Culture Before Championships: What KC Can Learn from the Chicago Lions

What makes a rugby club thrive for more than 60 years? During a visit to the Chicago Lions, I had the opportunity to learn from longtime leader Bob Maszkowski and Youth Rugby Director Ahn Gallagher about the culture, leadership, and intentional pathways that have made the Lions one of America's premier rugby organizations. From youth development and volunteer engagement to community partnerships and long-term planning, this article explores the lessons KC can apply as we work to grow rugby through the KC Metro Rugby Foundation. It's a story about much more than rugby…it's about building communities that last for generations.