2026 Boys High School National Championships: Recap
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The heart of American high school rugby beat loud in Indiana once again. From May 21–23, 2026, the Boys High School National Championships returned to the iconic Moose Rugby Grounds, bringing together the nation's top single-school and club programs for three days of championship rugby. With two divisions, multiple brackets, and every match streamed live on the USA Youth & High School Rugby YouTube channel, the 2026 edition delivered everything that makes Boys Nationals one of the premier events on the youth rugby calendar.
A huge credit to Goff Rugby Report for the match reports.
Single School
Herriman claimed the Single School national title in dominant fashion, defeating St. Ignatius 32-10 behind a performance that was physical, fast, and unified from start to finish. Scrumhalf Boston Hales, center Macrae Parker, and prop Rhett Parker all crossed for tries as Herriman executed their game plan to perfection, running hard and keeping the ball moving throughout. Sione Nau blazed through for a second-half score and Filipe broke a tackle to go in from long range, with Tylejay Tuia also adding a try as the Utah program pulled away convincingly. St. Ignatius showed fight through two tries from Noah Spinos, but multiple scoring chances went begging and Herriman was simply too good. As Alex Goff of the Goff Rugby Report noted, "Herriman was just too good, too physical, too fast, and too unified."
High School Club
The HS Club final between Charlotte Cardinals and San Diego Mustangs was one of the standout matches of the weekend, and the third straight meeting. San Diego drew first blood when Shay Farkash scored off a maul just two minutes in, and a Reese Curtis penalty pushed the Mustangs lead to 8-0. Charlotte’s wing, Zane Schumacher, scored to make it 8-7 at the half.
In the second half, wing Aiden McLaughlin scored a brilliant try and put Charlotte ahead 14-8. San Diego answered through No. 8 Max Marshall, but solid Charlotte teamwork allowed Kay Campbell to seal the victory 21-13. A statement win for the Cardinals over the defending national club champions. Match details courtesy of Alex Goff, Goff Rugby Report.
Tier 2
The Tier 2 final was everything a championship match should be. Charlotte Tigers edged Carmichael Hawks 18-17 in a dramatic one-point finish. Lock Xavier Flowe opened the scoring for Charlotte before flanker Ronan Curry responded for Carmichael, with Rupeni Rukuvau converting for a 7-5 lead. A penalty goal from Vaylin Kellerman nudged the Tigers back in front 8-7, but Curry crossed for his second try late in the first half to give Carmichael a 12-8 lead at the break.
Carmichael pushed the advantage to 17-8 early in the second half when some sharp ball-handling put No. 8 Isaac Gomez over. But Charlotte grew into the game, tightening their defense and stealing set pieces. Center John Telli was outstanding, rescuing difficult situations and then finishing on a smart support line to make it 17-13. Finally, off a set play from a scrum, the Tigers ran a loop move and put wing Nehemiah Gill Jr. in space. He sped away for a try that delivered a dramatic one-point victory and the Tier 2 national title. Match details courtesy of Alex Goff, Goff Rugby Report.
A Championship Weekend for the Ages
Moose Rugby Grounds once again proved why it has become synonymous with high-level competition and unforgettable moments, providing the perfect backdrop for another chapter in the growing legacy of American high school rugby.
Congratulations to every team, coach, and athlete who competed. The future of the game is in great hands.
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