USA Club Rugby Sees a Huge Spike in Membership Numbers

Membership in USA Club Rugby has seen a significant surge, driven by the success of rugby in the Olympics and the outstanding performance of the USA Women’s Eagles 7s team, who captured the Bronze Medal over Australia. This achievement has sparked renewed interest in the sport, with both returning and new players contributing to the spike in numbers. This article, a collaboration between the USA Rugby Senior Club Council (USAR SCC), the USA Rugby Club Competition Committee, and Wendy Young with Your Scrumhalf Connection (YSCRugby), highlights the key areas of growth and explores the factors behind this spike in participation.

Quantifying the Spike in Numbers

The numbers speak for themselves. As of the current registration cycle (which started on September 1), USA Club Rugby has registered 64.04% of its expected members for the 2024-25 season. This is remarkable, especially given that many leagues won’t start play for a few weeks or even until the Spring. Compared to last year’s final membership total of 32,119, we are already at 20,568 members early in the cycle (as of October 10, 2024), with plenty of room for further growth.

For context, the 2022-23 season closed with 30,611 members, and we saw a 4.93% increase in membership for the 2023-24 season. With only a short time into the registration cycle, reaching 64% of the expected total is phenomenal, underscoring the continued growth of rugby in the U.S. This spike can be directly attributed to the increased visibility and success of the sport, especially on the international stage, with the Olympic success of the USA Women’s Eagles 7s team being a key driver.

Returning Players

Returning players make up 72% of the total rugby participants. Among them, 73% are male, 26% are female, and 1% identify as non-binary or gender diverse. A small group, <1%, preferred not to disclose their gender. This diverse representation highlights the inclusivity of rugby and its ability to welcome back players from all backgrounds.

New Players

Perhaps even more impressive is the influx of new players. New players make up 11% of the total rugby participants. Among them, 48% are male, 45% are female, and 5% identify as non-binary or gender diverse. <1% preferred not to disclose their gender. This surge in new players, many of whom have never played rugby before, underscores the growing popularity of the sport, particularly in the wake of the USA Women Eagles 7s team’s Olympic success.

Roles within the Community

Players make up 89% of all roles within the rugby community. Coaches represent 6%, and admin-volunteers 5%. Match officials and medical roles account for 1% combined. This balance between on-field and off-field roles is crucial to sustaining the momentum that rugby is currently enjoying in the U.S.

Geographic Union (GU) Representation

Growth can also be tracked across the different Geographic Unions (GUs). Leading the way is the Midwest GU, which accounts for 26% of the total rugby membership, followed by Capital and Empire, each making up 10%. Other key regions include New England (8%), Eastern Pennsylvania (7%), and the Pacific Northwest (6%). This distribution demonstrates that the rugby boom is happening nationwide, with increased engagement from coast to coast.

Because certain leagues have already started play, their numbers are naturally higher at this point in the registration cycle. Regions like the Midwest, Atlantic (New England (NERFU), Capital, and Carolinas), Frontier (Rocky Mountain and Utah), Mid-America, Empire, Eastern Pennsylvania (ERPU), True South, and Carolinas have already kicked off their seasons. On the other hand, leagues with later start dates, such as Red River (Texas Rugby Union), which begins in December, and SoCal, Pacific Northwest, Florida, and Southwest, which will likely start in Spring 2025, will see more registrations closer to the start of their competitions. This staggered start reflects the diverse climate and competition schedules across the U.S., adding to the regional flavor and excitement that rugby brings to communities nationwide.

Gender Breakdown

The overall gender breakdown within USA Club Rugby is indicative of a growing diversity in participation. 69% of members are male, while 29% are female. Non-binary and gender-diverse individuals make up 2% of the membership, and <1% preferred not to disclose their gender. While male participants still dominate, the strong showing from female and gender-diverse individuals highlights the sport’s increasing inclusivity and appeal to a wider audience.

Ethnicity Diversity

Rugby’s reach is expanding across different ethnic groups as well. 67% of members identify as White, non-Hispanic, while 9% are Hispanic or Latino, and 7% are Black, non-Hispanic. Other ethnic groups, including Mixed or Multiple ethnicities (6%), Asian (2%), and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (2%), also have strong representation. This diversity is key to rugby’s future growth in the U.S., as it reflects the country’s rich cultural landscape and the sport’s ability to unite people from all walks of life.

Age Distribution

Players range widely in age, with the majority between the ages of 25 and 32, which represents 46% of the total playing population. There is still strong participation from players in their late 30s and early 40s, with 17% of players in this age range. The appeal of rugby spans generations, with both young athletes and seasoned players finding passion in the game.

Supporting Clubs through This Growth

With this tremendous growth, it’s essential to ensure that our clubs are well-supported to continue thriving. The USA Rugby Senior Club Council (USAR CCC) is committed to providing the resources needed to help clubs manage this influx of new and returning players. We encourage clubs to reach out and let us know how we can assist you during this exciting time of expansion!

Conclusion

The success of rugby in the Olympics, particularly the USA Women’s Eagles 7s team’s Bronze Medal win, has played a significant role in driving the surge in USA Club Rugby membership. With new and returning players, diverse representation across gender, ethnicity, and age, and strong involvement across various Geographic Unions, rugby in the U.S. is experiencing unprecedented growth. The future looks bright as the sport continues to capture the hearts of both new fans and seasoned athletes alike.

Let’s continue to ride this wave of momentum and work together to keep building rugby in the U.S.!


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