Legal Cases Converge: Three Lawsuits Challenge USA Rugby’s Governance

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the lawsuits filed by Justin Hale and National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) against USA Rugby had been officially consolidated. While motions to consolidate have been filed by both NCR and a third plaintiff, Christopher Chopra Micheletti, the court has not yet ruled on the matter. We regret the error and have updated the article to reflect the current status and the existence of a third related lawsuit.

As the sport of rugby in the United States eyes a golden decade of global visibility, three separate lawsuits are now spotlighting deep fractures in the governance framework meant to steer that growth. Texas-based referee Justin Hale, National Collegiate Rugby (NCR), and referee and administrator Christopher Chopra Micheletti have each filed legal action against USA Rugby and its Director of Training & Education, Jamie McGregor. The claims range from defamation and retaliation to deceptive business practices and governance overreach.

The Micheletti lawsuit was recently brought to our attention, bringing the total number of active cases against USA Rugby and McGregor to three. All are currently proceeding through the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Motions have been filed to consolidate the cases, and while the court has not yet ruled on those motions, the outcome could significantly alter the legal and administrative landscape of rugby in the U.S.

Background: Two Parallel Legal Fronts, Now One

• In December 2024, Justin Hale filed suit alleging he was excluded from officiating assignments, including CRAA and MLR, after participating in NCR events. His claims include defamation, racial discrimination, and tortious interference.
• In February 2025, NCR filed a separate complaint asserting that USA Rugby falsely labeled its competitions as “unsanctioned” and misrepresented their legitimacy to referees, sponsors, and the public.
• Also in February 2025, Micheletti filed his own lawsuit, alleging similar defamation and interference with his career as a referee and administrator. Micheletti filed a motion to consolidate his case shortly before NCR’s own motion.

Each plaintiff argues that USA Rugby overstepped its authority as the national governing body, targeting individuals and organizations that operate independently but still contribute meaningfully to the growth of rugby in the United States.

USA Rugby and McGregor’s Response

USA Rugby and McGregor have denied all allegations. In their formal responses, they assert that all actions were in accordance with internal policies and World Rugby regulations. Both parties have opposed the motions to consolidate, stating that the legal issues and facts in each case are distinct and should be treated separately.

Plaintiffs, on the other hand, argue that the shared themes of misrepresentation, retaliation, and governance overreach justify combining the cases for efficiency and transparency.

What Consolidation Could Mean

Motions to consolidate all three cases are currently under review by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Lane, with oversight from District Judge Robert Pitman. A ruling in favor of consolidation would unify the lawsuits into a single proceeding and could serve as a symbolic marker of larger systemic concerns.

In Hale’s case, an agreed scheduling order has already been filed. A bench trial is scheduled for March 9, 2026. Discovery is set to conclude by October 3, 2025, with pre-trial motions due by November 3, 2025. Whether the timeline changes depends on whether consolidation is granted.

Why This Matters

These lawsuits come at a pivotal time. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup, and the 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup approaching, the United States has a rare opportunity to showcase and grow the sport.

Instead, the current landscape is divided. Collegiate rugby is governed separately by NCR, CRAA, and NIRA. Referees are left to interpret unclear or conflicting policies. Players and teams continue to operate within a fragmented structure that inhibits coordination and development.

Regardless of how the court rules on the legal claims, the broader issue remains. Can U.S. rugby unite during one of the most significant growth windows in its history?

Ongoing Coverage

We have updated our earlier articles to reflect this development:

• Fractured Framework: What Justin Hale’s Lawsuit Reveals About U.S. Rugby’s Governance Challenges
• Another Legal Challenge for USA Rugby: NCR Files Lawsuit Alleging Defamation, Fraud, and Interference

Both now direct readers to this piece for the most up-to-date information on all three lawsuits.

Lawsuit Links

• Halve v McGregor et al
• National Collegiate Rubgy Inc. v. McGregor et al
• Micheletti v. McGregor et al

We will continue to monitor the legal developments and what they mean for the future of rugby in the United States.