One of the biggest challenges in high school rugby recruiting is the lack of widespread awareness and structure compared to sports like football or basketball. Since rugby is not sanctioned as a varsity sport in many states, it does not have the same level of funding, media coverage, or recruiting databases. This means athletes must take more initiative to get noticed by college programs. Joe Garcia said, “I didn’t even know you could play rugby in Colorado or even in high school.”

Another challenge is the variation in competition levels. Some states, such as California, Utah, and Colorado, have strong rugby cultures, while others have limited opportunities. Players from states with weaker rugby programs may struggle to gain recognition unless they travel to national events or join competitive club teams. Freddie Wallace said, “Colorado has a lot of talent in rugby it’s just nobody knows they can play and some of them don’t even know it’s a sport.”

Unlike sports with clear scholarship structures, rugby recruiting also lacks a standardized scholarship system in the U.S. While top rugby colleges such as Life University, Lindenwood University, and Saint Mary’s College offer scholarships, many schools provide only partial financial aid or rely on academic scholarships. Therefore, athletes must balance their rugby ambitions with academic performance to maximize scholarship opportunities. Gavin Clubs said, “Rugby in Colorado is one of the top places to get recruited in to go play at the next level.” Rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports at the high school level in the United States, with increasing opportunities for athletes to be recruited into college programs and even professional pathways. Unlike traditional American sports such as football, basketball, and baseball; rugby recruiting operates in a more decentralized manner, often relying on club teams, showcases, and scouting networks rather than formalized high school leagues. Despite these challenges, dedicated athletes can leverage various opportunities to be noticed by college coaches and national development programs.

High school rugby players generally have three main pathways for recruitment: high school programs, club teams, and scouting through national events. While some states, such as California and Texas, have strong high school rugby programs affiliated with schools, many top players participate in club rugby, which offers higher competition levels and greater exposure.

Club teams play a significant role in rugby recruiting because they provide athletes with access to elite coaching, travel opportunities, and competitive tournaments. Many college coaches scout players at these club tournaments rather than high school games, as club competitions often feature higher levels of play. Prominent club tournaments, such as the High School National Championships and regional qualifiers, serve as key scouting events for college and national team recruiters.