The Growth of Rugby in North America: Past, Present, and Future
Rugby, a sport steeped in tradition and celebrated across much of the globe, has experienced notable growth in North America over the past few decades. While it may not yet rival sports like football, baseball, or basketball in terms of popularity, rugby is gaining a foothold in both the United States and Canada, attracting new fans, players, and investors. This article delves into the history of rugby in North America, its current standing, and what the future holds for the sport on this continent.
The Early Days of Rugby in North America
Rugby has a rich history in North America, with its roots stretching back to the late 19th century. In fact, rugby and American football shared a common ancestry, with the two sports diverging in the 1860s. While American football quickly rose to prominence, rugby struggled to maintain a significant foothold, particularly in the United States. However, its influence persisted in certain regions, especially in Canada.
Rugby’s Influence on Early North American Sports
In the 19th century, rugby was introduced to the elite colleges and universities of the United States, most notably Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. However, as rugby rules began to diverge from what would become American football, the latter became more popular in these institutions. By the turn of the 20th century, rugby’s presence in the U.S. had waned, while American football surged ahead in popularity.
In Canada, however, rugby enjoyed a more sustained presence. The Canadian Rugby Football Union (CRFU) was founded in 1884 and became the precursor to what would eventually evolve into Canadian football. Though Canadian football has since taken on a distinct identity, the early influence of rugby on the sport is undeniable.
The Post-War Era: Rugby’s Resurgence
Rugby experienced a modest resurgence in North America following the Second World War, as returning soldiers brought back their love for the game. Clubs began to form, and by the 1960s and 70s, rugby had established itself as a popular amateur sport in certain pockets of the U.S. and Canada. National governing bodies, such as USA Rugby and Rugby Canada, were founded to oversee the development of the sport.
The North American rugby landscape during this time was dominated by club teams, which provided the foundation for the sport’s growth. Though professional leagues were still a distant dream, rugby developed a strong grassroots culture, with local clubs fostering talent and introducing new players to the game.
Rugby in North America Today: The Present Landscape
In recent years, rugby has made significant strides in North America, fueled by the growing popularity of the sport at both amateur and professional levels. Key developments such as the launch of Major League Rugby (MLR) and the increased visibility of international tournaments like the Rugby World Cup have played a significant role in rugby’s growing presence in the region.
Major League Rugby (MLR): The Rise of Professional Rugby
The creation of Major League Rugby (MLR) in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in the development of rugby in the U.S. and Canada. The league began with seven teams and has since expanded, now including 12 teams spread across the U.S. and Canada. MLR has attracted both local talent and international players, raising the overall standard of play and introducing the sport to a broader audience.
One of MLR’s key successes has been its ability to provide a pathway for homegrown players to progress from the amateur ranks to the professional level. College rugby programs, such as those at universities like Life University, Cal Berkeley, and Saint Mary’s, are now seen as steppingstones to professional rugby, creating a talent pipeline that benefits both MLR and the national teams of the U.S. and Canada. One of the keys to keep up the momentum is to create Rugby Icons in the MLR and WER landscape.
Rugby Sevens: A Growing Spectacle
While 15-a-side rugby (also known as Rugby Union) is the more traditional format, Rugby Sevens has become a popular variant in North America due to its fast pace and condensed nature. Rugby Sevens is played with seven players per side and features shorter matches, making it ideal for tournament-style events.
The introduction of Rugby Sevens into the Olympic Games in 2016 gave the sport a massive boost in global visibility, and North America has not been left behind. The USA Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams have performed impressively on the world stage, with the men’s team finishing 2nd in the World Rugby Sevens Series in 2019 and most recently the women’s team winning the first 7s medal in the Olympics with a Bronze in France in 2024. These successes have sparked increased interest in the sport, particularly among younger athletes.
Youth and Collegiate Rugby: Building the Future
Youth rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, with more schools and clubs introducing programs to develop young players. In the United States, USAR has supported initiatives aimed at increasing youth participation. Programs like Rookie Rugby, which introduces children to rugby in a non-contact format, have been successful in encouraging early involvement in the sport.
At the collegiate level, rugby has continued to gain momentum, with hundreds of universities fielding men’s and women’s teams. The USA Rugby Collegiate National Championships have become a showcase for emerging talent, with several players making the leap to the national team or professional leagues. College rugby remains a vital component of the sport’s growth, as it provides a structured and competitive environment for developing players.
Challenges Facing Rugby in North America
Despite its growth, rugby in North America faces several challenges. First, rugby competes with well-established sports such as American football, baseball, basketball, and hockey for attention and resources. In countries where these sports dominate the sporting culture, rugby must carve out its own niche and attract new fans.
Another challenge is the relative lack of infrastructure. While Major League Rugby has made strides in establishing a professional league, the sport lacks the same level of financial investment and facilities as the more popular sports. Many rugby clubs and programs still rely on volunteer support and face financial constraints that limit their ability to expand.
Additionally, rugby’s complexity can be a barrier for newcomers. With its unique rules and strategies, rugby can be intimidating for new fans who are unfamiliar with the game. Efforts to simplify the sport’s presentation and make it more accessible to American and Canadian audiences will be key to its continued growth.
The Future of Rugby in North America: A Bright Outlook
Despite the challenges, the future of rugby in North America looks promising. Several factors indicate that the sport will continue to grow and gain popularity in the coming years.
World Cup 2031
- The United States won the right to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031. Hosting one of the sport’s premier global events would be a game-changer for rugby in North America, exposing millions of potential fans to the sport and likely boosting participation and investment.
Continued Expansion of Major League Rugby
- MLR’s continued expansion is a positive sign for the future of professional rugby in North America. As the league grows in both size and visibility, it will help build a larger fan base and attract more investors. The development of stronger rugby academies and training facilities will further elevate the sport.
Increased Participation at Youth and Grassroots Levels
- With more youth and high school rugby programs being introduced across North America, the sport’s future is in good hands. As young players continue to take up rugby, the talent pool will deepen, and interest in the sport will grow.
Rugby Sevens: A Gateway to Growth
- Rugby Sevens will likely continue to play a major role in rugby’s expansion in North America. Its fast-paced, action-packed format is well-suited to North American audiences and has already proven popular at events like the LA Sevens and Vancouver Sevens tournaments.
The Big Guy’s Final Thoughts
The growth of rugby in North America has been steady but undeniable. From its historical roots to the formation of professional leagues and international success in Rugby Sevens, the sport is gaining ground in both the U.S. and Canada. As the sport continues to expand, particularly at the youth and grassroots levels, the future of rugby in North America looks brighter than ever. With the potential to host a Rugby World Cup and the ongoing development of Major League Rugby, rugby’s presence on the continent is set to reach new heights, captivating a new generation of fans and players.
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