New Mexico Youth Rugby Celebrates State Champions and Expanding Horizons
New Mexico Youth Rugby wrapped up a landmark season this summer, celebrating state champions, remarkable tournament performances, and the continued growth of the game across the state.
The La Cueva Bears U18 Girls (pictured in title), Los Alamos Nukes - U18 and U16 Boys, and the Albuquerque Eagles - U14 Co-Ed were crowned 2025 state champions, highlighting a year of competitive spirit and development across all age groups.
One of the season’s highlights was the state trip to Austin’s Bloodfest 7s, where players experienced top-level competition and team bonding. The boys advanced to the quarterfinals with limited time together, while the girls delivered a fiery performance to secure a 3rd place overall finish. Beyond the scores, coaches emphasized the life lessons of resilience, teamwork, and adaptability learned through rugby tours.
The season also included a challenging outing at the Salt Lake NAI 7s, where New Mexico teams faced their toughest competition yet. Despite not achieving all their desired results, the squads showed significant progress, with standout performances earning MVP awards. A historic milestone was achieved when Newcomb Rugby became the first Indigenous U16 team to represent the Navajo Nation at the tournament, gaining national recognition and inspiring future players.
As New Mexico Youth Rugby looks ahead, the energy and achievements of this season serve as proof of the sport’s momentum across the state. With champions emerging, new communities joining the game, and players rising to national-level competition, the future of rugby in New Mexico has never looked brighter.
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