It is an exciting time to be part of the fastest-growing sport in the United States! More and more universities and colleges see the value in providing a full student-athlete experience with varsity rugby or club teams – and increasingly these programs offer scholarship funding.
There are long-term and successful collegiate rugby programs which have consistently been committed to our rugby student athletes – fielding both men’s and women’s teams. These programs include, but are not limited to, Lindenwood University (Missouri), Life University (Georgia), American International College (Massachusetts), St. Mary’s University (California), Kutztown University (Pennsylvania), Queens University (North Carolina) – as well as all four of our military academies (Air Force, Navy, Army, Coast Guard).
In addition to these well-established teams, we continue to see more and more universities and colleges in the U.S. add rugby as either a school-sponsored team or a club sport. One example of a new program is Marian University from Indianapolis. I got to see Marian University vs. Lindenwood last spring in St. Charles, Mo. They demonstrated just the kind of grit you love to see in the sport of rugby vs. a very experienced Lindenwood team.
Some other recent collegiate team rugby additions in the past two years include Adrian College (Michigan), Trine University (Indiana), as well as Howard University and American University (both in Washington D.C.).
In addition – Alex Goff provides an annual list of students who are declaring for schools here which can open your perspective to other universities and colleges around the U.S. You can see that list here.
Some familiar names on that list include recent Rocky Rugby Academy alumni Aubrey Crist and Dylan Kipp.
Be sure to research your favorite schools and also speak with your family and coaches to uncover how you can go on to contribute to the rugby community as you consider your journey after high school. Take your high school rugby to the next level and find out how you can grow as a player in college, and also represent your school as a student athlete in college.
You won’t regret the growth and opportunity!
Further Reading
Next Phase Rugby is a great place to start. In particular, read the articles beneath the “College Rugby” menu to better understand what college rugby is, how it works, and how it is organized and run.