Hey there, Rugby Rioter!
Rugby is back in full force this week.
Playoffs are heating up, rivalry season is here, and we’ve even got another coast-to-coast showdown on deck.
Packed with rugby. Let’s go 👇
In This Issue
👉Things you should know
🇺🇸Nationals Tournament: 27 days (May 22-24)
That’s right—we’re under a month out from nationals.
📺 Utah State Playoffs x GOLS
The Utah State playoffs will be livestreamed by Game On Live Studios (GOLS)—the same crew behind the Tropical 7s coverage. If you liked what you saw there, you’re in luck.
You’ll need to pay to watch. But word is, it’s worth it.
🔥Playoffs cranking up
Texas is holding semifinals this weekend in Club. We’ve got the Barbarians vs Woodlands, and the Boks vs Spartans.
Louisiana already has its finalists—Jesuit New Orleans and Brother Martin. That match takes place this Saturday. These dudes have split their two games, with Brother Martin taking the W back in January (!) and Jesuit claiming victory more recently. Round three should be a thriller.
The Texas/Louisiana league already has one finalist—Strake Jesuit—while the other side of the bracket will be decided between Dallas Jesuit and Celina.
Utah’s playoffs kick off next week. But today, Cavemen and Layton Christian face off—that’s a huge game. 👀
Florida hits the quarterfinals this weekend, with Key Biscayne and Okapi seemingly on a collision course for a huge rematch in a couple weeks. But Jacksonville and Tampa are lurking—don’t count either of them out.
Arizona, meanwhile, has a big showdown in the state final: Tempe vs Phoenix.
🏆 Tourney Time
The Montana Invitational takes place this weekend, and the field looks strong: Herriman (UT) and Liberty (WA) feel like the headliners, but don’t sleep on the home-state teams—Missoula and Gallatin could make a statement in front of a home crowd.
The Midwest Tournament, hosted by St. Xavier (OH), also takes place this weekend. We couldn’t find a full list of attendees—otherwise we would share it here.
🌎 The broader rugby picture
💰Where’s the money? 2031 is coming…
When the USA was tabbed as host for the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups, there was a lot of talk about buckets of cash getting infused into the American rugby scene. The actual numbers are vague, but World Rugby apparently pledged something like 20-30 million dollars to help boost the sport in anticipation of the World Cup.
Well…it’s been a few years, and that ‘mula’ hasn’t exactly materialized.
Our question: If the money does actually show up, where will it be allocated? And will it be too late?
🏈 Football Stars bullish on rugby?
Marshawn Lynch and Marcus Peters are now part-owners of the Seattle Seawolves. NFL legends buying into local teams isn’t new—but Beast Mode’s reasoning might be a sign of something bigger:
“Rugby is about culture, community, and respect—and when this opp presented itself, I was with it, cause you already know that’s what imma about. This move isn’t just business. It’s about building something with substance and purpose. The Seawolves are creating something dope in the PNW, and I’m here for it.”
🎙️Pod Rec
Looking for some easy rugby listening? Check out For the Love of Rugby, hosted by English legends Dan Cole and Ben Youngs. It’s nonstop rugby talk—with hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from their international careers and rugby slang you won’t hear in the U.S.
We have no affiliation with the pod, we just love the content.
Barbarians (TX) vs Woodlands (TX)
Quick hits:
The Woodlands have been the top dog in Texas for a while now. But the Barbarians are climbing fast.
They met earlier this season, with Woodlands winning 26–5—but the Barbarians showed they can hang.
Both teams have tested themselves out of state. Woodlands hit the Friendship Cup, while the Barbarians flew to Florida to take on nationally ranked Okapi Wanderers.
The winner moves on to face either the Spartans or the Boks in the state final.
“This is what rugby’s all about, two of the best teams in Texas, colliding with everything at stake. Just like us, Katy knew this day was coming, they’ve prepared for this clash, but so have we. We’ve been building for this moment, and we’re ready for the fight.”
Who's gonna win?
Fairfield Prep (CT) vs Greenwich (CT)
Last year, when these two Connecticut powerhouses met in the regular season, it was one of the most electric games of the year. The crowd was loud, the rugby was intense—everything you’d expect from a rivalry.
Fairfield Prep won the first round. But Greenwich got the last laugh—knocking them out in the state semifinal.
Both teams are sharp again this season. Expect fireworks.
“We have a lot of respect for Fairfield Prep and how they have built their program over the past few years.
We’ve had some time off over the past couple weeks and our guys are hungry for some action. Our intention is to put out a statement performance tonight.”
Who's going to win?
Charlotte Cardinals (NC) vs Wolverines (CA)
It says something that the Wolverines flew across the country to face the Cardinals—especially with heavy hitters like Mustangs, Granite Bay, Danville Oaks, De La Salle, and Belmont Shore sitting in their own state..
People want to play the Cardinals—and they’re happy to take on all challengers.
These coast-to-coast matchups are what make the rugby community feel tighter and the country feel smaller.
The Wolverines will have their hands full, but the Cardinals shouldn’t overlook the NorCal boys. California rugby is no joke. Every week is a slugfest.
“It’s not lost on anyone at the Cardinals what an absolute honor it is to host Ben, all the coaches and players. Yes, it will be a huge game, ‘East Coast v West Coast’ but it’s going to be so much more than that. It’s going to be the start of an amazing partnership and friendship.”
Who will win?
Gonzaga (DC) vs St. Ignatius (OH)
Ever since the final whistle blew in Elkhart last May, you can bet St. Ignatius circled this one on the calendar. A bunch of returning players were on the field for that loss—and they’ll be ready.
Gonzaga’s squad has plenty of new faces—graduation took most of last year’s roster—but the DNA is the same. There’s talent, there’s speed, and this group feels like it’s just getting started.
This has been one of the best rivalries in Single School rugby in recent years—and it might be a preview of what’s coming in Elkhart. Stay tuned. This one’s gonna be a banger.
“Among single schools, Gonzaga has been setting the standard for many years. They’re incredibly well drilled, coached and smart tactical players. We’re very eager to measure our progress against them this weekend.”
Who wins this one?
A couple of Can’t-Miss NorCal matches.
Granite Bay vs De La Salle (Saturday, April 26)
Danville Oaks vs SFGG (Saturday, April 26)
Credit: Charlotte Cardinals (Instagram)
The 2025 Gonzaga Classic.
At halftime of a game they were winning handily, La Salette (IL) head coach Sean Fitzpatrick reminded his 5–0 squad that success brings higher standards, not cruise control:
“You have earned the right to be criticized.”
Think you know rugby? Prove it!
What is the minimum number of players needed to form a lineout?
Oddball musings, induced by borderline hypothermia.
🏉 All this AI tracking gear that’s all the rage lately got me thinking… are we overanalyzing players? At some point, you just have to trust your eyes. A good rugby player is a good rugby player—data be damned.
🏉 I’m just gonna say it…
Coaches need to stop being so precious about their game film. Just post it. The good teams aren’t running trick plays—they just play sharp, mistake-free rugby. Plus, putting film out there helps grow the game. Oh, and everyone is privately sharing film anyway—but you already knew that.
🏉 Honest question: Are GripTec and Stickum allowed in rugby? Asking for a friend.
That’s a wrap, gang!
Next week we’ll have more dope rugby stuff to share with you; scores, highlights, stories, RANKINGS UPDATES… all the goods.
If you like this stuff, share it with your friends!
Be well, ruck with gusto, and may your compression shorts always stay in place.
-The Rugby Riot Team