Girls Rugby, Inc.
Girls Rugby is dedicated to empowering young girls through the sport of flag rugby, promoting holistic development that encompasses physical, mental, and social health. Girls Rugby combines non-contact flag rugby with a leadership and values-based curriculum for girls under the age of 14 in various locations across the United States. Established in 2018, our organization envisions a world where girls have equal opportunities to engage in sports and develop the skills necessary for lifelong success. This transformative sport experience is key to the development of our future leaders, setting girls up to lead and succeed on and off the field.
La Jolla Vikings
The La Jolla High School Rugby Club was founded in 2016. The team won consecutive Southern California Youth Rugby High School Championships in 2018 and 2019. Led by The Director of Rugby, Bill “Chief” Leversee, and coaches Kingsley McGowan, Ian Denham, and Adam Channel, the young men from La Jolla High School have quickly made a name for themselves in the Southern California rugby community.
Mustangs
San Diego Mustangs Youth Rugby Club was founded in 2004. As one of the largest rugby clubs in Southern California, they are a powerhouse of youth club players ages U8 - U18.
The club is a volunteer-run, 501 (c) 3 organization that wants to introduce the sport to as many youth as possible and strives to provide the highest standard and quality of coaching and training, foster teamwork, and develop each player to the best of their potential in a fun and safe environment. All coaches, parents, and players are mindful of the Mustangs playing in the spirit of the game, with a focus on teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
USD Rugby
US Rugby Foundation
The US Rugby Foundation, established in 1963, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and developing youth rugby across the United States. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023, the Foundation has significantly contributed to the sport by providing over 18,000 rugby balls, awarding over 175 college scholarships, and issuing grants to over 350 coaches and referees. Its core initiatives include supporting youth and high school programs, facilitating player development through scholarships and grants, and emphasizing health and safety in the sport. The Foundation aims to cultivate the next generation of rugby players and enthusiasts nationwide through these efforts.
Falcon West Rugby Legacy
From USA Eagle Captains to Major League Rugby Professionals
Falcon West's leadership includes USA Eagles, Rugby Hall of Fame inductees, Collegiate All-Americans, national championship club leaders, and current Major League Rugby professionals. This shared rugby background reflects a culture built on teamwork, resilience, accountability, and performance.
| Leader | Rugby Distinction | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Tanghe | Former USD and OMBAC rugby player | President of Falcon West Insurance Brokers; contributor to OMBAC Division 1 championships 1995–2001; player and tourist with the KwaZulu Old Crocs Rugby Club |
| Bill Leversee | USA Eagle #179 • 15 Test Caps • 1991 Rugby World Cup • USA & UCSB Hall of Fame • Collegiate All-American | Insurance Broker. Captain and key leader of OMBAC Division 1 championships 1988–1998 |
| Dave Hodges | USA Eagle #259 • Eagle Captain • 54 Test Caps (USA record at retirement) • 1999 & 2003 Rugby World Cup • USA Rugby Hall of Fame • Collegiate All-American | Insurance Broker. USA Captain (27 times); professional player in Wales 1997–2005 (Llanelli Scarlets); Llanelli Player of the Year 2001–02; Rugby Magazine Player of the Decade (2000–2009); OMBAC Rugby 1995–1997 |
| Maceo Brown | USA Olympic Rugby Athlete (7s program 2018–2023) • 2020 Olympian • 2022 RWC 7s | Insurance Broker. Competed for the United States national rugby sevens team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics |
| Darrick Huddleston | Del Mar Hoodz Touch Rugby | Insurance Broker and Oil/Gas Expert. Discovered rugby while walking by a game on the beach — joined as a participant and has remained active for 10+ years |
| Bart Vermeulen | MLR Professional • Old Glory DC | AI Project Lead. Current player Old Glory DC (Major League Rugby); past player NOLA Gold (MLR); Falcon West Academy Alumni (Group 2) |
| Karl Keane | MLR Professional • Anthem Rugby Carolina | Multimedia and podcast support. Current player — Anthem Rugby Carolina (Major League Rugby); also played for Seattle Seawolves; Falcon West Academy Alumni (Group 3) |
Leadership Highlights
- 3 USA Eagles/Olympians representing the United States internationally
- 69+ combined international test caps
- 1 USA National Team Captain
- 2 USA Rugby Hall of Fame Inductees
- Collegiate All-Americans within the Falcon West network
- Leadership from OMBAC — eight Final Four and six National Championships over a 10-year period — the most successful Division 1 club in U.S. rugby history
- Active representation in Major League Rugby through Old Glory DC and Anthem Rugby Carolina
Rugby Leadership Timeline
- 1988–2005: USA Eagles and Overseas Professional Era Leversee and Hodges represent the United States internationally. Hodges goes on to become one of the earliest American-born players to compete at the highest levels of professional rugby in the UK.
- 1980s–2000s: Championship Club Rugby Leadership within OMBAC's national championship culture.
- 2020s: Professional & Olympic Rugby Maceo Brown competing at the Olympics; Bart Vermeulen and Karl Keane competing in Major League Rugby.
Falcon West Academy
Designed with the motivated rugby athlete in mind, bringing their skills from the pitch into their next career. The Falcon West Academy introduces motivated rugby athletes to real opportunities in property and casualty insurance. Built for the in-season athlete, this 12-week, fully remote paid internship provides a working overview of both the broker and account manager roles — the two paths that define an insurance career. With full flexibility around training and game schedules, participants receive mentorship, coaching, and real-world experience, including frequent opportunities to attend meetings with prospects, clients, and carrier partners. The Academy is our way of giving back to the game and helping current and retiring players transition into the next stages of their careers.
Community & Rugby Sponsorships
We consider ourselves fortunate to have been introduced to rugby and have incorporated giving back to the game at every opportunity. Falcon West proudly supports rugby organizations financially and through volunteer efforts. Some of the organizations we support include:
- Girls Rugby, Inc. – Empowering young girls through flag rugby and a leadership-based curriculum
- La Jolla High School Rugby Club – Led by Director of Rugby Bill "Chief" Leversee, fostering young talent in Southern California
- San Diego Mustangs Youth Rugby Club – One of the largest youth rugby clubs in Southern California and winner of the 2025 National High School Club Tier One championship
- Torrey Pines High School Falcons Rugby Club – Sponsor of one of the top high school programs in California
- USD Rugby – The University of San Diego Rugby Football Club, emphasizing player development and sportsmanship
- US Rugby Foundation – Promoting and developing youth rugby across the United States over the past six decades
Our team members have coached at the youth and high school levels, and we have sponsored teams spanning from U8s through Major League Rugby. The determined rugby spirit remains firmly rooted within our company.
From our President:
Our company started in 1981 with two individuals and their modest plans to build an agency where you always do right by the client. We stay true to that mission today, even while adding new team members and growing at a double-digit pace annually. We promise to thoroughly review your insurance and keep you informed of industry changes, be your advocate should claims arise, and constantly seek new ways in which we can make your insurance experience more customer-friendly.
— Mike Tanghe, President