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Urban Rugby America Launches on Heels of Successful Urban Rugby Championships

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Urban Rugby America Launches on Heels of Successful Urban Rugby Championships

Action from the URC in LA in February. David Barpal photo.

Urban Rugby America (URA) has launched.

The organization has announced it will be working to unite, empower and advance youth rugby initiatives serving under-resourced communities across the US.

Urban Rugby America's purpose is to provide access, opportunities, resources, and support in rugby for underrepresented, low-income populations in the United States. Founded by leaders with over 50 years of collective experience in urban rugby development and organizational leadership,

This all comes from the success of The Urban Rugby Championships, which have been held the last couple of years. GRR was at the last event in Los Angeles and it was an excellent example of what can be done in this category with some effort.

Urban Rugby Championship Massive Celebration of Rugby's Reach

"Our mission is clear: to unite, empower and advance youth rugby initiatives serving under-resourced communities across the United States," said Kevin Battle, one of URA's founding members. "The constant uphill battle faced by these communities for equitable access to opportunities, resources and support is impossible to fight alone. URA is here to advance our common goals for the betterment of the kids who deserve it most."

Urban Rugby America was born out of necessity, driven by the pressing need to close long-standing gaps in both the sport of rugby and the broader social landscape. With a commitment to diversity, access, and the research-backed benefits of sport, URA aims to redefine the future of American rugby while fundamentally changing the opportunities available to youth in low-income communities.

In a significant step towards achieving this mission, Urban Rugby America has announced partnerships with USA Youth & High School Rugby, Major League Rugby, and Imagine Rugby. These partnerships reflect the collective commitment to enhancing youth empowerment and inclusivity through rugby in under-resourced communities.

The organization's grassroots commitment to equity, collaboration and action exemplified by its inaugural event – the 1st Urban Rugby Championships in Memphis in 2022. This groundbreaking championship event served as a catalyst for URA's formation, bringing together visionary leaders from America's most impactful Urban Rugby programs.

As URA continues to gather momentum, it seeks to amplify the voices of those striving for positive change through rugby, providing a platform for collaboration, support, and transformation.


Urban Rugby America (URA) is a pioneering organization dedicated to uniting, empowering, and advancing youth rugby initiatives serving under-resourced communities across the United States. With a commitment to diversity, access, and the transformative power of sports, URA aims to reshape the future of American rugby while fundamentally changing the opportunities available to youth in low-income communities. Founded by experienced leaders in the field, URA provides critical support, catalytic financial investments, and transformative rugby experiences, all driven by the vision of creating positive social change through the sport of rugby.