NCR and NRL Partnership: A New Era for Collegiate Rugby in the US
A groundbreaking partnership between National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) and the National Rugby League (NRL) is poised to reshape the landscape of rugby in the United States. This collaboration will see NCR men’s and women’s select side teams compete in the Premier Division at the 2026 Vegas 9s Festival, offering unprecedented exposure for collegiate athletes.
The Vegas 9s: A Launchpad for Talent
The Vegas 9s tournament, taking place February 26-27 at Silver Bowl Park, is expanding in 2026 to include a Premier Division specifically for professional, semi-professional, and high-performance teams. This addition creates a direct pathway for NCR athletes to showcase their skills in front of NRL and NRLW officials, potentially leading to professional scouting opportunities and trials. The tournament is part of a larger Rugby League in Las Vegas event week, culminating in NRL matches at Allegiant Stadium.
Bridging the Gap Between Collegiate and Professional Rugby
Historically, the transition from collegiate rugby to the professional ranks has been challenging for American players. The NRL, often described as the “NFL of Australia,” boasts a substantial financial foundation – a recent domestic media rights deal valued at approximately $2.2 billion AUD – and a highly competitive league. This partnership aims to streamline the process, providing a clear performance-based pathway for talented student-athletes.
How the Teams Were Selected
The selection process began at NCR’s All-Star Championships in Atlanta, where over 600 student-athletes were evaluated against NRL and NRLW high-performance standards. From this pool, 15 women and 15 men were chosen by NRL scouts to represent NCR in Las Vegas. The NRL will cover the teams’ travel expenses and create individual recruiting profiles for each athlete, further enhancing their visibility.
Meet the NCR Select Sides
Women’s 9s Roster
- Lauren Anderson — Southern Nazarene
- Kayla Bartley — Southern Nazarene
- Alexis Dallas — Wheeling
- Corinne Dragwa — Towson
- Kelly Greenleaf — Towson
- Ava Hughes — Colorado State
- Piper Lee — Colorado School of Mines
- Savanah Lewis — South Florida
- Molly McAlevey — Northeastern
- Olivia McQuhae — Siena
- Maurina Street — South Dakota
- Telesi Uhatafe — Southern Nazarene
- Carlyan Vigbedor — Norwich
- Sydney Weiss — Marist
- Vivianne Wright — Southern Nazarene
Men’s 9s Roster
- Lucas Chirico — Iona
- Stephan Herbst — Walsh
- River Hanson — Duke
- Hamish Goonan — Iona
- Fraser Leslie — Walsh
- Connor Malauulu — Southern Nazarene
- Patrick McMahon — Boston College
- Gavin McNicholl — Fordham
- Jake Morrison — Alabama
- Alex Nyamunda — Wheeling
- Jamie Phillips — Dartmouth
- Manulua Taula — St. Bonaventure
- Philip Tracey — Bowling Green
- Harrison Tu’isila — Belmont Abbey
- John Worobel — Vermont
The Broader Impact on US Rugby
This partnership isn’t just about individual opportunities; it’s about elevating the overall standard of rugby in the US. By exposing collegiate players to the NRL’s high-performance environment, the NCR is fostering a culture of excellence and providing a model for future development. The exposure gained at the Vegas 9s, alongside the NRL’s premier matches, will undoubtedly generate increased interest in the sport among American audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vegas 9s?
The Vegas 9s is a rugby nines tournament featuring teams from around the globe, now including a Premier Division for professional and high-performance sides.
Who is eligible to play in the NCR select sides?
Players must be current student-athletes participating in NCR competitions and selected through the All-Star Championships process.
What is the NRL?
The National Rugby League is Australia’s premier professional rugby league competition, often referred to as the “NFL of Australia.”
Will the matches be televised?
The NRL matches at Allegiant Stadium will be broadcast live to a global audience. Details regarding coverage of the Vegas 9s are forthcoming.
What are the benefits of this partnership for US rugby?
It provides a direct pathway for collegiate players to professional opportunities, raises the profile of US rugby, and fosters a higher standard of play.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the NCR website (https://www.ncr.rugby/) for updates on the Vegas 9s and future partnership initiatives.
Don’t miss out on the action! Follow the NCR and NRL for live updates and exclusive content from the 2026 Vegas 9s Festival.
