Why Colorado Is the Hottest Place for Rugby Growth in the USA

The Rugby Revolution: Colorado Sets the Pace

If you’re in Colorado, you probably already know — rugby is on fire here. But for the rest of the U.S., it might come as a surprise to learn that the Centennial State isn’t just about skiing, craft beer, and hiking trails anymore. Rugby is booming, and Colorado is quickly becoming America’s rugby capital. Whether you watch from the stands at Infinity Park, play at a local youth club, or are just getting to know the sport, there’s plenty of evidence that suggests Colorado rugby is on a different level.

So why is Colorado outpacing the rest of the country? Let’s break down how and why this state has become a rugby powerhouse — and what it means for players, coaches, and fans everywhere.

National Infrastructure: Home Base for USA Rugby

A major turning point arrived in 2020, when USA Rugby shifted its headquarters to Glendale, Colorado. This wasn’t just a relocation; it was a statement. Glendale, a suburb in metro-Denver, became the beating heart of American rugby, anchored by the one-of-a-kind Infinity Park.

Infinity Park is a true gem. It’s the first rugby-specific stadium in the United States, built way back in 2005. But it’s much more than just a place to play matches — it’s a sprawling, dedicated complex. You’ve got a 4,000-seat stadium, a spacious event center for off-field gatherings and celebrations, a massive rec center, and a lush, 8-acre park equipped with a regulation rugby pitch.

This means elite players can train in a world-class setting, but local fans, youth teams, and anyone with a passing interest can be part of the action, too. When we talk about growing the game, this kind of infrastructure is essential. And Colorado’s got it.

Per-Capita Participation: Rugby’s Big Little Secret

Here’s something most people don’t realize: Colorado’s rugby participation, measured "per capita" (per person), is higher than just about any other state in the U.S. (except maybe Utah and a couple of pockets in New England). In other words, rugby isn’t just surviving in Colorado — it’s thriving. The numbers prove it.

For a sport that’s still considered niche in the States, that kind of density matters. High participation creates a real rugby community. Walk by parks in places like Boulder, Denver, or Fort Collins, and you’ll see all ages tossing the ball around: kids in club programs, adults in touch leagues, lifelong fans and newbies alike.

The outcome? A vibrant, sustainable rugby culture, where new talent emerges regularly and diehard supporters keep the fire burning.

Youth Rugby: The Next Generation Is Already Here

Colorado’s grassroots story is particularly impressive at the youth level. Over the past several years, there’s been serious momentum in youth rugby growth statewide. From mountain towns to the Front Range suburbs, local programs, summer camps, and school-based clubs are introducing rugby to thousands of young athletes.

Here’s what makes Colorado’s youth rugby scene unique:

• Diversity of Athletes: Kids cross over from football, soccer, wrestling, and track. Rugby welcomes everyone, and coaches know how to help beginners become stars.

• Structured Pathways: Organizations like SAFFA RUGBY have designed programs that cater to absolute beginners, rising talents, and teams aiming for competition.

• Community Support: Parents, schools, and sports clubs understand rugby’s values (respect, teamwork, discipline), and buy in.

With Denver and Colorado Springs both offering strong girls’ and boys’ scenes, and coaches trained through USA Rugby, there’s a deep bench of future Eagles developing right here.

Curious to get your child involved? Check out SAFFA RUGBY’s youth programs and skill sessions: Youth Rugby Opportunities

Infinity Park: The Beating Heart

Ask anyone in U.S. rugby where the best place to watch or play is, and Infinity Park will almost always come up. This Glendale landmark hosts top-tier matches, USA Eagles training camps, major club clashes, and grassroots tournaments all year.

The vibe is family-friendly and electric. From the stands, you’ll hear chants in thick South African accents (there’s a big expat community!), see local teens helping with ball retriever duties, and feel the energy of a state that genuinely loves its rugby culture.

Infinity Park isn’t just a stadium; it’s the symbol of what’s possible when a city embraces a sport with passion, vision, and investment.

Major Tournaments and Global Attention

Colorado’s ambitions aren’t limited to national glory. Denver is setting its sights on the global stage. In March 2025, World Rugby officials visited Denver as part of the city’s official bid to host both the 2031 Men’s and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cups.

Imagine this: world-class teams, thousands of visiting fans, and big matches held at major venues like Empower Field at Mile High and DICK’s Sporting Goods Park, with community festivals running all week. If Denver’s bid succeeds, Colorado will become the center of the rugby universe — something no one could have predicted a few decades ago.

Even before the bid, Colorado has consistently hosted international matches, major college tournaments (like the prestigious College Rugby 7s National Championships), and epic club showdowns. The result? Rugby is woven into the state’s sporting DNA, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with baseball, basketball, and football.

Geographic Magic: Why Colorado Works So Well

What’s behind Colorado’s rugby magic? A few crucial factors come together:

• Central Location: Colorado is smack dab in the middle of the country. It’s easy to host teams from both coasts for national tournaments.

• Altitude Advantage: Training at a mile high? Athletes love it, especially when they head to sea level for away games.

• Urban Meets Small-Town: Denver has big-city energy, but communities like Glendale bring a face-to-face, supportive vibe. This mix is perfect for growing rugby authentically.

• Rugby-Friendly Weather: The state’s climate means longer playing seasons and more chances for outdoor training, especially in spring and fall.

Community Power and the Expat Effect

Rugby in Colorado isn’t just about the infrastructure — it’s about people. The state is home to a sizable community of rugby enthusiasts from South Africa, New Zealand, the UK, Australia, and across the globe. These expats bring passion, knowledge, and coaching know-how that gets passed down to local players.

But it’s not just expats who love rugby here. Colorado locals — including plenty of American-born rugby converts — have embraced the sport’s values of teamwork, community, and resilience.

If you show up at a local pub during a Six Nations match or the Rugby World Cup, expect to see jerseys from all corners of the rugby world.

Innovative Coaching and Player Development

Coaching is where Colorado really shines. With organizations like SAFFA RUGBY, the focus isn’t just on making players faster or stronger — it’s about developing smart, adaptable athletes who compete clean and play hard.

Some standout features:

• Year-Round Skill-Building: Structured clinics, small-group sessions, and one-on-one coaching are offered throughout the year.

• Embracing Diversity: Rugby welcomes athletes with all body types, skills, and backgrounds — and programs are set up to match.

• Performance Assessment: With partners like Kula Sports Performance, Colorado athletes have access to cutting-edge speed, agility, and conditioning training.

Want to see what a SAFFA RUGBY session looks like? Here’s a deep dive into our youth player pathway and camps: From Clinics to Champions: How SAFFA RUGBY’s Youth Programs Are Shaping the Future

What’s Next? The Future’s Bright (and a Little Rugged)

Colorado has all the ingredients a rugby region needs: passionate people, smart investment, grassroots commitment, and a touch of that mountain grit. If plans for future World Cups succeed and youth participation keeps trending up, it’s not a stretch to say that the next great American rugby stars might very well come from the Rockies.

For anyone thinking about stepping onto the pitch — whether as a player, supporter, volunteer, or coach — there’s never been a better time or place to get involved.

Have questions or want to join a training session? Connect with us at SAFFA RUGBY Contact or check out upcoming sessions: Book Online

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Ready to see what Colorado rugby is all about? Lace up, show up, and be part of the hottest rugby scene in the USA.