NEWS
Riekert Hattingh Longest Tenured Captain
Longest-tenured MLR captain Riekert Hattingh announced his retirement from Major League Rugby following the 2024 season. The Seattle Seawolves' veteran forward has been a cornerstone of the league since its inception, his departure marking the end of a significant playing career.
Longest Tenured Captain Riekert Hattingh
Old Glory DC's longest-tenured captain, Nic Riekert, was featured in MLR Weekly, discussing his five seasons with the team, journey from South Africa, and passion for growing US rugby. He reflected on challenges, joys, and fostering community.
Leinster, Bath Fallout, MLR Ref Review
Can US Rugby players find a clear pathway to top-tier professional play? A recent review examines this crucial question through Leinster's loosehead prop development, also discussing MLR officiating and providing league predictions. It seeks to identify potential opportunities for American talent within the sport.
Treyvon Prichard's first professional try
US back Treyvon Prichard thrilled fans, scoring his first professional try for the Houston SaberCats. His powerful effort against NOLA Gold marks a significant milestone in his Major League Rugby career, showcasing his potential for the MLR.
Hounds Versus ARC Match Day 6
Chicago Hounds revealed their lineup for Match Day 6 against the American Raptors (ARC). The roster details were released ahead of the crucial matchup, setting expectations for the Hounds' performance this weekend.
USA Rugby updates Competition Eligibility Policy
USA Rugby updated its Competition Eligibility Policy, introducing Men's, Women's, and Open Divisions for all sanctioned competitions. Mandated by the USOPC due to a US Administration Executive Order, this ensures compliance and avoids sanctions. The Open Division allows any athlete, regardless of gender assigned at birth or identity, to compete.
Sorensen, Scholtz Award Nominees Announced
Nominees for the 2026 MA Sorensen and Rudy Scholz Awards, recognizing the nation's top collegiate rugby players, were announced February 28. The lists feature standout women from schools like Army and Lindenwood, and top men from Army and Life University. Finalists for these prestigious awards will be selected soon.
USA Rugby Level 3 Coaching Applications Open
USA Rugby's World Rugby Level 3 Coaching course applications are now open until March 29, 2026. This certification supports coaches in highly competitive environments through virtual sessions and an August in-person assembly in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It focuses on advanced coaching principles, including player profiling and game models, for high-performing coaches.
Indianapolis Hosts 2026 Women's Rugby Championships
Indianapolis will host the 2026 CRAA Women’s 7s National Championships at Kuntz Stadium on April 25-26. This premier event, uniting top collegiate programs from CRAA and NIRA, will showcase elite women's rugby talent and serve as a crucial identification pathway for the USA Women's Sevens National Team ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
CRAA Hosts 2026 Women's XVs Championships
CRAA Women's XVs National Championships will join the Pacific Four Series in Sacramento, CA, April 10-11, offering a combined collegiate and international rugby festival. USA Rugby and CRAA's partnership at Heart Health Park brings D1, D1 Challenger, and D2 finals alongside international matches, with Pacific Four tickets granting access to all games.
USA Rugby Partners With Goodr Eyewear
USA Rugby officially partnered with goodr eyewear, making them the new official sunglasses provider for Eagles athletes, coaches, and staff. This collaboration ensures high-performance, 'No Slip, No Bounce' polarized eyewear, crucial for protecting vision and enhancing performance on and off the pitch ahead of the 2028 Games.
USA Eagles Nations Cup To Colorado, NC
USA Men's Eagles will host World Rugby's new Nations Cup this July, playing in Denver, CO (July 4), Charlotte, NC (July 11), and Cary, NC (July 18). They will face Portugal, Zimbabwe, and Spain, respectively. Tickets for all matches go on pre-sale April 7, with general sale April 9.
Girls Rugby Nationals Salt Lake City
Girls Rugby Nationals are set for Salt Lake City on May 15-16, 2026, bringing over 30 teams nationwide together. This landmark tournament will feature High School, Club, and Middle School divisions, celebrating the sport's rapid growth and providing a key pathway for rising stars in American rugby.
USA Rugby Seeks Referee Educator Applicants
USA Rugby is seeking applications for new World Rugby certified Referee Educators to expand its national Training & Education workforce. The call emphasizes increasing diversity and coverage in regions like Rocky Mountain/Central, Midwest, and South/Southeast. Successful candidates will attend a World Rugby course in Charlotte, NC, July 9-12, 2026. Apply by April 17, 2026.
Skyward Group Sponsors USA Rugby Jersey
Skyward Group has partnered with USA Rugby as its exclusive insurance partner and official front-of-jersey sponsor for all National Teams, including the Eagles XVs and Sevens. This multi-year deal sees Skyward Group branding debut on Women’s Eagles kits April 11 in Sacramento, and on Sevens jerseys at Hong Kong Sevens April 17-19.
CRAA Sets 2026 National Playoff Brackets
College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) announced the 2026 Men's D1A National Championship and Challenger Cup Playoff brackets. Twenty-two teams will compete for the D1A title, with playoffs beginning April 11. The championships culminate May 1-3 in Indianapolis at Kuntz Stadium, alongside the D1AA and D2 finals, promising an exciting postseason.
1991 USA Women's Rugby Champions Honored
Nine representatives of the 1991 USA Women’s Rugby World Cup champions were celebrated on Capitol Hill this week for their legendary win's 35th anniversary. The team, which won the inaugural World Cup as a self-funded squad, received an official Congressional Record on the House floor in Washington D.C.
Rugby Conference Fort Lauderdale August 15-16
USA Rugby's Training & Education will launch The American Way Rugby Coaching Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, August 15-16, 2026. This new national event aims to unite coaches from all levels, fostering collaboration and elevating coaching standards across the United States. Registration for the premier coaching event opens in early May.
CRAA Men's Nationals Indianapolis This Weekend
Collegiate rugby's biggest event, the CRAA Men’s National Championships, kicks off May 1-3 in Indianapolis. Undefeated Cal-Berkeley faces US Naval Academy in the marquee D1A final Saturday at 7pm ET, a rematch of recent champions. D1AA and D2 titles are also up for grabs. Catch all the action live on CRAA Rugby YouTube.
Teams Confirmed 2026 Nationals Elkhart IN
Teams are confirmed for the 2026 Boys High School National Championships, set for May 21-23 at Moose Rugby Grounds in Elkhart, Indiana. Top single-school and club programs from across the nation, including defending champions San Diego Mustangs and New York's Xavier, will battle across two divisions.