Join The Rugby Revolution

Rugby is played in two main formats: 15s and 7s. Rugby 15s is the traditional format with 15 players per team playing 80-minute matches, featuring structured gameplay with set pieces like scrums and lineouts. Rugby 7s is a faster-paced variant with 7 players per side playing shorter 14-minute matches, emphasizing speed and open play with fewer set pieces. While 15s offers more tactical depth and longer periods of possession, 7s is often played in tournament format and became an Olympic sport in 2016.

With over 900 clubs and 47 State Youth Rugby Organizations spread across the country, there's likely a team near you. USA Youth & High School Rugby (USA YHS) works with these State Organizations and our 50,000+ members to connect players with local clubs and programs, whether you're interested in youth, high school, collegiate, or adult rugby. Fill out our connect form today, and we'll help you find the perfect rugby program in your area.

Whether you're interested in the sport's rich history, safety protocols, player positions, or basic terminology, USA Rugby has you covered. Visit USA.Rugby/rugby101 for a comprehensive guide to understanding and enjoying the game.

Though rugby players don't wear pads or helmets, the sport emphasizes safety through proper techniques and strict rules. The game follows a careful age-grade progression: children aged U5-U10 play non-contact rugby, U10-U14 players are gradually introduced to contact elements, and U14-U18 players can participate in full-contact rugby. Players are taught to use their arms and shoulders when making contact with opponents, with serious repercussions for any contact above the shoulders or dangerous play. Safety infractions result in yellow cards (requiring players to sit out for ten minutes in fifteens or two minutes in sevens) or red cards for serious offenses, which can lead to multi-week suspensions.

Yes, the United States has both men's and women's national rugby teams that compete internationally. Known as the USA Eagles, the women and men represent America in international test matches, World Cup qualifiers, and Rugby World Cup tournaments. Additionally, both programs field competitive 7s teams and regularly compete in the World Rugby Sevens Series and Olympic Games. The Eagles have a rich history dating back to 1912, and today our national teams continue to grow stronger as rugby expands across America.

Yes, the United States has professional rugby for both men and women. Major League Rugby (MLR) serves as the men's professional league, while Women's Elite Rugby (WER) is the professional women's league. These leagues showcase high-level rugby, featuring both domestic and international players who compete professionally.

Rugby welcomes players of all ages, with programs designed for every stage of development. The game follows a careful age-grade progression: children aged U5-U10 play non-contact rugby, U10-U14 players are gradually introduced to contact elements, and U14-U18 players participate in full-contact rugby. The pathway continues through collegiate rugby, post-college clubs, and senior clubs, ensuring players can enjoy the sport throughout their lives regardless of when they start playing.

USA Youth & High School Rugby requires all playing members to verify their age by submitting an ID through a personalized link sent after registration. Once verified, a blue tick appears on their Rugby Xplorer profile, confirming eligibility for matches and competitions. If a Date of Birth is entered incorrectly, members can email membership@usa.rugby or sarah.dunbar@usayhsrugby.org to update their profile.

Players are considered free agents between seasons or when their registration is inactive and may join any club. If a player has an active registration and wishes to transfer, they must submit a clearance request with a reason through Rugby Xplorer. The existing club and parent organization must approve the request before the player can complete registration with a new club.

Notifications are sent to all parties, and once approved, the player can re-register online, with conversion discounts applied when eligible. For permanent moves, players should be removed from old club squads to avoid selection issues. No clearance is needed for Championship XVs/7s registrations or Approved Academies.

For more details, view the Domestic Clearance Help Video.

Option 1:

Login to Rugby Xplorer with your old email address and password. Once logged in, you can update your email in your ‘My Profile’ section. 

More information found in our 'Update Personal Details' article. 

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Option 2:

Please contact your customer service team and they can help you update the email and send you a reset password. membership@usa.rugby

Members can request a refund if they registered incorrectly and have not participated in any training, games, or competitions. Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of registration, per USA Rugby and USA YHS policy. Club and SYRO policies may vary, so check with your club admin or SYRO Lead Representative for specific guidelines.

There are two options when requesting a refund, Rugby Xplorer credit or cash refund. You can choose your preference however, the decision is ultimately up to the club, parent organisations and national admins.

1. My Account > My Profile
2. Expand ‘Registration History’
3. Registrations that are eligible for a refund will have a ‘Refund’ button next to them
4. Click “Refund”
5. Select Refund option preference
   
   • Rugby Xplorer Credit
   • Cash Refund
6. Enter ‘Reason’ for request, add as much detail as possible
7. Click “Request”

Once submitted, the player will receive an email notification (below).

“Registration Refund Request

A registration refund request has been submitted for review.

• Name: XX
• ID: XX

Please note, this request is subject to your national Registration Regulations.

You will be notified when all entity admins have updated the status of this refund request.
Rugby Xplorer Team
Your Rugby Connection”

When the request has been processed, the Player will receive an email with information on which components were approved or declined and whether it was cash refund or Rugby Xplorer credit.

Rugby Xplorer credits can be used for your next registration. Credits may take 24 hours to appear on the member's account from time of processing.

• Note, Rugby Xplorer credits cannot be transferred to another club, another player's registration and/or cannot be changed to a refund once a credit has been processed.
• Please ensure the "Reason" for the refund request is clear to assist each entity admin with the process. 

Cash refunds will be refunded back to the participant's credit card used at the time of registration and can take ~5-8 business days to appear back in the account.

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To view your credits:

1. My Account > My Credits
2. View your Rugby Xplorer Credits. Each breakdown is shown based on the entity (e.g. Club, Parent Organisations and/or National).
3. Rugby Xplorer Credits will automatically be deducted from the participant's next registration. They will appear as a discount on the Payment Summary page.

For more information, please watch our Requesting a Refund help video: https://help.xplorer.rugby/s/article/Requesting-a-Refund-Video.

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