NEWS
USA Rugby Seeks World Rugby Referee Educators
USA Rugby has issued an important call for applications, seeking passionate individuals to become new World Rugby certified Referee Educators and significantly bolster the national Training & Education workforce. This critical initiative focuses on increasing the social diversity and geographic reach of the current educator pool, specifically targeting underrepresented regions like Rocky Mountain/Central, Midwest, and South/Southeast. Successful candidates will attend an intensive World Rugby Educator course in Charlotte, NC, from July 9-12, 2026, where they will develop the skills to teach and facilitate World Rugby Level 1 and Level 2 Refereeing courses across their administrative regions. The application deadline for these aspiring educators is Friday, April 17th, 2026, with notifications for selected individuals going out by Monday, April 22nd. With the last referee educator intake held in 2023, this renewed focus is paramount for cultivating a robust and well-trained officiating base, which directly translates to improved game quality, player safety, and overall growth for youth, college, and club rugby programs nationwide.
College Rugby Showcase St. John's Prep
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) is set to host its annual College Rugby Showcase on May 2, returning to St. John’s Prep in Danvers, MA. This pivotal event, now in its fourth year, is a direct result of NCR’s strategic partnership with FirstPoint USA and aims to bridge the gap between talented high school rugby players and collegiate opportunities. Running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the showcase will feature a high school player field session, a coaches’ panel discussion, and direct engagement with college programs, offering unparalleled insight for prospective student-athletes and their families. Universities such as Dartmouth, Harvard, Boston College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst have participated in prior years, underscoring the event's prestige and reach. Priced at $50 for players and $100 for college programs, this initiative is vital for connecting talent, fostering recruitment, and ultimately growing the game across the United States. It provides a crucial pathway for the next generation of US rugby stars, ensuring they find the right academic and athletic fit.
Women's 7s National Championship In Indianapolis
The stage is set for an electrifying weekend of collegiate rugby in Indianapolis, IN, as the Women's 7s National Championship prepares to ignite with elite action, promising high-stakes drama and breathtaking athleticism. Over 20 of the nation's top programs will descend upon the capital, all vying for collegiate supremacy in the fast-paced 7s format, with teams having battled through grueling regional qualifiers to earn their coveted spot. Fans can expect fierce competition as perennial contenders like defending champions Harvard Crimson and formidable challengers such as Lindenwood and Central Washington clash in pool play and knockout rounds, culminating in Sunday's highly anticipated championship final at IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium, where national bragging rights will be on the line. With over 50 matches slated across the two-day event, every try and tackle will matter in the pursuit of national glory, offering non-stop excitement for spectators and scouts alike. This championship is not just about winning a title; it serves as a critical showcase for emerging talent, providing a vital pipeline for future USA Women's Eagles 7s squads, making it a must-watch event for anyone invested in the growth and success of US rugby and the future of the sport domestically.
FirstPoint USA NCR College Pathway Partner
National Collegiate Rugby announced a strategic partnership with FirstPoint USA to streamline the pathway for high school rugby talent into US collegiate programs. This collaboration aims to simplify recruitment, providing student-athletes with enhanced tools and connections to college teams across the nation.
Ohio State, Mines Qualify Over Easter Weekend
The road to the Collegiate Rugby Championship 7s Nationals saw two more teams secure their bids over the Easter weekend, significantly shaping the championship picture for US rugby fans. In the Wolverine 7s in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Northern Iowa emerged victorious, defeating Ohio State 26-12 in the championship match. While UNI is eyeing a Premier Cup at-large bid, the automatic qualifier for nationals went to runner-up Ohio State, who showcased their dominance earlier by shutting out Indiana and Adrian in pool play before narrowly beating archrival Michigan in the semifinals. Out west, the reigning XVs champion Colorado School of Mines dominated the High Peaks 7s, going undefeated with an impressive 5-0 record to punch their ticket to the Women's DIII national championship. The Orediggers proved their prowess by besting Western Oregon, Northern Colorado, Idaho State (twice), and New Mexico Tech on their way to qualification. These teams now join an increasingly competitive field, with Ohio State adding to a strong men's contingent including Florida, Iowa, and Arizona State, while Mines joins the likes of Drury and MiraCosta in the women's DIII bracket. With as many as sixteen additional teams poised to qualify on the final weekend, and all 144 teams and eight national championship brackets to be unveiled on Selection Saturday, April 18, the anticipation for college rugby's ultimate showdown is rapidly building.
Girls Rugby Nationals Head to Salt Lake
The future of American rugby is set to shine brightly as the Girls Rugby Nationals descend upon Salt Lake City on May 15-16, 2026, promising a landmark weekend for the sport. Over 30 teams from across the nation, including renowned club programs like Belmont Shore Rugby and SacAir Amazons, alongside single-school powerhouses such as Herriman Girls Varsity, Divine Savior Holy Angels, and Kahuku Rugby, will compete fiercely across High School, Club, and Middle School divisions at the Salt Lake Regional Athletic Complex. This event, strongly supported by USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren and USA Youth and High School Rugby President David Pool, is far more than just a tournament; it's a vital showcase of the undeniable growth and momentum behind girls' rugby nationwide. For US rugby fans, it offers an exciting glimpse at rising stars, creating crucial pathways for athletes by providing meaningful exposure to college recruiters and national team scouts. This championship weekend, encapsulating the inspiring message "Choose Brave. Choose Her.," aims to strengthen the foundation of women's rugby in the United States, building a true, visible high-performance pathway for American girls.
Broadcast Academy partners with National Collegiate Rugby
Broadcast Academy will supply over 20 trained commentators for the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s in April. This partnership marks the first time a broadcast education program has provided such a large contingent of talent for a major US rugby event, aiming to elevate the fan experience.
Just Two Weeks Until Selection Saturday
Only two weeks remain until Selection Saturday on April 18, 2026, when the field is set for the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championships. This weekend offers a "calm before the storm" with just two crucial Automatic Qualifier tournaments determining direct berths to Maryland for the national championships. At the Wolverine 7s, hosted by Michigan,who recently suffered a 17-19 loss to Boise State and double-digit defeats to Wheeling and Aquinas,teams like the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) will battle for a Women's DI-AA spot. UNI, led by Morgan Linck and Macie Graves, is coming off a strong 4-1 showing at Cavalier 7s, their only major defeat being 22-7 to Wheeling. Meanwhile, the Women's DIII High Peaks 7s spotlights defending XVs National Champions Colorado School of Mines, featuring DIII Player of the Year “Primetime” Piper Lee, as heavy favorites aiming for a historic "22-skidoo" of both 15s and 7s national titles, with Western Oregon and hosts Northern Colorado also challenging for qualification. These critical events will shape the landscape for collegiate rugby's biggest stage, showcasing the talent pipeline that fuels US rugby's future.
USA Eagles Nations Cup In Colorado, NC
The USA Men's Eagles will host key matches of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup this summer, bringing top-tier international rugby to Colorado and North Carolina. Kicking off July 4th, fans can witness the Eagles face Portugal at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park in Denver. The Eagles’ home schedule continues July 11th against Zimbabwe at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, then concludes versus Spain at Cary’s First Horizon Stadium on July 18th; all matches on Paramount+. This new competition, involving 12 RWC 2027-qualified unions, offers a vital annual platform to accelerate team competitiveness and build experience. USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren underscored these home fixtures' importance for "USA fans to gather around" the Eagles, crucial for national team growth and fan engagement; pre-sale tickets available April 7th.
D1A Announces 2025-2026 National Championship Playoff Brackets
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has officially unveiled the 2025-2026 D1A National Championship Playoff brackets, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason culminating at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis on May 2, 2026. The road to the title begins April 11 with the First Round, followed by Quarterfinals on April 18 and Semifinals on April 25, with higher-seeded teams hosting through the earlier rounds. Key First Round matchups include Mary Washington at Navy, Penn State at Lindenwood, San Diego at California, and Cal Poly at BYU, highlighting the fierce competition. Beyond the main championship, CRAA also announced the D1A Challenger Cup, providing elite postseason competition for programs just outside the national title field, such as Davenport, Ohio State, Utah, and Santa Clara, with their own championship slated for May 3 at Kuntz Stadium. This expanded, two-tier playoff structure across April and May is crucial for US rugby fans, showcasing the nation's top collegiate talent, fostering intense rivalries, and directly contributing to the development pipeline for the sport nationwide.
Eleven Board Train to CRC National 7s
The path to the Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s heats up as eleven more teams have punched their tickets across various divisions, showcasing fierce competition and rising collegiate talent nationwide. Southern Virginia emerged victorious in the Men’s Premier Cup qualifier at Old Blue 7s, defeating St. Bonaventure 17-7 in the final, while Walsh earned their bid as runners-up at Fighting Irish 7s after Wheeling, having already qualified, bested them 33-12. In Men’s DI-AA, Louisville triumphed 19-17 over Northeastern, with the Huskies securing their spot due to the Cardinals' prior qualification. On the women's side, Colorado State went 4-0 to win the DI-AA High Peaks 7s, Fairfield completed a 5-0 championship run at Bonnies 7s, and Baldwin Wallace's Molly Cancian scored 15 tries en route to winning Powerful Women on the Pitch 7s, one of several qualifiers across DII and DIII. Additional berths were claimed by teams like Colorado Mesa and Memphis in Women's DII, Albany in Men's DII, and Springfield (defeating Slippery Rock 26-22) and New Mexico Tech (beating Montana 24-10) in Men's DIII. These recent qualifiers highlight the depth and excitement building towards the CRC Nationals, offering a crucial glimpse into the future stars of US rugby 7s.
More AQs Expected In April
The collegiate rugby landscape is heating up as the biggest Automatic Qualifier (AQ) weekend of the Spring season draws near, with nine tournaments poised to send ten teams to the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) in Maryland. Fans will witness intense battles across the Men’s Premier Cup, Men’s DI-AA, and Women’s Division II and III brackets, as established contenders and dark horses alike vie for coveted national championship berths. Highlights include the Fighting Irish 7s, a crucial double qualifier where teams like Iowa Central, Aquinas, and Rio Grande will challenge qualified powerhouses like Notre Dame and Wheeling, the latter fresh off a Ruck the Rock victory. Elsewhere, the Old Blue 7s will see Siena, last year's runners-up featuring All-Stars Jack Burns and Harry Ryder, battling rivals such as Fairfield, UMass, and a strong Fordham side that previously upset Kutztown. On the women's side, Baldwin Wallace, led by All-Stars Molly Cancian and Jasmine Ludt, enters their "Powerful Women on the Pitch" tournament as favorites for a DIII AQ, while Colorado Mesa, with All-American Reese Williams, seeks a Women's DII berth at Peachtown 7s after falling to eventual champs Coast Guard last year. With the promise of thrilling upsets and the forging of future stars, this weekend is vital for shaping the national championship picture, providing a glimpse into the talent and determination propelling US collegiate rugby forward.
American Tour Opponents And Venues Finalized
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has unveiled its comprehensive 2026 Summer High Performance Tours, providing crucial development opportunities for elite collegiate athletes across both sevens and fifteens formats. The Women’s All American 7s squad, led by Head Coach Jamie Frech, will return to Portugal from June 1-8 for the prestigious Algarve 7s, aiming to build on their impressive second-place finish in 2025. Meanwhile, the Men’s XVs All Americans, coached by Ed Tubridy, are set for a marquee fixture in Boston from August 15-22 against Ireland’s historic Cork Constitution Football Club, following their domestic victory over Ballynahinch Rugby Club last summer. The Men’s All American 7s, under Coaches Steve Lewis and Ethan Pougnet, will once again compete at the premier Rugbytown 7s in Glendale, Colorado, from August 16-23, looking to leverage their successful late invitation from 2025. Additionally, a Women’s XVs side, also guided by Frech, will engage in domestic matchups against top Canadian university programs like Queen’s University and the University of British Columbia in Madison, Wisconsin, after arriving in Chicago August 14-24. These meticulously planned tours underscore NCR's commitment to strengthening the high-performance pipeline, offering invaluable international and top-tier domestic competition that is vital for cultivating the next generation of US rugby talent.
Membership Dues Hold Steady for 26-27 Season
National Collegiate Rugby announced membership dues will hold steady for the 26-27 season. This move supports continued investment in the student-athlete experience and expands broadcast coverage across all regional competitions on NCR TV.
Eight Seize Qualification for National 7s
The National 7s championship field is taking shape after a dynamic weekend saw eight collegiate teams secure their coveted bids, promising intense competition for US rugby fans. Defending champions Brown asserted dominance in Women’s Premier Cup, going 4-0 at their qualifier. Wisconsin routed Southern Nazarene 40-14 in Men’s Premier Cup at the City 7s, while Wheeling also qualified with a 24-14 final over Dartmouth. Iowa claimed a Men’s DI-AA return trip, defeating Nebraska 28-14. UNC-Wilmington qualified convincingly in Men’s DII, winning their final 17-7. Louisville powered through Men’s DI Club, conceding just two tries before shutting out Virginia Tech 24-0. Christopher Newport’s women (4-0) and Duke’s men (17-14 final) also triumphed in DIII. These impressive performances highlight the burgeoning talent across collegiate rugby, setting the stage for exhilarating national clashes and affirming the sport's growth in the US.
Wild Weekend Ahead in Road to CRC
Collegiate rugby ignited with a "wild weekend" from March 20-22, 2026, as tournaments across the nation determined crucial automatic qualifiers (AQs) for the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) in Maryland, shaping the national title race. At the Brown 7s, the Brown Bears chased an unprecedented fourth CRC championship, with Coach Rosalind Chou eyeing a record for 7s national titles, hosting a formidable lineup including last year’s runner-up Army and reigning DI-Club champions Northeastern. Men's DI-AA competition at the Sandman 7s featured powerhouses like 2025 XVs national champion Tennessee, runner-up Bowling Green, and 2024 7s national champion Louisville, battling for vital bids. Richmond 7s saw Susquehanna's men dominate with a 5-1 record and +141 point differential at Cowboy 7s, while Christopher Newport’s women emerged as a DIII favorite after winning the Mary Washington tournament. Iowa’s Renn Heimer and Nebraska’s Jordan Sweiss shone at City 7s, underscoring the fierce competition and rising talent aiming for coveted CRC spots.
Women's 7s Championship Tickets On Sale
The Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has officially opened ticket sales for its highly anticipated Women’s National 7s Championship, an event poised to showcase the pinnacle of collegiate rugby talent. Set to electrify Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, this championship promises a weekend of high-octane action, with dates anticipated for May 4th and 5th, drawing fans from across the nation to witness the fierce competition. This premier tournament is expected to feature top university programs from various divisions, including Division I and Division II, all battling for the coveted national title. Fans are encouraged to secure their spots early, with specific details on tiered pricing and package options, including an early bird discount generally available for such events. This championship is not merely a competition, it is a crucial platform for the development and visibility of women's rugby in the United States, offering an unparalleled opportunity to see future stars of the sport in action and celebrate the thriving collegiate game. Don't miss the chance to experience the excitement and support the growth of rugby at this monumental event in Indianapolis.
USA Rugby Partners With Goodr Eyewear
USA Rugby has unveiled an exciting new official partnership with goodr Eyewear, an award-winning active eyewear brand, solidifying a collaboration that merges high performance with a fun, approachable style. This strategic alliance ensures USA Eagles athletes, coaches, and support staff will be equipped with goodr’s renowned ‘No Slip, No Bounce’ technology and UV400 polarized lenses, crucial for peak performance and eye protection during intense training sessions and high-speed play both on and off the pitch. USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren highlighted goodr as the "perfect partner" for embodying the sport’s balance of performance and enjoyment, while goodr CEO Stephen Lease emphasized the timing ahead of the 2028 Games, noting the importance of durable eye protection for athletes spending "countless hours training under the sun." The partnership underscores USA Rugby’s commitment to providing its national teams with top-tier equipment that meets the four Fs,Fun, Fashion, Function, and ‘Ffordability,benefiting the entire rugby community by promoting accessibility to quality gear. For US rugby fans, this means their favorite athletes are receiving optimal care, enhancing their ability to focus and perform as they prepare for critical fixtures and future Olympic aspirations.
CRAA Hosts 2026 Women's XVs Championships
USA Rugby and the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) have announced an exciting partnership, bringing the 2026 CRAA Women’s XVs National Championships to Heart Health Park in Sacramento, California, on April 10-11, in tandem with the Pacific Four Series international matches. This unprecedented two-day festival will feature a full five-match slate, beginning Friday, April 10, at 7:30 pm PT with the Women's D2 National Championship, followed Saturday, April 11, by the Women's D1 Challenger Bowl at 9:00 am PT and the D1 National Championship at 12:00 pm PT. The collegiate finals will directly precede a highly anticipated international double-header, showcasing the USA Women's Eagles battling New Zealand at 4:00 pm PT, before Canada faces Australia at 7:00 pm PT, with Pacific Four Series tickets granting access to all contests. This synergy creates a monumental opportunity for US rugby fans to witness both the nation's premier collegiate talent and the Women's Eagles on the biggest stage, as CRAA President Paul Keeler emphasized its role as a "premier pathway to USA National Team opportunities," an experience USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren called a "multi-level rugby weekend."
Seven More Qualify for CRC National 7s
The Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s field is rapidly taking shape as seven more teams secured their bids this past weekend, bringing the total qualifiers to 26 out of 144 available spots for what promises to be an electrifying national tournament. Dominance was a common theme across divisions, with Kutztown's Men's Premier Cup squad clinching a third-straight Monumental 7s title by going 5-0, winning their semifinal and final against Brown by a single conversion. Equally impressive, Davenport's Women's Premier Cup team earned their automatic qualification at Cavalier 7s with a flawless performance, including three shutouts and decisive victories of 27-0 over Aquinas and 31-0 against Wheeling in the final. Further adding to the growing list of contenders, Arizona State won Fool's Gold 7s in Women's DI Club with a commanding display, conceding just two scores across four victories, including a 30-7 final against Boise State, while Arkansas (Women's DII), Miami (OH) (Men's DII), Slippery Rock (Men's DIII), and MiraCosta College (Women's DIII) also punched their tickets through strong tournament victories. These early qualifications are vital for US rugby enthusiasts, as they not only spotlight the top-tier talent performing exceptionally but also begin to paint a clearer picture of the teams to watch as the road to the National 7s heats up, promising high-stakes action and compelling storylines.