Rugby Reborn

Michael Fealey is a dynamic, values-driven leader with over 20 years of experience at the

intersection of sports, community development, and business innovation. 

Originally from London, England, and now a U.S. Permanent Resident based in Denver, Colorado, Michael brings a global perspective to sport development, rooted in decades of leadership across coaching, sponsorship, team operations, and grassroots programming.

His career spans transformative roles in the U.K., Canada, and the U.S., including serving as Head

Coach and Director of Rugby for championship-winning teams, General Manager of the Summer of

Celebration of Rugby at Fletcher’s Fields in Ontario, and founder of Citizens Sports—a consultancy

dedicated to making sport more affordable and accessible to youth and amateur athletes. 

Michael is also an experienced entrepreneur, having launched and operated successful ventures in

hospitality and home services that sharpened his business acumen and customer engagement

expertise.

Michael's leadership in launching community rugby festivals, strategic partnerships, and innovative

fundraising models—such as “Sponsor Speed Dating”—demonstrates a proven ability to deliver

mission-aligned events and scalable funding strategies. He is an advocate for youth access,

inclusion, and athlete development, with certifications from USA Rugby, the Rugby Football Union (RFU), and the England & Wales Cricket Board.

Michael holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Performance Coaching from the University of Stirling (Scotland) and a BSc (Hons) in Sports Development from the University of East London. 

His enduring passion for women’s rugby, athlete empowerment, and building sustainable pathways makes him a driving force behind the development of a professional women’s rugby league in the United States.

Karl Dakin is a seasoned executive and thought leader with more than four decades of experience

guiding entrepreneurial ventures, scaling innovative organizations, and designing capital acquisition

strategies across sectors. 

He brings a unique blend of legal, financial, and operational expertise that makes him particularly well-suited for Board leadership within mission-driven, high-growth organizations, including those in the sports industry.

As Founder of Dakin Capital, Mr. Dakin has served as a strategic advisor and capital coach to

hundreds of startups, nonprofits, and community ventures, focusing on sustainable business models

and alternative funding solutions.

His background includes executive roles as COO of Splish Naturals and director for businesses and charitable organizations spanning healthcare, hospitality, mining, agriculture, and education. 

His leadership style is collaborative and impact-focused, with a track record of building strong stakeholder networks and advancing organizational goals through innovation and strategic funding.

Mr. Dakin is nationally recognized for his work in crowdfunding, economic development, and

community capital. He has served as Principal Investigator for U.S. Department of Commerce

research on small business commercialization and continues to pioneer new approaches to funding

underserved sectors, including youth sports and workforce housing. He also leads initiatives to

integrate artificial intelligence into entrepreneurship education through his proprietary AI avatar, CAP, and other digital tools that extend knowledge and support business growth.

In addition to his business leadership, Mr. Dakin is a dedicated educator. As an Adjunct Faculty

member at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business, he created and teaches courses on international finance and capital strategy. 

He regularly publishes research, educational content, and funding insights, including the Instant Funding newsletter and Successful Funding live-streamed show.

With a Juris Doctor and a BBA from Washburn University, and as a licensed attorney in Colorado

since 1980, Mr. Dakin combines technical acumen with practical experience. 

His current affiliations include the Council of Development Finance Agencies.

Shawn Hermanson is a seasoned C-suite executive and visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of

leadership experience in marketing, branding, and business development. 

As the former Chief

Marketing Officer for several high-growth companies, Shawn has built a reputation as a master networker, marketing strategist, and someone who knows how to make businesses not just succeed—but thrive.

In April 2024, driven by a passion for lifestyle branding and experiential marketing, Shawn

launched 19th Cigar—a pop-up luxury cigar lounge concept that blends golf culture, high-end

aesthetics, and authentic connection. 

His entrepreneurial spark and creative instincts are the heartbeat of the brand, bringing a fresh, elevated energy to the golf and lifestyle space.

Shawn’s background in finance and marketing from the University of Northern Colorado laid the

foundation for a career built on strategic thinking and innovation. 

A former collegiate athlete, he

brings the same discipline, grit, and competitive spirit to every venture he touches.

Whether he's closing deals, curating memorable brand moments, or launching the next big idea,

Shawn's mission is simple: connect people, spark ideas, and build brands that leave a lasting

impression.