2024 WER Legacy Cup Featuring Four WPL Teams: Schedule, Results, How to Watch

The 2024 WER Legacy Cup, while a new chapter in U.S. women’s rugby, continues the proud tradition of elite competition established by the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Championships, which have been showcasing the best in the sport since 2009. This year’s event not only honors the pioneers who have driven the growth of women’s rugby but also celebrates the ongoing legacy of excellence within the WPL.

A Rich History of Champions

Since its inception, the WPL has been the pinnacle of women’s club rugby in the United States, with teams from across the country competing for the national title. The Colorado Gray Wolves (formerly known as Glendale Raptors and Glendale Merlins) hold the record for the most WPL Championships, with four titles to their name (2014, 2015, 2017, 2023). Last year, they claimed their fourth championship, defeating the Berkeley All Blues in a closely contested match. Here’s a look at the history of WPL champions:

• 2009: New York Rugby Club 20–10 Berkeley All Blues
• 2010: New York Rugby Club 33–8 Beantown RFC
• 2011: Berkeley All Blues 17–8 Twin Cities Amazons
• 2012: Berkeley All Blues 39–5 Glendale Raptors
• 2013: Twin Cities Amazons 25–12 Berkeley All Blues
• 2014: Glendale Raptors 16–15 Twin Cities Amazons
• 2015: Glendale Raptors 26–17 Berkeley All Blues
• 2016: San Diego Surfers 26–16 Glendale Raptors
• 2017: New York Rugby Club 27–26 Glendale Merlins
• 2018: San Diego Surfers 34–28 Glendale Merlins
• 2019: Glendale Merlins 39–31 Life West Gladiatrix
• 2020/2021: Not held due to COVID-19
• 2022: All Blues 29–7 Beantown RFC
• 2023: Colorado Gray Wolves 29–24 All Blues

Semifinals – Madison, WI (Sept. 7)

This year, the Legacy Cup begins in Madison, Wisconsin, on September 7, 2024, where the top four WPL teams will compete in the Semifinals. With a history of fierce rivalries and thrilling matches, fans can expect nothing less than top-tier rugby.

Location:
Madison United Rugby Club, 448 Clark St., Cottage Grove, WI 43427

Schedule:

• 11:00 am: Fan Zone Opens
  Engage with the rugby community and enjoy pre-game festivities, including interactive activities and local vendors.
• 1:00 pm: Semi-Final Game 1 – #2 New York Rugby Club vs. #3 Colorado Gray Wolves
  A matchup with history, as New York and Colorado clash in what promises to be a tightly contested game.
• 3:00 pm: Semi-Final Game 2 – #1 All-Blues Rugby vs. #4 Life West Rugby
  The All-Blues, a storied team in WPL history, face off against the formidable Life West.

The day will be filled with exciting events, including a kids rugby clinic, various sponsorship opportunities, tiered ticketing options with hospitality, and community activations to engage the local fanbase.

Championship – Greensboro, NC (Sept. 14)

The journey to the championship culminates in Greensboro, North Carolina, on September 14, 2024. The top two teams from the Semifinals will battle for the Legacy Cup in a match that not only crowns the national champion but also adds to the rich history of the WPL.

Location:
Bryan Park, Truist Soccer Complex, 6105 Townsend Rd., Browns Summit, NC 27214

Schedule:

• 11:30 am: Fan Zone Opens
  Get into the spirit of the day with fan activities, sponsor booths, and more.
• 2:00 pm: Championship Match (Winner Semi #1 vs. Winner Semi #2)
  The final showdown to determine the 2024 Legacy Cup champion.

In addition to the championship match, Greensboro will host a week of rugby-related events, including city-wide activations and community outreach programs. Fans can also look forward to a meet-and-greet with USA Eagles players, making this a must-attend event for rugby enthusiasts.

Legacy Cup Events

September 7 – Madison, WI

• MS & HS Girls Rugby Clinic: An opportunity for young players to train with top-level coaches and players.
• Fan Zone Open: A lively area for fans to gather, enjoy food and drink, and participate in rugby-themed activities.
• Legacy Cup Semi-Final #1: The first of two intense matchups that will determine who advances to the final.
• Legacy Cup Semi-Final #2: The second semi-final, setting the stage for the championship.

September 14 – Greensboro, NC

• Guilford 7s Tournament: A fast-paced rugby 7s competition featuring local and regional teams.
• NC HS Girls and Boys All-Star ID Camp: A showcase for high school talent, with opportunities for players to be scouted by colleges and national teams.
• Fan Zone Open: The hub of fan activity, with games, merchandise, and more.
• Curtain Raiser Game – Guilford 7s Championship: The final of the Guilford 7s, leading into the main event.
• Legacy Cup Championship: The final showdown to crown the 2024 WER Legacy Cup champion.

2024 WPL League Season

The WPL teams have been playing league matches since April 27, check out their journey here!