2024-25 Kevin Higgins Scholarship Recipient: James Rose

Born into a rugby family, James Rose began his journey in the sport practically from birth, following in his father's footsteps. Starting with flag rugby through Green Bay youth rugby, Rose quickly fell in love with the game, progressing to middle school tackle and eventually captaining his high school team, the Leprechauns, for two years.
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"I started playing rugby as soon as I was born, my father played and as soon as I could, I started to play as well," Rose explained. "I started because of my father, but I continue to play to this day because I love this sport with all my heart."

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Under Rose's leadership, the Leprechauns reached the state tournament for four consecutive years. His exceptional skills led to numerous select-side opportunities, including captaining the Wisconsin Badger selects and competing with the Rebels in 7s tournaments where they won NAIs and Blood Fest. Most notably, he was selected to represent the USA in the U18 Global Youth 7s tournament in New Zealand.

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"He's a genuine, caring and humble young man. He clearly loves rugby and his teammates," said Salty Thompson, Director of Eagle Impact Rugby Academy. "A Green Bay native, he was under the radar with USA Rugby when I selected him for EIRA."

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Throughout his rugby career, Rose has played multiple positions, demonstrating his versatility. Beyond the pitch, he maintained a 3.89 GPA at Bayport High School and wrestled for over eight years, contributing to team state championships. Since 8th grade, he has also coached flag rugby, discovering a passion for working with younger players.

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Now at Life University in Marietta, Georgia, Rose plays for the Running Eagles while pursuing a degree in exercise science. His ambitions remain substantial: "My goals for rugby going forward are simple. Become an eagle, and represent the United States of America in 2028. But before that, I want to win a national championship here at Life University."