Play Rugby USA
Spring Gala
PROGRAM
Tribeca Rooftop, NYC
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Donate in Support of Play Rugby USa!
Celebrating the power of rugby to create bright futures
Evening Schedule
6:00PM Doors Open & Cocktail Reception
7:00PM Program Starts
7:35PM Fundraising Auctioneer: Jamie McDonald
8:00PM Dinner & Awards
9:00PM Power Pledge
9:25PM Program Concludes & Passed Desserts
10:00PM Join Us For The After Party
honorees
Tim Du Val
Community Impact Award
Sydney-born Australian Tim Du Val began playing rugby in high school at St Ignatius College. Upon graduating in 1965 he moved to Newcastle, New South Wales to learn law at his grandfather’s legal firm. Because his rugby talent exceeded his legal skills, he focused on playing for the Wanderers Rugby Football Club (RFC). In five seasons with them, Tim also represented Newcastle City in the team that won the Country Championship in 1969 and 70.
Tim gladly left the law firm for America with visions inspired by Baldwin, Updike, Spillane, and Simon and Garfunkel. He fit right into Greenwich Village where he met an Aussie friend who invited Tim to join Westchester RFC, the Bronxville and Central Park-based club formed in 1958.
As Tim’s team rose in the NY Metropolitan competition, he was selected to represent the Eastern Rugby Union against Team Australia’s Wallabies in 1971. The following year, he earned selection in the Metropolitan Union XV.
Concurrent with his NY rugby career, Tim worked for the NYC gardening firm Terrestris. This led to his study of Landscape Design at the NY Botanical Gardens, with advanced study at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England. Returning to New York in 1972, Tim partnered (in every sense of the word) with Terrestris’s owner, Dagny Hansen, to launch Plant Specialists.
Its design of rooftop and interior gardens was in such consistently high demand it outgrew its location. Plant Specialists moved to a complex of historic industrial buildings in Long Island City (LIC), which Tim and Dagny started restoring. After 30 years they sold the company and with the complex development complete that year, they opened its east wing as the Foundry. It has become a nationally regarded wedding and event space, as well as a film and photo location.
After moving to LIC, Tim also volunteered for the Family Center’s Big Brother program for fatherless children. One of his mentees was curious about rugby so Tim took him to Chelsea Piers to see a rugby practice. It was run by Mark Griffen, the founder of Play Rugby USA. This chance meeting united Tim’s love of rugby and his social mission so profoundly that he became a dedicated supporter of this worthy charity, continuously since that pivotal day in 2012.
Antho-Neil Aspinall
Mark Griffin Go Forward Award
Antho-Neil Aspinall is a High School Senior and Captain of the Play Rugby Boys Academy team. Known for his leadership, physicality, and devotion to the Play Rugby community, Antho-Neil has been a key contributor to his team’s growth over the past year, leading the team to a second place finish in the New York State 7s series in the fall of 2025, and a first place finish at the 2026 Urban Rugby Championship.
As a member of the Play Rugby Academy, Antho-Neil has demonstrated a consistent commitment to growth, accountability, and pushing beyond his comfort zone. Coaches describe him as; tough, compassionate, persistent, relentless and understanding.
Off the field, Antho-Neil serves as a fellow with My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, the organization founded by President Barack Obama, and was recognized as a “MVP Scholar Athlete” through the Public School Athletic League for his efforts both on and off the pitch for his school and their rugby team. These are both reflections of his dedication to making a positive impact beyond athletics.
Tonight, Antho-Neil is honored with the Mark Griffin Go Forward Award, recognizing his perseverance, forward-thinking mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement. He embodies the spirit of the award by driving change in the Play Rugby community and throughout NYC.
Antho-Neil plans to attend college and play varsity rugby. He continues to represent the Academy with pride and purpose in his final season.
Thank You to The gold Sponsor
Thank You to the Following Supporters
Chris Millerchip
Conor Murray
Facteus
Greg & Lisa Gordon
Greg Robinson
Golden Bay Distillery
Harwood Lloyd
Innovative Thought
Jamie Waters
Jill Povol
John Hack
Mary Mcniff
Old Blue Rugby Foundation
PJT Partners
TEG Rugby Live
Veo
Chris Hopper
Board of Directors
Vito Sperduto Chair
Fontaine Lloyd Vice-Chair
Greg Gordon Treasurer
Jill Povol Secretary
Richard Portale
Helen Meates
Bryan Habana Chandra Patel
Conor Murray
Allan Rooney
Kyle Antoian
Koma Gandy-Fischbein
Jeff mcdermott
Play Rugby Associate Board
Pete Terilli
Chair
Catherine Sum
Desiree Vodounon
Duke Badger
Elie Romano
Frank Demaria
Jamie Denham
Max Lavictoire
Mike Fox
Mike Villalobos
Patrick Bowmaker
Stephanie Ruys De Perez
With your support Play Rugby will:
Keep our programs equitable and free of charge for every young person
Provide consistent mentorship and coaching, on and off the field
Build pathways to college, trade school, and careers
Develop leadership, confidence, and essential life skills
Create a safe, supportive community where young people belong
Golf Day
St Andrew’s Golf Course, Hastings-on-Hudson September 10, 2026
Gala