Do I have to register with USA Rugby before I can play?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under USA Club Rugby's 2026-27 Eligibility Regulations, every player must be currently registered with USA Rugby, with all dues paid, before taking part in any competition or any rugby activity of a physical nature. That includes practices. These registration standards also support safety and liability insurance coverage.

Where: register online through Rugby Xplorer, to the club you'll play for.
Good standing: you must be in good standing with USA Rugby and your local union (the Approved Governing Body) to play in sanctioned competitions.
Your club must also be compliant. That means club fees paid in Rugby Xplorer for the current membership year, at least 8 registered players, and at least one coach with World Rugby Level 1 or higher and current SafeSport and background check accreditations.
Championship play:
- For National Championship Series (NCS) qualifying matches, your Rugby Xplorer profile must be set to public.
- For local union playoffs, you must be registered on a full-year basis (not weekly) by the registration deadline.

Every member is expected to know and follow the eligibility regulations. Players and clubs who don't comply can be disciplined.