NEWS
Memorial Day Remembrance: Honoring those in Rugby
USA Rugby honors fallen heroes this Memorial Day. Stories include WWI Eagle Lt. Deke Gard, Marine veteran Capt. Kandis Ruiz, and Lt. Col. Kevin M. Shea, whose sacrifice inspired "Old Breed Rugby."
USA Rugby and California Grizzlies collaborate on
USA Rugby and California Grizzlies launched a unique Level 2 coaching development program in Argentina. Eight coaches will gain hands-on experience within a live touring environment, mentored by World Rugby Educator Mike Hodgins and Grizzlies staff, from June 29-July 12.
2026 US Rugby Hall of Fame Recipients
US Rugby Foundation announced its 2026 US Rugby Hall of Fame Special Award Recipients. These annual honors recognize individuals whose dedicated service has significantly shaped American rugby, presented alongside the Hall of Fame induction class.
US Rugby Foundation announces 2026 Hall of
Seven distinguished individuals, including MLR champion Mags Magleby, trailblazing player Irene Gardner, and media personality Alexander Goff, comprise the US Rugby Foundation's 2026 Hall of Fame class. They will be honored August 14 in Fort Lauderdale.
Congratulations to the 2026 US Rugby Hall
US Rugby Foundation unveiled its 2026 US Rugby Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions. This new class celebrates the pinnacle of rugby excellence in America, honoring those who have shaped the sport's legacy.
Seven Elected to US Rugby Hall of
Seven influential figures, including reporter Alex Goff and former Eagles coach Mike Tolkin, have been elected to the US Rugby Hall of Fame Class of 2026. They will be inducted August 14, 2026, during a ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, celebrating their lasting impact on the sport.
Tropical 7s Back For East And Growing
Tropical 7s returns to Tampa, Florida, for Easter Weekend, featuring over 220 teams across 17 divisions, including international squads. The growing tournament adds live-streaming, player welfare initiatives, and its popular program for unattached players, promising top-tier rugby action.
US Rugby Foundation Names Scholarship Recipients
Nine promising college rugby players have been awarded scholarships by the US Rugby Foundation. Recipients include Travis Anderson (Clemson), Charlie Gilbert (Arizona), Max Horn (Kutztown), Sarp Kundakci (Penn State), and Landon Lockhart-Keener (Life), who will continue their academic and athletic careers. This program supports the next generation of US rugby talent nationwide.
The 2026 US Rugby Hall of Fame
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will host the 2026 US Rugby Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on August 14, 2026. The US Rugby Foundation announced this prestigious event, to be held at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel, honoring rugby's legends.
Harvard Rugby Hid Epstein's $25K Gift
The US rugby community is grappling with concerning reports that members of the Women's National Team were allegedly asked to personally fund substantial portions of their program. Players for the USA Women's Eagles, including key contributors like scrum-half Jessica Smith and veteran lock Megan Jones, reportedly faced a directive requiring them to raise or contribute approximately $25,000 each to cover essential expenses for upcoming international tours and critical training camps. This significant financial burden, initially presented as a prerequisite for continued involvement, has ignited widespread debate about the equity and financial infrastructure within USA Rugby. This revelation highlights the immense challenges faced by amateur athletes in the United States, particularly as the Eagles aim for success in the lead-up to the 2025 Rugby World Cup. While USA Rugby subsequently offered some clarification regarding the nature of the request, the initial expectation placed considerable strain on players who often balance professional careers with their demanding elite rugby commitments. The situation underscores a critical need for enhanced funding and transparent support systems for the women's national team, ensuring that selection is based purely on athletic merit rather than a player's economic capacity. Fans are now urging swift action to safeguard the future of the women's game and enable the Eagles to compete on a level international playing field without facing undue personal financial sacrifice.
Rugby Conference Fort Lauderdale August 15-16
USA Rugby Training & Education has excitingly announced The American Way Rugby Coaching Conference, a brand new national initiative set to assemble in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 15-16, 2026. This significant event aims to gather coaches from all levels across the United States, creating a vital national platform for learning, collaboration, and professional growth, connecting experts from grassroots, scholastic, collegiate, and high-performance rugby under one roof. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic mix of keynote speakers and interactive sessions designed to deliver practical, game-relevant coaching education, with open registration set to launch in the first week of May. As USA Rugby Director of Community Training & Education, Kevin Battle, emphasized, the conference is dedicated to "building alignment and raising the standard of rugby coaching across the United States," equipping coaches to better impact their players and communities. For US rugby fans, this conference represents a crucial step in elevating coaching quality nationwide, directly influencing player development and ultimately strengthening the sport's pathway from local clubs to the highest levels, promising a brighter future for American rugby.
CRAA U19s Represent USA At RAN Tournament
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has announced a major development for American rugby, confirming the CRAA Men’s U19s will represent the USA Pathway at the 2026 Rugby Americas North (RAN) U19s Tournament, taking place August 5-8, 2026, in Querétaro, México. This international competition is a significant step in CRAA’s commitment to building a clear, merit-based pathway for high-potential American players and coaches, providing essential exposure to high-performance environments during a critical developmental stage. CRAA Executive Director Paul Santinelli underscored this opportunity, stating it's about "true high-performance access and alignment" to identify and prepare the next tier of American talent. Eligible players, born between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, must be either high school graduates committed to CRAA colleges or current CRAA collegiate players. The program meticulously aligns with USA Men’s National Team Pathways, incorporating shared playbooks, Individual Development Plans, and rigorous performance standards. USA Rugby’s Head of Men’s Player Systems and Development, Brenden Keane, praised this partnership as "another important step forward in pathway alignment," noting it will give young athletes and coaches meaningful international exposure. This initiative will not only develop promising young athletes for future national team environments but also strengthen the domestic coaching pipeline, ultimately elevating the future of American rugby on the international stage.