High School Rugby National Championship returning to Elkhart May 23

By: Tim Mosier

Posted: May 21, 2024 10:50 AM EDT

ELKHART, Ind. -- The Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau announced on Tuesday that the Rugby Boys High School National Championships will be held in Elkhart for a third-straight year, from May 23-25 Moose Rugby Grounds.

Organizers say that over the course of the weekend, more than 800 athletes, coaches and staff as well as over 1,200 fans from as far away as California, Connecticut, Florida and Texas will call Elkhart home, bringing an economic boost to Elkhart-area businesses and further bolstering Elkhart’s reputation as a hotbed for youth rugby.

The Boys High School National Championships is the third significant rugby competition just this spring with the boys and girls Midwest championships being held in town on separate weekends in April.

“We are thrilled to have this event return to our backyard. While it’s a considerable amount of work by a select few people, the benefits for the local community and revenue return are significant," said Director of the Moose Rugby grounds Bart Bottoroff. "We are excited that the coaches from last year’s event voted to come back to our facility."

The Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau says they have partnered with the Moose Rugby Grounds for many years as the sport has grown in popularity around the country.

“Elkhart County is proud to welcome rugby teams as well as athletes in other sports for events here. We love sporting events and the contributions they bring to our business partners in the community," said Jon Hunsberger, executive director of the Elkhart County CVB. "As rugby continues growing with an eye toward the U.S. hosting the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, Elkhart County will be looking for innovative ways to support Bart and his team."

Organizers say competition will be divided into three divisions: Single School, Club, and Tier-2. Games will start at noon each day on the Moose Rugby Grounds’ three fields located at 1500 County Road 5 W.

A three-day pass to the event is $25.