Urban Rugby Championship Announces 2026 Team Roster with Support from the US Rugby Foundation
DALLAS, TX — The Urban Rugby Championship (URC) is proud to announce the seven premier programs selected to compete in its 5th Annual tournament this March in Dallas, Texas. Supported by the US Rugby Foundation (USRF), this milestone event brings together the nation’s most impactful urban rugby organizations to showcase high-performance talent from under-resourced communities.
The 2026 URC continues the Foundation’s mission to grassroots youth rugby by providing youth from major metropolitan areas a national stage to demonstrate the sport’s core values of teamwork, respect, and discipline.
"The Urban Rugby Championship is more than just a tournament; it is a testament to the talent and resilience found in our city centers. As we look toward the 2028 Olympics and the upcoming World Cups on American soil, our goal is to ensure that every young athlete—regardless of their zip code—has a pathway to the pitch. We are building a sustainable future where the core values of rugby serve as a foundation for lifelong success."
— Shane Young, CEO, US Rugby Foundation
2026 Official Urban Rugby Championship Teams
The following organizations will compete in the 5th Annual Urban Rugby Championships:
- Family Faith Academy - Dallas, Texas (Tournament Host)
- Memphis Inner City Rugby - Memphis, Tennessee
- ICEF - Los Angeles, California
- Play Rugby USA - New York City, New York
- Withrow - Cincinnati, Ohio
- Nomads - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- ICRON - Nashville, Tennessee
- Texas Area Teams - To be Announced
Shaping the Future Reception at Jackson Walker
In celebration of these teams and the championship’s fifth anniversary, the US Rugby Foundation will host a special reception, "Shaping the Future of Rugby," on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The event, held at Jackson Walker LLP in the Dallas Arts District, will feature the official introduction of the Foundation’s new CEO, Shane Young. A pioneer in the urban rugby movement, Young will join rugby leader Leroy Taylor to unveil the USRF’s 2025–2028 strategic vision—a plan designed to expand grassroots access as the U.S. prepares for the 2028 LA Olympics and the 2031/2033 Rugby World Cups.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Location: Jackson Walker LLP, Arts Room | 2323 Ross Ave, Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75201
- RSVP: www.usrugbyfoundation.org/shaping-the-future-of-rugby
About the US Rugby Foundation
Since 1963, the US Rugby Foundation has been an independent non-profit dedicated to fueling the growth of American rugby. By funding grassroots programs, providing ball grants, and awarding college scholarships, the Foundation has provided over $3 million in lifetime grant funding to ensure the sport's future is inclusive and sustainable.
About the Urban Rugby Championship
The Urban Rugby Championship (URC) is a premier national competition designed to celebrate and elevate rugby programs operating in under-resourced urban communities across America. Beyond the scoreboard, the URC focuses on community building, academic excellence, and providing high-performance opportunities for players who may otherwise lack access to national-level competition. By uniting diverse programs from coast to coast, the URC serves as a powerful platform for social change and the continued expansion of the American rugby landscape. www.urbanrugby.org
