The History of the Urban Rugby Championship
URC Overview
As the Urban Rugby Championship approaches its landmark fifth year, it has evolved from a visionary idea between two coaches into a nationwide movement. Founded on the principle that rugby can be a powerful vehicle for social change, the tournament has become the premier stage for youth from under-resourced communities to showcase their talent, build lasting bonds, and redefine the face of American rugby.
A Meeting in Las Vegas (Pre-2022)
The seeds of the URC were planted long before the first whistle blew. In 2015, Stuart Krohn (founder of ICEF Rugby in Los Angeles) and Shane Young (founder of Memphis Inner City Rugby) met at the Vegas 7s tournament. They realized that while their programs were hundreds of miles apart, they shared a common mission: providing elite athletic and academic opportunities to minority students in urban centers. This connection sparked the "Urban Rugby Initiative," a collaborative effort to unite similar programs across the country.
The Inaugural Championship (Memphis, TN)
The dream became a reality in 2022 when Memphis Inner City Rugby (MICR) hosted the first-ever Urban Rugby Championship. It was a historic moment, the first time in the history of American rugby that a tournament was dedicated exclusively to young people of color from under-resourced communities.
- The Atmosphere: More than just a competition, the event featured high-energy 7s rugby infused with a unique "culture and spirit" often missing from traditional tournaments.
- The Impact: It proved that there was a massive, untapped appetite for rugby in urban centers and set the stage for a recurring national event.
Expanding to the West Coast (Los Angeles, CA)
For its second year, the tournament moved to the home of ICEF Rugby in Los Angeles.
- Growth: The event saw an increase in participating teams, with programs like Play Rugby USA (New York), Chicago Lions, and Washington DC Youth Rugby joining the original founders.
- Highlights: The tournament gained significant traction in the national rugby media (including coverage by the Goff Rugby Report), highlighting the "transformative power" of the event for student-athletes who often faced financial barriers to travel.
A Year of "Unity and Power"
By the third year, the tournament had matured into a cornerstone of the youth rugby calendar. The focus shifted toward long-term sustainability and the official formation of Urban Rugby America (URA), the governing body designed to oversee the championship and provide pro-bono consulting to urban programs.
- The Competition: The level of play reached new heights as athletes who had been introduced to the sport through these urban programs began receiving collegiate scholarship offers and national recognition.
- Grant Support: The US Rugby Foundation solidified its support with significant grants, ensuring that the championship remained accessible to all teams regardless of their budget.
Taking the Stage in New Orleans (New Orleans, LA)
The 4th Annual Championship in March 2025 was a massive celebration hosted by the NOLA Gold of Major League Rugby (MLR).
- The Venue: Matches were held at the "Shrine on Airline," a professional-grade stadium, giving participants the experience of playing on a pro stage.
- Winners: In a standout performance, the Memphis Inner City Rugby All-Star Girls took home the URC title, further cementing Memphis's legacy as a powerhouse in the urban rugby scene.
- Cultural Exchange: The weekend included school visits and cultural explorations of New Orleans, emphasizing the URA's mission of "transformative experiences" beyond the pitch.
2026: The 5th Anniversary and Beyond (Dallas, TX)
As the URC enters its fifth year in 2026, it returns to the South, with Dallas serving as a key hub for the festivities.
- The Vision: Under the leadership of organizers like Kevin Battle and Shane Young, the URC is no longer just a tournament; it is a "call to action."
- Legacy: What started with a handful of teams has grown to include cities like Cincinnati, North Philly, Nashville, and Paterson (NJ).
Summary of the URC Legacy
Over the last five years, the Urban Rugby Championship has achieved what many thought impossible: creating a high-performance pathway for athletes from the inner city while maintaining a community-first atmosphere. As it kicks off its 5th year, the URC stands as a testament to the fact that when you remove barriers to entry, the game of rugby belongs to everyone.
Join us on March 20th in Dallas as we celebrate the Urban Rugby Championship and hear from new USRF CEO Shane Young and Leroy Taylor!
