Rugby Returns: Elkhart Hosts National High School Championship for Third Year

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ELKHART, Ind. — The Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau announced Tuesday that the Rugby Boys High School National Championships will be held in Elkhart for the third consecutive year. The event will take place from May 23-25 at Moose Rugby Grounds.

Over the weekend, more than 800 athletes, coaches, and staff, along with over 1,200 fans from states as far away as California, Connecticut, Florida, and Texas, will converge in Elkhart. This influx of visitors is expected to provide a significant economic boost to local businesses and reinforce Elkhart's growing reputation as a hub for youth rugby.

This championship is the third major rugby event hosted in Elkhart this spring, following the boys and girls Midwest championships held on separate weekends in April. Bart Bottoroff, Director of Moose Rugby Grounds, expressed his excitement about the event's return. "While it’s a considerable amount of work by a select few people, the benefits for the local community and revenue return are significant," Bottoroff said. "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 has a longstanding partnership with Moose Rugby Grounds, supporting the sport's growing popularity nationwide. Jon Hunsberger, executive director of the Elkhart County CVB, highlighted the community's enthusiasm for hosting such events. "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," Hunsberger stated. He also mentioned that with the U.S. set to host the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, Elkhart County is keen to continue supporting local rugby initiatives.

The competition will feature three divisions: Single School, Club, and Tier-2. Games will commence at noon each day across the three fields at Moose Rugby Grounds, located at 1500 County Road 5 W. A three-day event pass is available for $25.