Rugby is a sport that has been growing in popularity in the United States over the past few decades. While it may not be as well-known as football or basketball, rugby has a dedicated following of fans who are passionate about the sport. But where in the US is rugby most popular? In this article, we’ll explore the top regions for rugby fans in the US, from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast. Get ready to discover the hottest spots for rugby enthusiasts and learn why these regions are leading the charge in the growth of the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just starting to explore the world of rugby, this article is sure to give you a new perspective on the sport’s popularity in the US.
Which Parts of the US Love Rugby the Most?
High School Rugby
Top Rugby High Schools in the US
High school rugby is a growing sport in the United States, with many schools across the country offering rugby programs. Here are some of the top rugby high schools in the US:
California
California is home to some of the top rugby high schools in the country. St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco has produced numerous college and professional rugby players, including Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion, Chris Wyles. Another top school in California is Bishop’s School in San Diego, which has won multiple national championships and produced several college All-Americans.
Texas
Texas is another state with a strong rugby culture at the high school level. St. Thomas High School in Houston has won multiple state championships and produced several college and professional rugby players, including former USA Eagle, Timothee Petit. Another top school in Texas is St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas, which has won multiple national championships and produced several college All-Americans.
New York
New York has a growing rugby culture at the high school level, with several schools offering rugby programs. St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo has produced several college and professional rugby players, including former USA Eagle, Luke Hohmann. Another top school in New York is Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, which has won multiple state championships and produced several college All-Americans.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to several top rugby high schools, including Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, which has won multiple national championships and produced several college and professional rugby players. Another top school in Pennsylvania is Episcopal Academy in Merion, which has won multiple state championships and produced several college All-Americans.
Florida
Florida has a growing rugby culture at the high school level, with several schools offering rugby programs. Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton has won multiple state championships and produced several college and professional rugby players, including former USA Eagle, Robbie Rogers. Another top school in Florida is The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, which has won multiple national championships and produced several college All-Americans.
Overall, high school rugby is a growing sport in the US, with many schools across the country offering rugby programs. These top rugby high schools are producing some of the best college and professional rugby players in the country, and are a testament to the growing popularity of rugby in the US.
The Most Popular Rugby Competitions in the US
Collegiate Rugby
USA Rugby College 7s National Championships
The USA Rugby College 7s National Championships is one of the most popular and highly anticipated rugby competitions in the US. This annual event brings together some of the best college rugby teams from across the country to compete in a thrilling 7-a-side format. The tournament is held over two days and features intense matches, showcasing the skill, speed, and endurance of the athletes.
Top College Rugby Teams
The top college rugby teams that participate in the USA Rugby College 7s National Championships are typically ranked among the best in the country. These teams have established a strong reputation for their competitive play and exceptional performance on the field. Some of the top teams that have consistently performed well in this tournament include:
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Oregon
- University of Texas
- University of Michigan
- University of Notre Dame
Collegiate All-American Selections
The USA Rugby College 7s National Championships also serve as a platform for scouts and selectors to identify and select the best college rugby players for the Collegiate All-American team. The Collegiate All-American team is a prestigious honor that recognizes the top talent in collegiate rugby and provides an opportunity for these players to showcase their skills at a higher level.
USA Rugby College 15s National Championships
The USA Rugby College 15s National Championships is another highly anticipated rugby competition in the US. This tournament features top college rugby teams competing in a traditional 15-a-side format, which is the standard format for rugby union played at the international level. The tournament is held over several weeks and culminates in a final match to determine the national champion.
The top college rugby teams that participate in the USA Rugby College 15s National Championships are also typically ranked among the best in the country. These teams have a strong reputation for their physicality, discipline, and tactical acumen on the field. Some of the top teams that have consistently performed well in this tournament include:
- University of Utah
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Wisconsin
- University of Oklahoma
Just like the USA Rugby College 7s National Championships, the USA Rugby College 15s National Championships also serve as a platform for scouts and selectors to identify and select the best college rugby players for the Collegiate All-American team. The Collegiate All-American team is a prestigious honor that recognizes the top talent in collegiate rugby and provides an opportunity for these players to showcase their skills at a higher level.
Professional Rugby
Professional rugby in the US has seen significant growth in recent years, with several leagues and competitions emerging to cater to the growing demand for the sport. Here are some of the most popular professional rugby competitions in the US:
Major League Rugby (MLR)
Major League Rugby (MLR) is the top professional rugby league in the US, featuring 12 teams from across the country. The league was founded in 2018 and has since grown in popularity, attracting both domestic and international players. Some of the top MLR teams include the Seattle Seawolves, San Diego Legion, and the Austin Gilgronis.
Top MLR Teams
The Seattle Seawolves are currently the most successful team in MLR, having won the championship title in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Other top teams include the San Diego Legion, who won the championship in 2020, and the Houston SaberCats, who have a strong fan base and have been consistently successful in the league.
Popular MLR Stadiums
MLR games are played in a variety of stadiums across the US, from small college stadiums to larger professional sports venues. Some of the most popular MLR stadiums include Seattle’s Starfire Stadium, San Diego’s Torero Stadium, and Austin’s Bold Stadium.
MLR Player Salaries and Roster Rules
MLR player salaries are significantly lower than those in other professional rugby leagues around the world. However, the league has strict roster rules, which require teams to have a minimum of 15 international players on their roster. This has helped to attract top talent from around the world to play in the league.
MLR Expansion Teams
MLR has also seen significant growth in recent years, with several new teams joining the league. In 2021, the Dallas Jackals and the Los Angeles Giltin joined the league, while the New England Free Jacks and the Toronto Arrows are set to join in 2022.
Gallagher Premiership
The Gallagher Premiership is another top professional rugby competition in the US, featuring 12 teams from England. The league was founded in 1972 and has since become one of the most popular rugby competitions in the world. Some of the top Premiership teams include Leicester Tigers, Saracens, and Exeter Chiefs.
Top Premiership Teams
Leicester Tigers are one of the most successful teams in the Gallagher Premiership, having won the championship title 10 times. Other top teams include Saracens, who have won the championship three times in the last five years, and Exeter Chiefs, who have a strong fan base and have been consistently successful in the league.
Popular Premiership Stadiums
Premiership games are played in a variety of stadiums across England, from small club grounds to larger professional sports venues. Some of the most popular Premiership stadiums include Twickenham Stadium, where the England national team plays, and Wembley Stadium, which has hosted several Premiership finals.
Premiership Player Salaries and Roster Rules
Premiership player salaries are significantly higher than those in MLR, with many top players earning millions of pounds per year. The league also has strict roster rules, which require teams to have a minimum of 15 English qualified players on their roster.
Premiership Relegation and Promotion
The Gallagher Premiership operates on a promotion and relegation system, with the bottom two teams being relegated to the Championship at the end of each season, and the top two teams from the Championship being promoted to the Premiership. This has helped to create a competitive and dynamic league, with several teams challenging for the championship title each year.
Famous Rugby Players from the US
Top 5 Rugby Players from the US
Eagle Impact Player Award
The Eagle Impact Player Award is an annual award given to the most valuable player of the United States national rugby union team. The award is based on a player’s overall performance, leadership, and impact on the team during a calendar year. Here are some of the winners of the Eagle Impact Player Award:
- 2017: John Quill
- 2018: AJ MacGinty
- 2019: Jordan Brown
- 2020: Joe Schroeder
- 2021: Peter Malcom
Eagle Impact Player Criteria
The Eagle Impact Player Award is based on a player’s overall performance, leadership, and impact on the team during a calendar year. The criteria for the award include:
- On-field performance, including try-scoring, goal-kicking, and overall play
- Leadership on and off the field
- Impact on the team’s success during a calendar year
- Consistency and durability throughout the year
Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup is a global tournament that features the best rugby teams from around the world. The United States has competed in several Rugby World Cup tournaments, and here are some of the top performances by US rugby players at the Rugby World Cup:
- 1987: The US finished in 12th place out of 16 teams, and their top performer was flanker Jeff Jankowski.
- 1991: The US finished in 14th place out of 16 teams, and their top performer was fly-half Dan Korn.
- 1999: The US finished in 15th place out of 20 teams, and their top performer was center Scott Gordon.
- 2003: The US finished in 18th place out of 20 teams, and their top performer was scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili.
- 2007: The US finished in 19th place out of 20 teams, and their top performer was center Luke Gross.
- 2011: The US finished in 13th place out of 20 teams, and their top performer was fly-half Mike Hercus.
- 2015: The US finished in 15th place out of 20 teams, and their top performer was center Nick Civetta.
- 2019: The US finished in 13th place out of 20 teams, and their top performer was fly-half AJ MacGinty.
US Rugby World Cup Appearances
The United States has competed in several Rugby World Cup tournaments, and here are the years in which they have appeared:
- 1987
- 1991
- 1999
- 2003
- 2007
- 2011
- 2015
- 2019
Rugby World Cup Sevens
The Rugby World Cup Sevens is a global tournament that features the best rugby sevens teams from around the world. The United States has competed in several Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments, and here are some of the top performances by US rugby sevens players at the Rugby World Cup Sevens:
- 2018: The US finished in 9th place out of 24 teams, and their top performer was center Carlin Isles.
- 2019: The US finished in 15th place out of 24 teams, and their top performer was center Stephen Tompkins.
- 2022: The US finished in 13th place out of 24 teams, and their top performer was fly-half Harry Berges
Rugby in Pop Culture
Popular Rugby Movies
There are several movies that showcase the excitement and drama of rugby, making it a popular sport in pop culture. Some of the most notable rugby movies include:
- Rugby League: The Movie (1990)
- The Final (1992)
- Rugby: The Movie (2002)
- Invictus (2009)
- The Scorpion King: Rise of the Black Dragon (2018)
Each of these movies provides a unique perspective on the sport of rugby and its cultural significance in different regions around the world. From the high-energy action of rugby league to the intense competition of rugby union, these movies showcase the sport’s raw power and unrelenting intensity.
One of the most iconic rugby movies is Invictus, which tells the story of Nelson Mandela’s use of rugby as a tool for social change in post-apartheid South Africa. The film features Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as rugby coach, and it showcases the transformative power of sport in overcoming racial divisions and promoting unity.
Another notable rugby movie is The Final, which follows the journey of a group of players from a small town in Wales as they compete in the Rugby World Cup. This film provides a glimpse into the passion and dedication of rugby players and fans, and it showcases the sport’s ability to bring people together.
In addition to these popular rugby movies, there are many other films and documentaries that explore the sport’s cultural significance and its role in shaping the identities of regions around the world. These movies offer a unique perspective on the sport’s history, traditions, and values, and they demonstrate why rugby remains one of the most beloved and enduring sports in the world today.
FAQs
1. What regions in the US have the highest rugby participation and interest?
The US has a number of regions where rugby is particularly popular. The highest rugby participation and interest can be found in areas such as California, New York, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest. These regions have a strong rugby culture and a large number of rugby clubs and teams.
2. Are there any specific cities in the US where rugby is especially popular?
Yes, there are several cities in the US where rugby is especially popular. Some of the top cities for rugby include San Francisco, New York City, Houston, Seattle, and Portland. These cities have a strong rugby presence, with numerous rugby clubs and teams, as well as regular rugby events and tournaments.
3. What types of rugby are played in the US?
There are several types of rugby played in the US, including rugby union and rugby league. Rugby union is the more popular of the two, and is played at both the collegiate and professional levels. Rugby league is also played at the professional level, but has a smaller following in the US compared to rugby union.
4. When did rugby become popular in the US?
Rugby has been played in the US since the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that it began to gain widespread popularity. The growth of rugby in the US can be attributed to the expansion of college rugby programs, as well as the establishment of professional rugby leagues.
5. How does rugby in the US compare to rugby in other countries?
Rugby in the US has a unique character and style that sets it apart from rugby in other countries. While the basic rules and gameplay are the same, the culture and traditions surrounding rugby in the US are distinct. Rugby in the US is known for its high level of participation and interest, as well as its diverse player base and inclusive atmosphere.
