Charlotte, NC – The Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is excited to announce the inaugural CRAA All-Americans East vs. West match, a premier showcase of the best in men’s collegiate rugby set to take place as a curtain raiser to Anthem Rugby Carolina of Major League Rugby in Charlotte, North Carolina, in May 2025.
This highly anticipated match will feature the best men’s collegiate players from across the country, selected by a distinguished committee composed of coaches from CRAA and the USA Men’s National Team. The All-American players will represent their regions and compete to earn selection to the Anthem Academy squad powered by USA Rugby, which is scheduled to tour South Africa in the summer of 2025.
“This is a monumental moment for collegiate rugby in the United States,” said Paul Santinelli, Executive Director of CRAA. “The East vs. West All-Americans game allows our top collegiate players to showcase their skills nationally while being evaluated for international competition. It highlights CRAA’s commitment to player development and aligns directly with USA Rugby’s high-performance pathway.”
The East vs. West showdown is designed to elevate the level of competition and provide a critical stepping stone for young athletes aspiring to represent the United States at the highest level.
Scott Lawrence, Head Coach and General Manager of the USA Men’s XVs National Team, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “This competition is a key part of the project Gemini 18-23 big play aimed at developing the next generation of Eagles. By bringing together the best collegiate players under the eyes of national team coaches, we’re building a pipeline that feeds directly into our international programs. I’m excited to see the talent on display and how these players seize this incredible opportunity.”
USA Rugby and CRAA will similarly group in 2025 to align on talent identification across the Women’s collegiate programs within CRAA, collaborating on regional opportunities for selection to USA Women’s Junior National Team tours expected this summer.
To help ensure the success of this initiative, independent sponsors and donors will play a crucial role in subsidizing the cost of training assemblies, travel, and lodging for the All-American players. CRAA invites supporters of rugby and the growth of the sport in the United States to join in making this groundbreaking event possible. Those interested in contributing can use Stripe for online contributions: https://bit.ly/3AMYQU0 For more information on sponsorship and donation opportunities, please contact Paul Santinelli (psantinelli@craa.rugby)
The match will serve as a prelude to a Major League Rugby event at Anthem RC, promising fans a full day of thrilling rugby action. Additional details, including ticketing and kickoff times, will be announced in the coming months.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: psantinelli@craa.rugby
About the CRAA:
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is the governing body for elite collegiate rugby programs in the United States. CRAA oversees competition, development, and pathways for athletes aspiring to achieve at the highest levels of the sport. CRAA is dedicated to promoting and growing collegiate rugby across the United States. CRAA supports student-athletes by providing a high level of competition, fostering leadership, and helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field.
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