Rugby is a Club Sport — Not Just a Team
In rugby, you join a club, not just a team. A club is a community organization that fields multiple teams — men's, women's, youth, 15s, 7s — all under one identity, sharing the same colors, pitch, and culture. Think of it like a soccer club rather than a school team. When you're a Bruin, you're part of the Bruins Rugby Football Club (RFC).
Globally, the sport is governed by World Rugby, which oversees everything from international competitions to youth development programs like Rookie Rugby. In the United States, USA Rugby is the national governing body, organizing clubs into local unions and regional associations all the way up to the national team — the USA Eagles.
Right here in Cleveland, there are three major adult rugby clubs: the Cleveland Rovers RFC, the Cleveland Crusaders, and the Cleveland Iron Maidens. Many Bruins coaches and families played with or are still playing with these clubs.
Rugby Union vs. Rugby 7s
Rugby Union (15s) is the traditional form of the game — 15 players per side, 80-minute matches (two 40-minute halves), typically one match per week on Saturdays. This is what most professional leagues and the Rugby World Cup are played under.
Rugby 7s is the fast-paced, tournament format — 7 players per side, 14-minute matches (two 7-minute halves). Multiple games are played in a single day, with tournaments often spanning a weekend. Rugby 7s is in the Olympics and has its own World Series circuit.
There is also Rugby League, a separate sport with different rules (primarily popular in northern England, Australia, and Papua New Guinea). Bruins Rugby and most global competitions play Rugby Union.
Where to Watch in the USA
NBCUniversal's streaming service carries the most rugby in the USA — Premiership, Six Nations, URC, MLR, and more.
Rugby-dedicated streaming platform. Covers Top 14, Rugby Championship, HSBC 7s, and US domestic rugby.
World Rugby's official streaming platform. Great for international test matches, World Cup archives, and 7s coverage.
Carries select international matches and MLR games. Check ESPN+ for expanded rugby coverage.
Professional 15s Leagues
Premiership Rugby
England's top professional club competition featuring 10 clubs including Bath, Leicester Tigers, Saracens, and Harlequins. One of the most competitive domestic leagues in the world.
Peacock
Top 14
France's elite club league — widely considered the best club competition in the world. Features powerhouses like Toulouse, La Rochelle, and Stade Français. Known for massive crowds and passionate fans.
FloRugby beIN Sports
United Rugby Championship (URC)
A cross-border league combining the best clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa. Features Leinster, Munster, Ulster, the Stormers, and more.
Peacock
Super Rugby Pacific
The premier club competition in the Southern Hemisphere. Features the Chiefs, Crusaders, Blues, Brumbies, and Pacific nations. Fast, free-flowing rugby at its best.
RugbyPass TV
Japan Rugby League One
Japan's professional league has exploded in quality, attracting top international players. The 2019 Rugby World Cup put Japan on the map and League One is proof the sport is booming there.
FloRugby RugbyPass TV
Major League Rugby (MLR)
America's professional rugby league, launched in 2018 and growing fast. The 2026 season features 6 teams: Chicago Hounds, New England Free Jacks, Seattle Seawolves, California Legion, Anthem Rugby Carolina, and Old Glory DC. The best place to watch pro rugby in your backyard.
Peacock FloRugby
Super Rugby Americas
South America's premier franchise competition featuring clubs from Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile. The Pumas' feeder system and a hotbed of emerging talent. A great watch if you want to see the next generation of Los Pumas.
superrugbyamericas.com
Champions Cup & Challenge Cup
European club knockouts featuring the best teams from Premiership, Top 14, and URC. The Champions Cup is Europe's version of the UEFA Champions League — high stakes, massive games.
Peacock FloRugbyInternational 15s Competitions
Rugby World Cup
The biggest event in rugby — 20 nations compete over six weeks. Past winners include New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England, and France. The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be held in Australia. USA will compete as the Eagles.
Peacock RugbyPass TV
Six Nations Championship
England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France, and Italy compete each spring. One of the oldest and most watched rugby tournaments in the world. The "Grand Slam" — beating every opponent — is the ultimate prize.
Peacock FloRugby
The Rugby Championship
New Zealand (All Blacks), South Africa (Springboks), Australia (Wallabies), and Argentina (Los Pumas) battle it out every year. The All Blacks and Springboks are perennial world powers — elite, physical rugby.
Peacock FloRugby
British & Irish Lions
A combined team of the best players from England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland who tour one Southern Hemisphere nation every four years. Considered one of the greatest events in rugby.
Peacock
Barbarians FC
The Baa-Baas are rugby's most famous invitation team — no fixed home, no league, just the world's best players united by a love of attacking rugby. They tour annually, taking on national teams and top clubs. Their 1973 match against New Zealand is considered the greatest rugby game ever played.
RugbyPass TVRugby 7s — The Fast Game
Rugby World Cup Sevens
The standalone 7s World Cup brings together the top nations for a single knockout tournament. Separate from the 15s World Cup, this is where the fastest players in the world converge for a weekend of breathtaking rugby.
FloRugby RugbyPass TV
Olympic Rugby 7s
Rugby 7s returned to the Olympics in 2016 (Rio) and has been one of the most electric events at the Games every time since. Both men's and women's competitions are played. Fiji has dominated the men's competition. The USA men's and women's Eagles 7s teams regularly compete at the Olympics.
Peacock NBC
HSBC SVNS World Rugby Sevens Series
The premier 7s circuit, with legs held at iconic venues around the world — Hong Kong, Cape Town, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Singapore, Toulouse, and London (Twickenham). The USA 7s (formerly played in Las Vegas) is one of the most exciting sports events in America. Teams earn points across the season with the series winner crowned world champions.
FloRugby RugbyPass TV
Follow the USA Eagles
The USA Eagles are America's national rugby team — men's and women's 15s — and the USA Eagles 7s compete on the HSBC SVNS circuit. The Eagles are growing in stature on the world stage. Following them is a great way to connect with the sport at the highest level and cheer for your country. Visit usarugby.org for schedules and news.