Join The Rugby Revolution
Be part of America's fastest-growing youth sport and join thousands of players who are already experiencing the magic of rugby. From flag rugby at age 4 to competitive high school teams, we're building an inclusive community where every player belongs and develops both athletic skills and strong character. Together, we're not just playing a sport—we're building a movement that will reach one million youth players by the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
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Player Pathway
How to Get Involved
Joining a youth rugby club through Youth and High School Rugby (YHS) is simple! Select the 'Express Your Interest' button, submit your information, and we'll find the best fit for your age and skill level. New or experienced, YHS Rugby makes it easy to become part of an exciting & supportive rugby community.
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FAQ
Rugby is played in two main formats: 15s and 7s. Rugby 15s is the traditional format with 15 players per team playing 80-minute matches, featuring structured gameplay with set pieces like scrums and lineouts. Rugby 7s is a faster-paced variant with 7 players per side playing shorter 14-minute matches, emphasizing speed and open play with fewer set pieces. While 15s offers more tactical depth and longer periods of possession, 7s is often played in tournament format and became an Olympic sport in 2016.
With over 900 clubs and 47 State Youth Rugby Organizations spread across the country, there's likely a team near you. USA Youth & High School Rugby (USA YHS) works with these State Organizations and our 50,000+ members to connect players with local clubs and programs, whether you're interested in youth, high school, collegiate, or adult rugby. Fill out our connect form today, and we'll help you find the perfect rugby program in your area.
Whether you're interested in the sport's rich history, safety protocols, player positions, or basic terminology, USA Rugby has you covered. Visit USA.Rugby/rugby101 for a comprehensive guide to understanding and enjoying the game.
Though rugby players don't wear pads or helmets, the sport emphasizes safety through proper techniques and strict rules. The game follows a careful age-grade progression: children aged U5-U10 play non-contact rugby, U10-U14 players are gradually introduced to contact elements, and U14-U18 players can participate in full-contact rugby. Players are taught to use their arms and shoulders when making contact with opponents, with serious repercussions for any contact above the shoulders or dangerous play. Safety infractions result in yellow cards (requiring players to sit out for ten minutes in fifteens or two minutes in sevens) or red cards for serious offenses, which can lead to multi-week suspensions.
Yes, the United States has both men's and women's national rugby teams that compete internationally. Known as the USA Eagles, the women and men represent America in international test matches, World Cup qualifiers, and Rugby World Cup tournaments. Additionally, both programs field competitive 7s teams and regularly compete in the World Rugby Sevens Series and Olympic Games. The Eagles have a rich history dating back to 1912, and today our national teams continue to grow stronger as rugby expands across America.
Yes, the United States has professional rugby for both men and women. Major League Rugby (MLR) serves as the men's professional league, while Women's Elite Rugby (WER) is the professional women's league. These leagues showcase high-level rugby, featuring both domestic and international players who compete professionally.
Rugby welcomes players of all ages, with programs designed for every stage of development. The game follows a careful age-grade progression: children aged U5-U10 play non-contact rugby, U10-U14 players are gradually introduced to contact elements, and U14-U18 players participate in full-contact rugby. The pathway continues through collegiate rugby, post-college clubs, and senior clubs, ensuring players can enjoy the sport throughout their lives regardless of when they start playing.
