Rugby in USA: How the Sport Is Growing and Who Plays It

When you think of rugby in USA, a contact sport with roots in England that’s gaining traction across American schools and cities. Also known as American rugby, it’s not the NFL—but it’s building its own identity with clubs, colleges, and national teams pushing it forward. Unlike football, rugby doesn’t stop after every tackle. It keeps flowing, rewarding fitness, teamwork, and quick thinking. And while it’s still not as big as basketball or baseball, more kids are picking it up—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s real.

There are two main versions played here: rugby union and rugby sevens. Rugby union, the 15-a-side version with set pieces like scrums and lineouts. Also known as 15s, it’s what you’ll see in high school and club matches across Texas, California, and New York. Rugby sevens, the faster, seven-a-side format with shorter games and higher scoring. Also known as 7s, it’s the version that made it into the Olympics—and it’s why more colleges are adding teams. USA Rugby, the national governing body, runs youth programs, high school leagues, and even a pro league called Major League Rugby. Teams like the Seattle Seawolves and Atlanta Rhinos draw crowds, and the U.S. national team, the Eagles, plays in global tournaments.

What’s driving this growth? Schools are seeing rugby as a safer alternative to football—less padding, fewer helmet-to-helmet hits, but still full contact. Parents like that. Coaches like that it teaches discipline and resilience. And with more TV coverage and streaming options like RugbyPass, fans can finally watch live matches without hunting for obscure channels. It’s not going to replace football anytime soon, but rugby in USA is carving out space—on fields, in locker rooms, and in the hearts of players who stick with it.

Below, you’ll find posts that dig into how rugby works, why it’s not as popular as it could be, what it costs to follow the sport, and how it’s played in other countries. Whether you’re new to the game or just curious why it’s growing here, these articles give you the real picture—no hype, just facts.