College Rugby
SpoRecruit Rugby was established to guide talented male and female rugby players toward scholarship opportunities at colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. Since its inception, SpoRecruit has successfully supported hundreds of student-athletes through the academic and athletic recruitment process, helping more than 1,000 rugby players take the next step in their academic and athletic journeys abroad.
Collegiate rugby in the U.S. offers a highly competitive and structured environment where student-athletes balance demanding training and match schedules with their studies under organizations such as USA Rugby, National Collegiate Rugby (NCR), and D1A Rugby. With access to elite coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to compete against top-tier talent, college rugby provides a platform for growth—both as an athlete and as an individual.
How do Rugby scholarships work?
College rugby in the U.S. is one of the fastest-growing sports at the collegiate level for both men and women. A key milestone in this growth was the launch of the first-ever Major League Rugby (MLR) Collegiate Draft in June 2020—marking a significant step forward in creating a clear pathway from college to the professional game in North America.
As interest in college rugby continues to surge, it has become an increasingly attractive destination for skilled student-athletes from around the world. This growing popularity also means more opportunities are opening up in the form of rugby scholarships. These scholarships vary widely and can include full or partial tuition coverage, fee waivers, or access to in-state tuition rates for international or out-of-state students.
However, with the rise in opportunities comes increased competition for limited spots on college rosters. That’s where SpoRecruit can provide a significant edge. Our expertise in the recruitment process ensures that aspiring rugby players stand out to coaches and programs across the U.S. and Canada.
To learn more about rugby scholarships for both men and women and how SpoRecruit can help you navigate the process, fill out our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines how much scholarship I get in the USA?
The value of your scholarship will depend on several factors, including your basketball skill level, academic achievements, and the budget your prospective coach has available for that season. But don’t worry—SpoRecruit is here to match you with an American college that aligns with both your abilities and personal preferences.
For example, if a university’s total annual cost is $50,000 and the coach offers you a $42,000 scholarship, that would be considered a partial scholarship, with a remaining $8,000 that you’d be expected to cover. The good news is that many coaches offer the possibility of increasing your scholarship over time—especially if you prove yourself through strong performances on the court and in the classroom.
What is an U.S athletic rugby scholarship?
A U.S. athletic rugby scholarship is financial aid awarded to talented rugby players by colleges and universities to help cover the cost of their education. These scholarships are given based on athletic ability and potential, and can range from partial to full coverage of tuition, housing, and other expenses. In return, student-athletes compete for the school’s rugby team while balancing their academic studies.
When should I start the process?
The earlier, the better. Ideally, you should begin 12–24 months before your desired start date. This gives you time for eligibility checks, video creation, and communication with coaches.
What are the academic requirements?
You’ll need to meet minimum academic standards, including GPA requirements and standardized tests like the SAT, ACT or Dualingo. For NCAA eligibility, registration with the NCAA Eligibility Center is also required.
What college rugby divisions and conferences are there?
With hundreds of college rugby programs spread across the U.S., the sport is organized into various divisions and conference competitions to manage its scale and diversity. USA Rugby oversees the top-tier leagues, including Division 1-A, Division 1-AA, Division 2, Women’s Division 1, and D1-Elite, covering the majority of rugby-playing institutions nationwide. In addition, National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) manages a separate network of over 300 schools, often smaller in size but equally competitive on the field.