges and universities, HBCUs have been instrumental in expanding educational opportunities for African Americans and fostering the growth of the African American middle class. They produce nearly 20% of all African American college graduates and 25% of African American STEM graduates, making significant contributions to higher education and professional fields.
In addition to their academic impact, HBCUs play a crucial role in preserving African American history and culture. Over 60% of these institutions house cultural heritage sites, museums, art galleries, or archives, serving as hubs for cultural enrichment and historical preservation. The HBCU Rugby Initiative seeks to harness the unique strengths and heritage of HBCUs, blending their legacy with the transformative power of rugby to inspire change and build a more inclusive community.
Our Mission
The mission of the James G. Robertson and Clive Sullivan Rugby Foundation is to provide Historically Black Colleges and Universities with the resources they need to develop, grow and flourish in the game of rugby. Our vision is to establish a sustainable HBCU presence in USA Rugby and World Rugby
Our Team
Our Board of Directors have over 120 years of combined experience playing, coaching, administering and developing grassroots rugby initiatives.
Michael Anderson
Mike has been involved in rugby for over 20 years as a player, coach, and referee, and he founded the Anne Arundel County youth rugby program. He is also an entrepreneur, running a construction and property company in Maryland.
Steven Johnson
Steve started rugby in 1987 at the University of Kansas and has played and coached across the U.S. and internationally. He’s coached all levels, received a pro match offer in Ireland, and is a USAR Level 100 referee and aspiring Level 300 coach. Steve plans to attend the Crusader High Performance Coaching Camp.
Joshua Stinson-Jefferson
Josh started rugby in 2011 with the Baltimore Blues, quickly becoming team captain and manager. He also played for the Delaware Black Foxes, with his favorite memory being named man of the match in his first game. Josh is a proud Tuskegee University alumnus.
Naya Tapper
Naya Tapper is an Olympian, professional rugby player, and Co-captain of the USA Women’s Eagles Sevens team. She is the team’s all-time leading try scorer, the first U.S. woman to reach 100 tries, and has competed in multiple World Cups and the Tokyo Olympics. Off the field, Naya enjoys family, friends, turtles, Spanish, and traveling—find her at Nayatapper.com or @Nayatapper on social media.
Carlin Isles
Carlin Isles, known as the "Fastest Rugby Player," is a two-time Olympian with a 4.13 40-yard dash and a 10.13 100-meter dash. A former track star and NFL player with the Detroit Lions, he transitioned to rugby and gained global recognition for his speed and skill. Carlin also holds an MBA, highlighting his dedication on and off the field.
Elvy Asonye
I discovered rugby at the University of Illinois and started refereeing during my Navy career to stay involved while deployed. Now in the Navy Reserves, I focus on officiating and work in HR. I’ve officiated at HSBC Sevens, Rugby Americas North events, and am part of the USA Rugby Referees National Development Group.
Gift Egbelu
Gift Egbelu, founder of GiftTime Rugby Network and the HBCU Rugby Classic, is a rugby player, producer, and media personality with nearly 15 years of experience. He has worked with organizations like USA Rugby, Rugby World Cup, and Coca-Cola, building networks and promoting rugby globally. Gift is known for his ability to connect and communicate effectively within the rugby community.
Tosan Tutse-Tonwe
Tosan has played and coached rugby for over 20 years.He played colligate rugby for the University of Maryland & founded /coached the UMD women’s rugby team for 13 years. On the senior level, he played for the Maryland Exiles. He is the former head coach of the TC Williams high school varsity rugby club.
Marcus Wood
Marcus Wood, a Washington, DC native, discovered rugby at Archbishop Carroll High School and played at James Madison University. Since 2000, he has been active with Washington Rugby Club and youth programs, mentoring and advocating for young players. In 2019, he received a Premiership Rugby Scholarship and aims to grow rugby in communities of color.
Tommy Berks
Bios Coming Soon.
Isaiah J Washington
Bios Coming Soon.
