NEWS

Major League Rugby Steps Up to Support USA Men’s U20s in Chase for World Rugby Trophy Qualification

Written by Calder Cahill

The USA Men’s U20s will see northern rivals Canada for a two-match World Rugby Trophy qualifier series this week, a significant pair of matches to both drive the game forward and develop young talent on the international stage.

With Major League Rugby approaching its fifth championship series, current teams within the league continue to keep an eye on the future as all 11 US-based organizations joined together in a donation program to support the three-week USA U20s camp in Charlotte, NC. Alongside the US Rugby Foundation, each club is included as a program sponsor through fundraising platform, Vertical Raise, as part of the Fuel The Future initiative. Friends, family and fans can join Major League Rugby in support of the U20s by donating online.

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33 up and coming player prospects have been named to the USA Men’s U20s pool for this year’s qualifier series, all of which are in the age bracket to represent their country on home soil in Rugby World Cup 2031. Continually a partner in the player development journey, Major League Rugby teams each committed to donations for the young squad and will be recognized on the sleeves of Men’s U20s jerseys during the series.

“The return of the World Rugby Trophy is an exciting moment here in 2023, however the growing support this program has received is what has us most encouraged this time around.” said USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young. “The added contributions alongside our network of donors will improve not only preparations for this all-important series, but the player experience. Our sincere appreciation goes out to the US-based clubs for their donations and overall support of this roster we hope to see grow through the international and Major League Rugby pathways.”

Men’s XVs Head Coach and General Manager, Scott Lawrence added, “The team has been given their longest assembly in 10 years in preparation for this year’s qualifier. This builds cohesion amongst the team but also provides a highly competitive environment out of which our best possible team can be selected.”

Major League Rugby CEO, Nic Benson said, “”The work Brendan Keane, Scott Lawrence and the USA Rugby team have done to build the U20’s team ahead of the World Rugby Trophy is unprecedented and we are proud to have played a part in it. This team is a crucial building block for the future of men’s rugby in the US, we look forward to watching these players develop over this series, as Major League Rugby athletes and USA Eagles in the years to come.”