Fractured Framework: What Justin Hale’s Lawsuit Reveals About U.S. Rugby’s Governance Challenges

The rugby community is abuzz as Texas-based referee Justin Hale has filed a lawsuit against USA Rugby and its Director of Training & Education, Jamie McGregor. The case, which includes allegations of defamation, retaliation, and racial discrimination, highlights deeper tensions within the sport’s governance and officiating structures. A Career Marked by Success and Controversy Justin … Read more

USA Rugby Lawsuit, Croatia, Canada, and Melina Win, Wales Scrutinized, and World Rugby Awards | WRR 180

Welcome to WRR 180 for Nov 11-17. We reveal the details of a recent USA Rugby lawsuit, the announcement of nominees for the 2024 World Rugby Awards, and Croatia’s narrow 17-10 victory over Bulgaria. Canada shined in the PR 7s All Stars competition, while Melina secured the Brazil Super 7s title in dominant fashion. Wales … Read more

Kat Stowers: Rooted in Samoa, Rising Through Rugby

We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their … Read more

Lauren Kuffel: From High School Varsity Athlete to Rugby National Champion

We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their … Read more

Olga Niyibizi: From Misfit to Mentor, Finding Belonging in Rugby

We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their … Read more

Breaking Free: Kendall Cunningham’s Journey from Pressure to Passion

We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their … Read more

Kate Muldoon: Balancing Academics and Athletic Ambitions

We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their … Read more

Get Ready: WER’s 2025 Player Declaration Process Kicks Off

The Path to Professional Rugby: WER Opens Player Declaration for 2025 Season The professional era of women’s rugby is officially upon us with the latest announcement from Women’s Elite Rugby (WER). WER has opened the player-declaration process ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 season, signaling a new chapter for women’s 15s rugby in the U.S. … Read more

The Game Changer: Alex Pipkin’s Path from Harvard to Coaching

We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their … Read more