San Diego’s rugby supporters gathered at the University Club on August 29, 2026, for a reception and fundraising dinner supporting the U.S. men’s rugby sevens program and its preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Hosted by the Golden Eagles, the evening connected a national sporting ambition with the local community helping make it possible. The gala’s advertised program included a seated dinner and auction to benefit athlete development and career mentorship.
Founded in 2012, the Golden Eagles is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping USA Rugby sevens athletes succeed both in competition and in their professional lives. It provides financial support for players and programs competing internationally, including on the world sevens circuit and at the Rugby World Cup Sevens, while supporting their Olympic ambitions. Its fundraising helps ease the financial pressures athletes face as they commit themselves to representing the United States.
The organization’s work has a direct connection to San Diego County. USA Rugby sevens athletes train in residence at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, making the region an important home for their preparation. Behind the international appearances are demanding training schedules and the challenge of building a livelihood while pursuing elite sport.
The Golden Eagles addresses that challenge through its CARE program—Career Advancement, Rugby Enhancement. Through mentors, paid internships and professional connections, CARE helps players develop skills and explore employment opportunities during their athletic careers, preparing them for life after competition. For San Diego businesses and supporters, it offers a practical way to contribute through both financial assistance and professional expertise.
A highlight of the August 29 gathering was former Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 1998, Singletary earned 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections and was twice named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was a central figure in the Bears’ celebrated defense and their Super Bowl XX championship.
His involvement brought a connection to championship football to an evening devoted to rugby’s future. Singletary’s career exemplified the preparation, discipline and teamwork that athletes across sports need to compete at the highest level.
The University Club reception and dinner gave supporters an opportunity to invest in that same commitment among America’s rugby athletes. With Los Angeles 2028 approaching, the Golden Eagles’ work highlights San Diego’s role in sustaining Olympic aspirations—and in helping the people pursuing them build lasting opportunities beyond the playing field.
Photography by Robert O'Neill
