Spartanburg to Host World Rugby U20s Trophy Qualifier

The University of South Carolina-Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is the host of this week’s World Rugby U20s Trophy Qualifier between the United States and Canada.

“We are so excited to host USA Rugby’s Under 20 National Team vs. Canada right here on campus at Spartanburg Regional Field at County University Soccer Stadium,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Daniel Feig. “Hosting a series of rugby matches of this magnitude with players from all over the country will be a great opportunity for us to showcase USC Upstate, Spartanburg and the greater Upstate area to a new group of people. Hopefully, we can help grow the sport and develop a new group of rugby fans in the process.”

The first match was on June 6 with the second match on June 10 at Spartanburg Regional Field. The June 10 match will have tickets for $20 per person between Canada and the U.S. team, which is 33 players across college, development and Major League Rugby clubs selected by USA Rugby. Dartmouth men’s coach Kyle Sumsion leads the team.

“We’re confident in the group we have committed this summer, as players were identified through recommendations from college coaches, 2022 Talent Identification Camps, video review, the 2022 Junior National Team Winter Camp and players who have moved up in age from the USA U18s in recent years,” said USA Rugby Men’s Pathways Manager Brendan Keane.

Most of the players are fresh off Men’s D1A playoff and championship appearances, alongside some Major League Rugby prospects and two members of this spring’s USA Hawks program in Aiden Christians and Animae Amiatu.

“Myself and the senior national team staff will be fully engaged with this group of coaches over the next few weeks, as we inch closer to these pivotal two games against Canada,” said USA rugby men’s head coach Scott Lawrence. “We’re excited to see talent unfold and keep a close eye on these players as we kick off the 2027 cycle and beyond.”