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Men and Women Playing Rugby in the USA

Rugby in the USA: Growth, Popularity, and Who Plays

Steve Marmas @

Is Rugby Popular in the USA — And Do Men and Women Play It?

When most people think of American sports, they picture football, baseball, basketball, or soccer. But over the past two decades, another tough, fast, team-oriented sport has quietly exploded in schools, colleges, and clubs across the country: rugby.

So, is rugby popular in the USA, and is it played by both men and women? The short answer is yes — and it’s growing faster than many people realize. The long answer reveals why more athletes, coaches, and athletic directors are embracing rugby, and why the sport continues to gain momentum nationwide.

The Rise of Rugby in America

Rugby first came to the United States in the 1800s and even helped inspire American football. But for decades, it remained a niche sport played mostly on college campuses. That began to change with the development of organized youth programs, national championships, Major League Rugby (MLR), and a renewed push from USA Rugby to grow the game at every level.

Today, rugby participation includes:

  • Youth and high-school rugby clubs

  • Collegiate men’s and women’s programs

  • Adult recreational and competitive clubs

  • Professional teams through Major League Rugby

  • National teams representing the USA in international competition

This growing structure has made rugby easier to access, easier to understand, and far more visible than ever before.

Do Women Play Rugby in the USA?

Absolutely — and women’s rugby is one of the sport’s brightest success stories.

Women’s rugby programs exist at:

  • High schools

  • Universities (including varsity-level programs)

  • Adult amateur clubs

  • National team levels (15-a-side and Olympic Rugby Sevens)

Rugby empowers female athletes with:

  • Strength and conditioning development

  • Teamwork and communication skills

  • Leadership opportunities both on and off the field

  • A sport that values strategy and physicality equally

Many female athletes transition into rugby from soccer, lacrosse, track, or basketball and quickly fall in love with the fast-paced, supportive culture.

Why Rugby Appeals to American Athletes

So why are athletes — men and women alike — choosing rugby?

1. A True Team-First Culture

Every player has a role, and success depends on communication, trust, and unity.

2. Year-Round Conditioning

Rugby develops speed, endurance, strength, agility, and decision-making under pressure.

3. Respect and Sportsmanship

Rugby is known globally for its emphasis on respect for teammates, opponents, and referees. Players shake hands after games, share meals, and build lifelong friendships.

4. Inclusive Positions for Every Body Type

Unlike many sports where size dictates opportunity, rugby welcomes:

  • Tall players

  • Stocky players

  • Fast runners

  • Tactical playmakers

There’s a position for nearly everyone.

Rugby Sevens and the Olympic Effect

One of the biggest boosts to rugby’s popularity came when Rugby Sevens joined the Olympic Games. This faster, seven-a-side version of rugby:

  • Features short matches

  • Encourages skill and speed

  • Appeals to new fans

  • Opens scholarship and national-team pathways

The Olympic spotlight introduced millions of Americans — especially younger athletes — to rugby for the first time.

Is Rugby Safe?

Like any contact sport, rugby requires proper coaching and correct technique. However, rugby emphasizes:

  • Safe tackling form

  • No blocking

  • No hard helmets that encourage reckless collisions

  • Strict officiating against dangerous play

Programs increasingly focus on player safety, structured training, and certified coaching, helping parents feel confident about youth participation.

The Future of Rugby in the United States

Rugby’s growth shows no signs of slowing. Trends driving expansion include:

  • Integration into school athletic programs

  • Increasing college scholarships

  • Professional leagues gaining visibility

  • Stronger community club systems

  • National teams inspiring participation among young players

As more Americans discover the sport, rugby continues to evolve from “something new” to a legitimate, exciting competitive option — for both men and women.

Rugby Equipment, Training, and Development

Whether you're building a program at a school, club, or recreation department, the right gear matters. Quality rugby equipment supports:

  • Player confidence

  • Safer training environments

  • Professional-looking fields

  • Long-term cost savings

Typical needs include:

Investing in durable equipment helps coaches run organized sessions — and helps athletes take pride in their sport.

Final Thoughts: Yes — Rugby Is Growing, And Everyone Plays

So — is rugby popular in the USA?
More than ever before.

And yes — rugby is proudly played by both men and women, from youth levels to college teams, community clubs, and national programs.

Rugby offers something rare: a sport that builds confidence, fitness, teamwork, and resilience while welcoming athletes of every background, experience level, and body type. As more programs launch and awareness grows, rugby will continue gaining fans — on the field and in the stands.

Want to Support Your Rugby Program?

If you’re a coach, athletic director, or club organizer looking to grow rugby participation, I can also help you plan field setups, choose equipment, and develop content that educates players and parents.

Just let me know what you’re working on 👍 

Resources

📄 Download the Official Rugby Laws PDF

This PDF contains:

  • All 21 Laws of Rugby Union

  • Definitions and diagrams

  • The Rugby Playing Charter

  • Standard law variations (e.g., Under-19, Sevens)
    This is the most up-to-date official version published by World Rugby.

📥 Other PDF Versions (Older Editions)

If you’re interested in earlier editions for study or comparison:

  • World Rugby Laws of the Game (older PDF) – various versions from 2016–2022 can be found online. rugbyreferee.net+1

📌 Where to Find More Rugby Rules Resources
Futsal Training: Faster Feet, Smarter Decisions, Better Soccer Players
2026 World Cup Blog | Goals4Sports®

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