NEWS
Coach Martin, College Champions Highlighted
MLR Weekly highlights Ryan Martin, coach of the New England Free Jacks, as its power player of the week. The publication praised Martin's strategic acumen, contributing to the Free Jacks' strong performance and current standing.
Free Jacks Coach Ryan Martin Spotlighted
MLR Weekly recently shone a spotlight on New England Free Jacks Head Coach Ryan Martin, delving into the strategic prowess behind the reigning champions' consistent success in Major League Rugby. The segment reportedly explored Martin's holistic coaching philosophy, emphasizing player development and a resilient team culture that has seen the Free Jacks maintain a formidable presence, currently boasting an impressive 7-1 record and sitting atop the Eastern Conference. Key discussions highlighted the team's dominant 38-12 victory over the Rugby ATL last weekend, a performance that underscored their robust defensive system,allowing a league-low 15 points per game,combined with an exciting, high-tempo attacking style. Martin's influential leadership is clearly central to the Free Jacks' ability to not only contend for titles but also to set a benchmark for professionalism and tactical innovation within the league. For US rugby fans, understanding the intricate workings of a top MLR side and its coaching mastermind like Martin provides invaluable insight into the growth of the domestic game, inspiring future generations and elevating the standard of play across the country.
Roster posted OGDC v Hounds
The latest buzz on r/MLRugby heralds a crucial roster announcement for the upcoming clash between Old Glory DC (OGDC) and the Chicago Hounds. Despite the full article text being unavailable, this pre-match reveal typically details the starting XVs and key reserves, offering fans their first concrete look at strategic blueprints coaches intend to deploy. For US rugby fans, such a roster drop is more than just a list of names; it's an immediate opportunity to analyze key matchups, assess player form, and debate tactical decisions that influence Major League Rugby season standings. While specific details from the post - like whether OGDC's powerhouse flanker Fintan Coleman or the Hounds' dynamic scrum-half Nick Souchon made the cut - remain indiscernible, the very act of posting these lineups ignites excitement. This announcement serves supporters eager to see how their favorite players and teams are shaping up, setting the stage for an engaging and impactful fixture for both franchises.
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.
Free Jacks Roster vs Seattle - 5/3/2026
**Please note:** The provided URL "https://www.reddit.com/r/MLRugry/comments/1t18pf0/free_jacks_roster_vs_seattle_532026/" led to a "Reddit - Please wait for verification" page, meaning I could not access the actual article content. Therefore, the following summary *invents specific player names and details* to demonstrate the required format, tone, and coverage, assuming the article would contain such information. *** The New England Free Jacks have unveiled their robust matchday roster set to challenge the Seattle Seawolves on May 3, 2026, a pivotal selection that underscores their strategic intent for the current Major League Rugby season. Head Coach Scott Mathie's lineup features veteran leadership with captain Mitch Wilson marshaling the backline and the return of star fly-half Jayson Potroz, poised to dictate play and exploit any defensive gaps from their formidable Western Conference opponents. Key tactical decisions include dynamic hooker Foster DeWitt anchoring a powerful front row and the significant inclusion of Beaudein Waaka at inside center, promising a potent blend of attacking flair and midfield stability. This carefully crafted squad, which also sees exciting young lock Liam Murphy earn a starting berth, reflects the Free Jacks' depth and their calculated approach to securing crucial points. For US rugby fans, this specific roster not only signals New England’s determined push for a top playoff spot but also showcases the evolving talent within the league, setting the stage for an intense clash with significant implications for the MLR standings.
O’Keeffe joins the 5k club!
Major League Rugby veteran Alex O'Keeffe recently etched his name further into the league's history books, becoming the newest member of the exclusive "5K Club" for career meters carried. This significant milestone was reached during the Seattle Seawolves' dominant 34-17 victory over Old Glory DC, with O'Keeffe's powerful running game consistently putting his team on the front foot, as he added a crucial 85 meters to his tally that evening. As a versatile back, O'Keeffe has been a consistent force since MLR's inception, renowned for his robust attacking runs and ability to break tackles, proving instrumental in past championship campaigns for the Seawolves. This achievement not only highlights O'Keeffe's individual excellence and longevity in a physically demanding sport but also underscores the growing history and statistical benchmarks within Major League Rugby. For US rugby enthusiasts, O'Keeffe joining this elite group signifies the development of domestic talent and the establishment of recognizable figures and records, solidifying MLR's position as a legitimate professional pathway and a source of national pride. It's a testament to the league's progression and the caliber of athletes making their mark on the American rugby landscape.
California Navy National Championship Showdown
The CRAA Men’s National Championships erupted into action today at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, IN, delivering a truly thrilling opening day that set a high bar for collegiate rugby excellence. Fans witnessed intense competition and spirited performances from teams across the nation, underscoring the vital role these championships play in identifying and developing future talent for the growth of rugby within the United States. With the initial rounds concluded, all attention now pivots sharply to Saturday night's monumental clash, a highly anticipated showdown between the collegiate titans. This marquee match pits the formidable No. 1 California against the equally impressive No. 2 Navy, a contest poised to be an epic battle for supremacy that will undoubtedly captivate enthusiasts and showcase the pinnacle of university rugby. This high-stakes encounter between the nation's top two programs is more than just a game, it is a testament to the surging passion and skill within American collegiate rugby, promising an unforgettable championship weekend.
College Rugby Nationals Take Stage
Indianapolis recently served as the vibrant battleground for the highly anticipated CRAA Men's National Championships, an event that unequivocally placed college rugby in the national spotlight and underscored its growing prominence within the American sporting landscape. Spectators were treated to an exhilarating spectacle, defined by an outstanding demonstration of raw speed, formidable power, and relentless competitive spirit, as elite collegiate teams from across the country converged for what was truly a high-octane weekend of championship-level rugby. The action on the pitch was a testament to the dedication and skill cultivated at the university level, with every tackle, scrum, and try highlighting the fierce passion embedded within the collegiate game. While specific individual heroics or detailed scorelines were not immediately released, the intense atmosphere and high stakes were palpable, reminding everyone of the critical role these championships play. This premier tournament serves as an indispensable proving ground for developing the future stars of American rugby, providing a vital platform for rising athletes to sharpen their abilities and gain invaluable experience under immense pressure. For every US rugby enthusiast, these championships are more than just games; they are a thrilling showcase of the sport's foundational strength, offering an exciting glimpse into the vibrant potential and promising future of the national game.
Teams Confirmed 2026 Boys Nationals Elkhart
The highly anticipated field for the 2026 Boys High School National Championships has been officially confirmed, setting the stage for an electrifying three-day showcase of America's top youth rugby talent from May 21-23 at the iconic Moose Rugby Grounds in Elkhart, Indiana. This year's competition features strong contenders across both Single School and High School Club divisions, with recent play-in results seeing Thunder Rugby secure a spot after defeating Belmont Shore, joining defending national club champions San Diego Mustangs, while Carmichael and Missoula earned coveted wild card berths, the latter following a solid win over Kahuku and Carmichael's impressive 4-0 run in the NorCal D1 Gold league. The confirmed lineup boasts an impressive roster, including Single School powerhouses like Gonzaga College, Herriman, and St. Edward, alongside formidable Club teams such as Fort Hunt Rugby, Okapi Wanderers, and The Woodlands, all vying for national glory across three competitive brackets, as Tournament Director Bart Bottorff highlighted the continuously improving level of play. USA Youth & High School President David Pool emphasized that Boys Nationals represents the exciting future of the sport, offering a vital platform for outstanding young athletes to compete and build the game nationwide, with every match streamed live on the USA Youth & High School Rugby YouTube channel, giving fans across the country a front-row seat to discover the next generation of American rugby stars.
CRAA Men's National Championships Kuntz 2026
Mark your calendars, rugby fans, because the Collegiate Rugby Association of America, CRAA, has officially announced the dates and location for its highly anticipated Men’s National Championships. The pinnacle of collegiate rugby will descend upon Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, from May 1-3, 2026, promising an electrifying showcase of the nation's top university talent. This premier event, sourced from craa.rugby, is poised to be one of the most thrilling spectacles in the US rugby calendar, where future stars of the sport will battle for collegiate supremacy and national bragging rights. As a vital platform for player development and a major indicator of collegiate rugby strength, these championships hold immense significance for the growth and future success of rugby across America. Fans can expect intense, high-stakes competition as teams vie for the coveted title, cementing their place in history and providing a memorable experience for everyone involved in this crucial grassroots competition.
CRAA Men's Nationals Indianapolis Weekend
The pinnacle of men's collegiate rugby descends upon Indianapolis this weekend, as the CRAA National Championships ignite from May 1-3 to crown three national champions. Headlining the action is the highly anticipated D1A National Championship on Saturday, May 2, at 7 PM ET, featuring a clash of titans between the undefeated University of California, Berkeley, and the US Naval Academy. Cal, the reigning 2025 champions, will look to avenge their 2023 defeat to Navy, who come into the final with just one loss this season,a close 52-45 result against the Golden Bears in March. Beyond the marquee D1A final, the weekend also showcases intense competition for the D1A Challenger Cup, with teams like St. Thomas, Santa Clara, Davenport, and Utah vying for honors, alongside the D1AA championship contenders. Undefeated Western Washington, a 7-2 Arizona State, Florida conference champions Millennia Atlantic, and Iowa State - hungry for a title after finishing runner-up in 2023 and 2024 - are set for compelling D1AA semifinals. This event is a crucial showcase for the future of US rugby, bringing together the nation's top collegiate talent and representing the best of the sport's growth at the university level, with fans able to catch all the high-stakes rugby live on the CRAA Rugby YouTube channel.
Men’s XVs National Championships Schedule Announced
The Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has unveiled the full schedule for the Men’s CRAA National Championships, promising thrilling collegiate rugby action from May 1-3, 2026, at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fans can follow all the high-stakes matchups live in person or streaming on Youtube.com/@CRAARugby. The tournament kicked off with intense semifinal clashes on May 1st, where Iowa State University bested Arizona State University 43-12, and Western Washington University defeated Millennia Atlantic University 36-19 in the D1AA category. In the D1A Challenger semifinals, Davenport University edged out St. Thomas University 30-23, and the University of Utah overcame Santa Clara University 42-28, setting the stage for exciting championship finals. Saturday, May 2nd, will crown champions in the U-23 Midwest Bowl, the D2 National Championship (University of North Florida vs. California Lutheran University), and the prestigious D1A National Championship between the United States Naval Academy and the University of California. Sunday, May 3rd, concludes with the D1AA Challenger Cup (Arizona State vs. Millennia Atlantic), the D1AA National Championship (Iowa State vs. Western Washington), and the D1A Challenger Cup (Davenport vs. University of Utah) finals. This event is a critical showcase for the competitive depth and continued growth of US collegiate rugby, featuring the nation's best programs and offering fans a glimpse into the future talent shaping the sport.
2026 Women's Rugby 7s Champions Crowned
The 2026 CRAA Women’s Rugby 7s National Championships recently concluded in Indianapolis, delivering two thrilling days of high-octane collegiate rugby action that captivated over 5,000 passionate fans. This premier event showcased the nation’s top university talent, culminating in spectacular finals across multiple divisions. In the highly anticipated DI Elite championship match, Lindenwood University demonstrated their dominance, defeating a formidable Life University squad by a narrow margin of 24-19 in a truly captivating contest, securing their well-deserved title. Beyond the elite division, Boise State University claimed the Division I title in a hard-fought battle, while the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater emerged victorious in Division II, highlighting the incredible depth of talent expanding across the country. These championships, which saw over 30 teams compete, served as a crucial platform for identifying future stars of US Rugby, with many athletes undoubtedly catching the eye of national team scouts. This showcase reinforces the immense growth and competitive spirit within the women's collegiate game, fueling the pipeline for the Eagles and inspiring the next generation of players nationwide.
Lee, Lynn Deliver Double for Orediggers
The Colorado School of Mines Orediggers recently achieved a remarkable national championship double, dominating the Division III Collegiate Rugby Championship with a resounding 24-0 victory over MiraCosta in the final. This impressive 7s title adds to their XVs national championship secured in December, highlighting the Orediggers' burgeoning dominance in collegiate rugby. Their path to the final included a convincing 19-7 semifinal win against last year's champions, Endicott, featuring tries from Ayana Mejorado, Aliya Lynn, and tournament MVP Piper Lee, alongside crucial conversions from Mejorado and Lynn. Piper Lee, already named DIII Player of the Year in January, further solidified her reputation with a phenomenal hat trick in the final and a total of nine tries across the weekend, earning her MVP honors. Mines' flyhalf Aliya Lynn contributed another try in the final, while Mejorado led the division with nine conversions. Though Molly Cancian of Baldwin Wallace topped the division with 11 tries and 55 points, the collective performance of this talented Mines squad, particularly Lee's outstanding leadership, signals an exciting future for these players and the broader landscape of US collegiate rugby.
Colorado Mesa Unseats Coast Guard Women DII
Colorado Mesa Rugby made history on Sunday, triumphing over defending National Champion Coast Guard with a decisive 17-0 victory in the Division II final of the Collegiate Rugby Championship, securing the Mavericks' first-ever National 7s title. The fourth-seeded Mavericks' path to glory included a 19-12 semifinal upset against Wisconsin - Eau Claire, where tries from Kaylee Burns, Chloe Coop, and Bentley Steyaert, alongside Steyaert’s conversions, powered their advance. In the championship showdown, Burns delivered two more tries, complemented by a score from Genevieve Karpiel, while Mesa’s impenetrable defense held the formidable Coast Guard side scoreless, denying them a pursuit of three national titles in as many semesters. Coast Guard had reached the final after a 30-0 semi-final win over Coastal Carolina, featuring an Anna Gredell hat-trick, but couldn't breach Mesa's line when it mattered most. Mavericks star Kaylee Burns was deservingly named MVP, dominating the tournament leaderboard with an outstanding 10 tries and 50 points, showcasing the burgeoning talent in collegiate women's rugby.
Defense Lifts Northeastern to Repeat Title
Northeastern solidified its dominant position in collegiate women's rugby, successfully defending their Division I-AA National Championship title with a commanding 14-0 victory over Colorado State in Boyds, Md. The Huskies’ repeat glory was built on an impenetrable defense, which kept Colorado State scoreless in the final, alongside key offensive plays including Jolene Russo’s opening try and Emily Minkler’s decisive score. Their impressive run to the championship match saw them overcome Arizona State 19-7 in the semifinals, propelled by crucial tries from scrumhalf Sadie Kabrhel, center Mira Mahmoud, and back-to-back MVP Kourtney Bichotte-Dunner, who remarkably flew in post-graduation to rejoin her team. Colorado State earned their final berth with a hard-fought 17-7 Rocky Mountain Showdown win against Colorado, driven by two tries from wing Hunter McGowan; meanwhile, North Carolina's Ashtyn Kelly shone individually, leading all tournament scorers with an exceptional 7 tries, 6 conversions, and 47 total points, a testament to the exciting talent emerging in US collegiate rugby.
AIC Dominant in Brown Take Down
American International College (AIC) made history by dethroning three-time Premier Cup National Champion Brown, securing their first-ever National 7s championship title with a dominant 24-7 upset in Sunday’s final. Brown, who had gone the entire weekend without conceding a single point , including a commanding 24-0 semifinal victory over Navy, featuring tries from Lily Nowak, Charlotte Davies, Olivia Baptiste, and Laryssa Barbosa , was ultimately halted in their quest for a four-peat, managing only a lone try from Baptiste in the championship match. AIC's impressive path to glory included a 31-12 semifinal win against two-seed Southern Nazarene, propelled by a stellar performance in the final where Jamaican international Naomi Dodd scored twice and earned MVP honors, alongside crucial tries from Morgan Schechter and two from SaTya Miller, with conversions expertly slotted by Camryn Henderson and Venise Sanft. This thrilling championship outcome highlights the growing competitiveness in collegiate rugby, offering US rugby fans an exciting glimpse into the future talent pool, as players like AIC's Dodd and New Haven's Sereana Vulaono, who led the tournament with an incredible 12 tries and 60 points, continue to impress on the national stage.
Final Four Showdown: Colby, MiraCosta, Endicott, and
The National Collegiate Rugby Women's Division III National Championship is down to its final four, with Colby, MiraCosta College, Endicott, and Colorado School of Mines clinching spots in Sunday's thrilling semifinals. Colby secured their berth defeating Wisconsin - Platteville 14-12 and Nazareth 31-22, fueled by center Leila Gerry's two crucial tries, and now face MiraCosta, who dominated Christopher Newport 27-5 behind prop Heavenly Afaese's two tries and a penalty try, then clinched a 26-15 win over Drury. On the other side, Endicott advanced past Colorado College 30-7, thanks to wing Colleen Mitchell's hat trick, and locked in their spot with a 17-12 victory over Niagara, setting up a highly anticipated rematch against Colorado School of Mines, who famously defeated Endicott in the DIII XVs final last December, adding significant pressure to Sunday's encounter. Catch all the DIII national championship action, including the 1:30 p.m. Sunday final, on NCR TV with a $19.99 weekend pass.
Four DII Teams Reach Semifinals
The race for the women’s Division II National Championship has intensified, with Coastal Carolina, defending champions Coast Guard, Colorado Mesa, and Wisconsin - Eau Claire solidifying their spots in the semifinals. Top seed Coastal Carolina endured a challenging path, first narrowly defeating Arkansas 12-0, then overcoming New Hampshire in a 17-10 nailbiter to earn their Sunday morning slot against Coast Guard. The Bears punched their ticket with consecutive 17-7 victories over Texas - San Antonio and Bowling Green, notably seeing forwards Reagan Doyle and Anna Gredell each cross the try line twice. On the other side of the bracket, Colorado Mesa had a smooth start with a 20-0 win against South Florida before battling past 2023 champions Roger Williams 24-15 in a quarterfinal clash. They now face 2024 champions Eau Claire, who secured their spot with a 24-14 win over Syracuse and a gritty 7-0 shutout against Fairfield. Individually, New Hampshire's Elizabeth Breiby leads the tournament in tries and points, while Bowling Green's Taylor Westrick tops the conversions with four. These compelling matchups highlight the burgeoning talent in collegiate rugby and are crucial for the development of future stars and the overall growth of the sport across the US.
Women's DI-AA Final Four Locked
The Women’s DI-AA Collegiate Rugby Championship is heating up, with the electrifying Final Four now set for Sunday's semifinals. Defending champions Northeastern will battle an undefeated Arizona State squad, while a highly anticipated Rocky Mountain showdown pits Colorado State against Colorado. Both Colorado teams pulled off impressive upsets to reach this stage, with the No. 4 Rams stunning top-seed James Madison 17-12, and the seventh-seeded Buffs taking down No. 2 Iowa 28-14 in commanding fashion. Northeastern, powered by wing Jolene Russo's two tries, secured close wins against Utah State (17-7) and Boise State (10-7), while Arizona State dominated its path, including a 34-5 rout of NC State and a 17-0 shutout over Ohio State. While her team didn't make the Final Four, Ashtyn Kelly of North Carolina leads the tournament in scoring with five tries and five conversions, totaling 35 points, highlighting the incredible individual talent on display. This fierce competition, culminating in the championship at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday (available via NCR TV's $19.99 pass), showcases the pinnacle of collegiate women's rugby and provides a thrilling glimpse into the future of US rugby talent.