The stage is set. The energy is building. And once again, the heart of American high school rugby will beat in Indiana.
From May 21–23, 2026, the Boys High School National Championships will return to the iconic Moose Rugby Grounds—where the best young talent in the country will collide in a three-day showcase.
The field is set, and the nation’s top programs are officially locked in for the 2026 Boys National Rugby Championships. April 25 brought the final play-in match with Thunder Rugby capping off a strong regular season by beating Belmont Shore. They had already defeated SOC Raptors to take the second spot out of SoCal, with league-leaders (and defending national club champs) San Diego Mustangs back already. Two more wild-card spots were open and Carmichael and Missoula nabbed those.
With the final lineups confirmed, anticipation now turns to kickoff - where the players take center stage and put on an amazing showcase of skill and pride in representing their communities on the national stage.
| High School | State |
|---|---|
| Gonzaga College | Washington DC |
| Greenwich | Connecticut |
| Herriman | Utah |
| Notre Dame de la Salette | Illinois |
| Sacramento Jesuit | California |
| St. Edward | Ohio |
| St. Ignatius | Ohio |
| Strake Jesuit | Texas |
| Xavier | New York |
| Club | State |
|---|---|
| Carmichael Hawks | California |
| Cavemen Rugby | Utah |
| Charlotte Cardinals | North Carolina |
| Charlotte Tigers | North Carolina |
| Doylestown | Pennsylvania |
| Eastside Lions | Washington |
| Fort Hunt Rugby | Virginia |
| Kansas City Jr. Blues | Missouri |
| Layton Christian Academy | Utah |
| Missoula Stampede | Montana |
| Okapi Wanderers | Florida |
| Raptor Rugby | Tennessee |
| San Diego Mustangs | California |
| The Woodlands | Texas |
| Thunder Rugby | California |
Missoula earned a wild card slot after a solid win over Kahuku this past weekend, adding to a good showing on their tour of Washington state. Fort Hunt has emerged as the top team in Virginia, while Okapi, now set to enter the Florida semis this coming weekend, put in a strong case with their results. Carmichael’s 4-0 run in the NorCal D1 Gold league moved the Hawks into consideration.
These teams will be seeded #1 through #8 for the Single-School and the High School Club brackets, respectively, and the remaining eight teams will be seeded into the Tier II championship.
"We have another excellent lineup of teams for all three brackets," said Tournament Director Bart Bottorff, "The level of play and the competitiveness of the games, played on full-sized grass pitches designed for rugby, continues to get better each year and we're all excited at what this year's Championship will bring."
USA Youth & High School President David Pool added, "Boys Nationals represents everything that is exciting about the future of our sport—competition, opportunity, and the coming together of outstanding young athletes from across the country. Each team has earned the right to be here, and we’re proud to showcase this event once again at Moose Rugby Grounds as we continue building the game nationwide."
USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren added, “Having experienced these championships and atmosphere myself, I’m thrilled to see the tradition continued at Moose Rugby Grounds this May. Events like these represent the best in Boys High School rugby, as well as the hard work and dedication put on behind the scenes of each team to reach this moment. I want to extend a congratulations to all the players, coaches and administrators competing this year; and thank the event organizers at Moose Rugby Grounds for their continued support.”
There’s a reason this tournament keeps coming back to Moose Rugby Grounds. The venue has become synonymous with high-level competition and unforgettable moments. With multiple pristine grass pitches, a layout built for spectators, and an atmosphere that blends community with intensity, it provides the perfect backdrop for a national championship. Every try scored and every tackle made here adds to a growing legacy.
Every match across every field will be broadcast live on USA Youth & High School Rugby YouTube - giving fans, families, and the broader rugby community full access to the action—no matter where they are. Whether you're following a championship run or discovering the next generation of talent, this is a front-row seat to the future of American rugby.
Boys Nationals isn’t just about lifting a trophy. It’s about representing your school, your club, and your community. It’s about months—years—of preparation culminating in one awe-inspiring weekend. It’s about teammates becoming brothers, and moments that last long after the final whistle.
And for three days in May, it all comes together in one place. Indiana is ready. Moose Rugby Grounds is ready.
