The history and growth of women’s rugby in the United States is a story of perseverance and success. From the first American rugby game in 1874 to the establishment of Major League Rugby in 2017, the sport has seen significant progress. Women’s rugby couldn’t be played at the college level until Title IX was implemented in 1972, and the first high school women’s rugby team was recognized in 1983. The U.S. and Canada competed against each other for the first time in 1987, with the U.S. dominating the match. International success followed, with the U.S. winning the first Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991. In 2009, the first Women’s World Cup (7s) was hosted in the United Arab Emirates, leading to the establishment of the National International Rugby Association in 2015.
In recent years, women’s rugby has seen a surge in popularity and growth, with the U.S. Olympic team winning a bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The generous donation of $4 million from women’s sport investor Michella Kang to Team USA has further fueled the growth of women’s rugby in the country. From high school teams to clubs and Junior National teams, the USA Rugby organization has been instrumental in cultivating the sport’s culture and spreading it across the U.S.
Personal stories, like that of a high school student who joined her school’s girl’s rugby team on a whim and found a lifelong love for the sport, illustrate the impact that women’s rugby has had on individuals and communities. The bond formed through women’s rugby is unbreakable, with city-wide clubs and after-game potlucks providing opportunities for bonding and connection. Women’s rugby has not only brought joy and fulfillment to those who participate in it but has also created a strong and supportive community that continues to grow and thrive across the United States.
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