USA Youth & High School Rugby, Major League Rugby Expand Partnership with Focus on Coaching Development

‍Collaboration will bring renowned coaching platform to youth rugby coaches at no cost

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USA Youth & High School Rugby (YHS) and Major League Rugby (MLR) are proud to announce the continuation of their existing partnership, strengthening a shared commitment to the long-term growth and development of rugby in the United States.Central to this renewed collaboration is an investment in coaching education, with MLR making the 6 Degree coaching platform available to all YHS coaches at no cost.

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The 6 Degree platform is a comprehensive digital coaching resource, offering world-class training modules, development tools, and best practices to support coaches at every level of the game. By providing a free coaching resource, MLR and YHS are empowering coaches to have continued coaching education and access to a wide variety of skills and drills through a structured and easy to implement curriculum. 

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"Coaches are the backbone of our sport, and investing in their education is critical to creating a sustainable and thriving rugby community," said David Pool, President of USA Youth & High School Rugby. "With the generous support of Major League Rugby, we can continue to offer the 6 Degree platform to every coach in our system, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to develop confident, skilled, and passionate young athletes."

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This partnership between YHS and MLR reflects a strategic focus on building a strong foundation for rugby in America—starting with well-equipped coaches and inclusive pathways for participation.

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"We believe that quality coaching is fundamental to the future of rugby," said Nic Benson, CEO of Major League Rugby. "By partnering with YHS to provide this essential resource, we are investing in the infrastructure that supports the sport from the ground up."

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While coaching development stands at the core of this partnership, MLR's continued sponsorship also supports grassroots growth through Imagine Rugby, an initiative aimed at introducing the sport to new communities and broadening access for youth from all backgrounds. With thousands of young athletes already reached, Imagine Rugby will continue to serve as a valuable entry point into the sport, expanding its impact with the help of MLR's backing.

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Since the launch of Imagine Rugby programming in 2021, MLR, YHS and USA Rugby have collaborated to positively impact more than 476,000 children across 26 states and 966 schools.

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To sign up for the Coaching Platform follow this link

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For more information on USA Youth & High School Rugby, please visit its website.

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To learn more about Major League Rugby, please visit its website.

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About Major League Rugby:

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. MLR prides itself in fostering intense, high-stakes competition while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. Matches are televised on the ESPN family of networks and streamed via ESPN+. MLR’s 11 teams span across the country in Anthem RC, Chicago Hounds, Houston SaberCats, Miami Sharks, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby LA, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves and the Utah Warriors. For more information, visit www.Majorleague.Rugby and follow @USMLR on Twitter and Instagram.

The Rugby Network, MLR’s OTT platform, offers fans the ability to stream select MLR matches, along with Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, collegiate rugby and other international rugby content.

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Media Contacts:

Johnathan McGinty

On Behalf of Major League Rugby

706.338.2732

johnathan@trestlecollective.com

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