ABOUT
Founded in 2011 by Robin Reid with Michael Engelbrecht and Salty Thompson to develop and nurture aspiring rugby players in the United States.
Eagle Impact (EIRA) began with a single academy in 2013 for 14-18 year-olds and has impacted over 3,500 players nationwide.
EIRA's purpose is to recognize and develop promising players, not to make a profit. Our coaches and staff are skilled and vetted volunteers, focused on providing players with the best resources to unleash their full potential in the game and in life.
EIRA's foundation emphasizes core skills and character development.
EIRA is a USA Rugby National Development Program (NDP), with significant numbers moving on to represent the USA at all levels.
Robin Reid
Founder / President
Salty Thompson
Founder / Director
Robin Reid is an entrepreneur who has been in the aviation industry for over 30 years. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Aircraft Charter Solutions, a successful international aviation business. In addition to his business interests, Robin has devoted much of his time and resources to furthering the efforts of youth rugby in the United States.
A former educator, Salty has an extensive rugby career as a player, player coach, and coach in 7s and 15s, coaching Tempe RFC, Arizona State, Atlantis 7s, Southern California, USA Age-Grade and EIRA. He was a coach educator in the USA Rugby coach education program and a former IRB certified coach educator.