Hey there, Rugger!
👊 Happy Friday.
NAI 7s champs crowned. The CRAA U19s are steamrolling RAN. Spencer Huntley gets the call.
Packed with rugby. Let’s go 👇
🇺🇸 CRAA U19s rolling RAN
Not surprisingly, the CRAA U19 select squad is absolutely ripping through the competition at Rugby Americas North down in Mexico.
186 points scored. 5 points scored against. 4-0 record so far. How do you say… dominant?
It's worth asking (again) whether this tournament is the best use of time and resources if the goal is building a stronger U20 program. Our recent Junior World Championship showing suggests a higher level of competition is needed.
That said, the CRAA U19s have looked sharp throughout the trip, with Mexico being the only team to keep them under 50 points.
We spoke to Shay Farkash and Jonathan Solomon yesterday, and they shared that the team chemistry has been on point—which is surprising since the team has had so little time to train together. The coaches have done an excellent job getting the group on the same page early, and leadership on the field by team captain Fatman Thorndyke and vice captain Kody Goldman has fostered a hungry atmosphere at training and during games.
“There’s a lot of competition to make the starting roster each game,” shared Farkash, noting that coach Sean Duffy and his staff are holding a very high standard despite the lopsided results.
Sitting at 4-0, the CRAA U19s look forward to facing Jamaica on Saturday in the final.
And apparently, Jamaica has been talking smack this week. Uh oh…
Solomon and Farkash didn’t mince words when asked about the impending showdown, echoing each other:
“We’re gonna take care of business on Saturday.”
🔥 Spencer Huntley CALLED UP
How cool is this?
At 19 years old, Spencer Huntley was just called up to the USA Eagles Mens squad, reporting to camp in Miami this week to prepare for their game against Argentina XV next weekend.
We chatted briefly with him about the honor:
Huge congratulations to Spencer!
🗓️ NCR News
National Collegiate Rugby had a couple notable announcements this week.
First, they posted their competition calendar. Lots of awesome games coming up this fall. The new Scholar Cup, in particular, looks intriguing.
Second, a letter from CEO Jeremy Treece revealed to NCR members that there has been some activity (or lack thereof) behind the scenes between NCR and USA Rugby. You can read the full letter here on RugbyWrapUp, but the short version is:
NCR tried to settle things via third party help (mediation). USA Rugby said no thanks.
When that didn’t go anywhere, NCR tried reaching out directly to USAR leadership — and did get a response — leading some to believe progress was around the corner.
NCR sent a partnership proposal to USA Rugby which would have (according to NCR) brought the two sides together in a meaningful way.
According to NCR, USA Rugby received the proposal on July 9 but has “not engaged in substantive discussion.”
Against the backdrop of the recent CRAA/USAR partnership announcement (July 28), this letter feels like NCR saying “hey, we’re trying to work something out with USA Rugby — but they don’t want to engage.”
There are two sides to every story for sure. But, in the absence of communication from USA Rugby on the matter, we’re happy to share NCR’s point of view. Again, I don’t have a horse in this race — I just want to see college rugby make sense. And right now, it doesn’t.
If there is another side to the story, it'd be helpful to hear it. Because if NCR's account is accurate, choosing not to engage with the organization that represents roughly 80% of college rugby players is a very strange move for a governing body.
🏆 NAI 7s Boys winners
Rebel Rugby | U18 Elite Division Champs
In a super competitive Elite division, the Rebel boys put on a composed performance on their way to the podium.
Led by captain Reese Reiter, the roster oozed talent and swagger, ultimately taking the trophy with a gritty 21-19 win over the equally-impressive San Mateo Wolverines in the final.
Congrats Rebel Rugby!
“This was my final year at Nai7s and I have had an awesome experience each of the five years I have come. It was an honor to lead a team with such great rugby players and individuals to the Elite Cup. I am going to miss Rebels and all the fun tours I have gone on with them over the past few years.”
Rebels celebrate the win over San Mateo in the Elite Cup final
📸 michellelynnemedia
Herriman | U18 Open Division Champs
The Utah studs were back in action in their home state — Aaand they dominated.
With a +107 point differential in pool play and an impressive 52-7 win in the final, the squad capped off a wildly successful 2026 campaign with guys like Macrae Parker and JT Hammer at the helm.
15s national title — check.
Major sevens title — check.
Congrats boys!
MacRae Parker and JT Hammer in action at NAI 7s
📸 adebphotos
Reese Reiter lifts the Boys U18 Elite Division trophy at NAI 7s with Rebel Rugby
BIG airborne collision at RAN — pretty sure this is from Mexico vs Bermuda
📸 gabyredsphoto
Fatman Thorndyke has been electric at RAN for the CRAA U19s
📸 gabyredsphoto
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Just dropping this in here…
Oddball musings, thanks to the cold tub.
🏉 Want to co-host a Rugby Riot podcast with me? Shoot me a message. Looking for someone who can keep me from talking to myself for an hour. 😂
🏉 Ok. Cold showers might actually be worse than ice baths. At least with an ice bath, you know the misery starts immediately. With a shower it's a full-blown argument with yourself: "Maybe start warm... no, that's weak... just step in... nope... okay, NOW... nope..."
🏉 If you’ve read this far, then you’re among the first to know: Rugby Riot is launching something big soon.
That’s a wrap, gang!
Next week we’ll have more dope rugby stuff to share with you; scores, highlights, stories… all the goods.
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Be well, ruck with gusto, and may your compression shorts always stay in place.
-The Rugby Riot Team