Fun Fact

Rugby was once more popular than American football in the U.S.!

‍

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, rugby was widely played at major universities like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. American football was originally a variation of rugby before evolving into its own sport.

‍

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt even considered banning American football after a series of terrible football injuries, and many schools switched to rugby instead. Schools on the West Coast, especially in California, played rugby exclusively for nearly a decade before football regained popularity.  

‍

Did You Know?

USRF's Board Member, Dr. Lyle Micheli, coordinates Medical Kit Program

‍

To ensure the safety of young players, Dr. Micheli from the Division of Sports Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital launched and oversees the US Rugby Foundation's Medical Kit Program. This initiative equips rugby organizations with essential gear and knowledge to promote safer play.

‍

Learn more -> here.