Rugby in the United States is growing, with opportunities spanning professional rugby, college programmes, national club competitions and regional leagues.
Unlike countries with a single national league pyramid, American rugby operates across several competition structures. Players can develop through college rugby, compete for established clubs or pursue opportunities in MLR, the country’s professional men’s competition.
For players considering a move to the USA, understanding how these different levels work is an important first step towards finding the right club and competition.
In this guide, we explore the main levels of American rugby, how the competitions are structured and the pathways available to players looking to develop their careers.
Understanding the American Rugby Structure
American rugby offers several routes for players, depending on their experience, ambitions and playing level.
The main areas of the game include:
- MLR: Professional men’s rugby in North America.
- College Rugby: University and college competitions that develop emerging talent.
- USA Club Rugby: National championship competitions for leading men’s and women’s clubs.
- Regional Club Rugby: Local and regional competitions organised through geographical unions.
- Community and Development Rugby: Clubs and programmes supporting participation, development and the growth of the game.
These structures provide opportunities at different stages of a player’s rugby journey, although there is no single promotion and relegation system connecting every competition.
1. MLR: The Professional Game
MLR is the USA’s professional rugby competition, and the highest form of professional rugby in North America. Launched in 2018, the league provides a platform for players to compete professionally while helping grow the sport across the United States.
The 2026 season featured six teams:
- Anthem Rugby Carolina
- California Legion
- Chicago Hounds
- New England Free Jacks
- Old Glory DC
- Seattle Seawolves
The competition consists of a regular season followed by playoffs, with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals.
What does MLR offer players?
MLR provides opportunities for players looking to compete at the professional level. Teams recruit players with different backgrounds and experience, creating a competitive environment for developing talent.
For players aspiring to play professionally in the USA, MLR represents the highest level of the domestic game.
The league is also an important part of the country’s long-term rugby ambitions, particularly with the United States set to host the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031.
2. College Rugby: Developing the Next Generation
College rugby is a major part of the American rugby landscape, with universities and colleges across the country fielding men’s and women’s teams.
Unlike some countries where young players progress primarily through academy systems, American rugby offers a significant university-based pathway.
College programmes vary in their structure and competitive level. Some operate as student-led club programmes, while others have more extensive resources and support.
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR)
National Collegiate Rugby is one of the major organisations in American college rugby.
Its competitions include several divisions, allowing university teams to compete at different levels according to their programme and conference structure.
Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA)
The Collegiate Rugby Association of America also organises college rugby competitions, including men’s and women’s programmes.
Together, these collegiate structures provide opportunities for players to develop their skills, gain competitive experience and potentially progress towards higher-level club or professional rugby.
The MLR College Draft
One important pathway from college to professional rugby is the MLR College Draft.
The draft is designed to help MLR teams identify collegiate talent and create opportunities for eligible players to enter the professional game.
For players considering studying in the USA, college rugby can therefore offer both an educational experience and a route into competitive rugby.
Who is college rugby suited to?
College rugby may appeal to players who want to combine their studies with rugby, develop their game in a structured environment and explore opportunities to compete at a higher level.
Eligibility requirements vary between competitions and programmes, so players should check the specific requirements before applying.
3. USA Club Rugby: The National Championship Series
Outside the professional and college game, club rugby plays a central role in the American rugby system.
USA Club Rugby oversees adult, non-collegiate men’s and women’s club competitions, including the National Championship Series for both 15-a-side and sevens rugby.
The National Championship Series brings together leading clubs from across the country to compete for national titles.
Men’s and Women’s Divisions
The XVs National Championships feature multiple divisions, providing competitive opportunities for clubs at different levels.
The 2026 championships include:
Men’s rugby
- Division I
- Division II
- Division III
Women’s rugby
- Division I
- Division II
Clubs progress through regional championships and Super Regional competitions to earn places at the national championships. The 2026 event features 20 teams across five divisions.
For players, these competitions offer opportunities to represent established clubs, compete for regional and national honours, and continue developing outside a professional environment.
Club rugby is particularly important for players who want to maintain a high level of competition while pursuing work, studies or other commitments.
4. Regional Club Rugby: The Foundation of the Game
Below the national championship level, rugby is organised through regional and geographical unions.
These competitions provide a structure for clubs to compete locally, develop their squads and build relationships within their rugby communities.
Depending on the region, competitions may include:
- Division I
- Division II
- Division III
- Division IV and development competitions
The exact structure varies between geographical unions.
For example, the Capital Rugby Union operates several men’s divisions, illustrating how regional rugby can be organised to accommodate clubs at different competitive levels.
Regional rugby is an important part of the American game. It provides opportunities for players to compete regularly, develop their skills and work towards higher-level club rugby.
For players moving to the USA, regional clubs may also be worth exploring when looking for a team that fits their experience, location and playing ambitions.
5. Community and Development Rugby
Beyond the main competitive structures, community rugby supports participation and player development across the country.
Local clubs, youth programmes and development initiatives introduce new players to the sport while providing opportunities for experienced players to remain involved.
These programmes help strengthen the foundations of American rugby by encouraging participation and supporting the next generation of players.
For those starting their rugby journey, community rugby can provide a way to learn the game, build experience and progress towards more competitive environments.
For established players, local clubs can offer a place to continue playing and contributing to the rugby community.
Why Consider Playing Rugby in the USA?
The American rugby landscape offers a variety of opportunities for players with different backgrounds and ambitions.
Here are some reasons to consider the USA as a rugby destination.
A range of competitive levels
From professional rugby to regional club competitions, players can explore different environments depending on their experience and goals.
A developing professional game
MLR provides a professional competition for players aiming to compete at the highest domestic level in North America.
College and educational opportunities
University rugby can allow players to combine education with competitive sport, subject to programme and eligibility requirements.
A diverse rugby community
Clubs and competitions across the country bring together players from different backgrounds, creating opportunities to experience rugby in a new environment.
Different routes to progress
American rugby does not follow one unified promotion and relegation pyramid. Instead, players may move between college, club and professional environments through recruitment, selection and other available pathways.
Finding the right opportunity depends on your position, experience, eligibility and the requirements of individual teams.
Ready for Your Next Rugby Opportunity in the USA?
Whether you are an experienced player looking to take the next step or a club searching for new talent, understanding the American rugby system can help you identify the right opportunities.
At Oval15, we connect rugby players and clubs worldwide through a platform designed to make recruitment easier.
For players: Create your player profile on Oval15.com to showcase your position, playing history and experience to clubs looking for players.
For clubs: Register your club for free, search player profiles and post recruitment requirements to connect with players who match your needs.
Your next rugby opportunity could be waiting.