URBAN RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

March 20th-22nd| New Orleans, LA

Urban Rugby America (URA) is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Urban Rugby Championship  will be hosted in New Orleans, Louisiana on the weekend of March 22nd, 2025. We are fortunate to be hosted by the NOLA Gold at their home stadium, the Shrine on Airline. This event continues URA's crucial mission to unite, empower, and advance youth rugby initiatives across under-resourced communities nationwide.

The championship will bring together youth rugby programs from urban communities for a weekend of high-energy competition and transformative experiences. Returning to the pitch will be standout programs such as ICEF Rugby (Los Angeles), Memphis Inner City Rugby, Chicago Lions Youth Rugby, Play Rugby USA, and Washington DC Youth Rugby, all eager to battle for the coveted URC title.  Cincinnati, Dallas, North Philly, Nashville, New Orleans, and Patterson (NJ) have all signaled their intent on traveling to compete in the 4th annual championship

URA and New Orleans Gold extend a warm invitation to new urban rugby programs from across the U.S. to join this one-of-a-kind tournament. “This is a call to action for teams committed to fostering equity, community, and the transformative power of rugby to reach out and be part of this groundbreaking event,” said URA organizer Kevin Battle..

The Shrine on Airline Stadium offers a state-of-the-art venue for showcasing the best of youth rugby, while New Orleans, with its rich cultural tapestry, promises unforgettable experiences for all participants and spectators.  “It is both a pleasure and a true honor for NOLA Gold Rugby to host the Urban Rugby Championship here in New Orleans, ” stated Nicolas Godignon, Director of Player Pathways for NOLA Gold.  “Our culture, our values of openness, and our celebration of diversity make this the perfect setting to welcome this wonderful tournament and the young participants coming from all across the country.

 Additionally, these young rugby players will have the chance to attend the NOLA Gold match against Los Angeles as part of the MLR championship.

Beyond the competition, the championship will feature community engagement initiatives, including school visits and cultural explorations of New Orleans. This multi-faceted approach highlights rugby’s ability to inspire, educate, and create lasting bonds.

For teams interested in joining the 2025 Urban Rugby Championship, please contact Urban Rugby America at admin@urbanrugby.org or visit www.urbanrugby.org.

About Urban Rugby America:
Urban Rugby America empowers under-resourced youth and communities through rugby, creating transformative experiences on and off the field. Their events, including the Urban Rugby Championship, aim to redefine the future of American rugby by prioritizing diversity, equity, and access to the sport.

This isn’t just a tournament - it’s a cultural explosion. Inner-city high-school teams from across the country battle fiercely, celebrating and embracing their heritage, amidst the backdrop of American history.