Leagues & Associations

Girls youth rugby in the DMV sits within a layered structure of local clubs, regional leagues, territorial unions, and USA Rugby. Here’s how it fits together.

Elite Girls Rugby League (EGRL)

The Elite Girls Rugby League is the premier girls high school rugby league on the East Coast. Founded in February 2022 by five clubs — North Bay (MD), West Carroll (MD), Doylestown (PA), Morris (NJ), and Aspetuck (CT) — the EGRL was conceived by coaches at Morris Rugby as a way to provide a higher level of competition, better college exposure, and a platform for recruiting. It has since expanded to 11 clubs across three divisions.

Northern Division
  • Aspetuck (CT)
  • Morris (NJ)
  • Downingtown (PA)
  • Play Rugby USA (NYC)
Central Division
  • West Carroll (MD)
  • North Bay (MD)
  • Doylestown (PA)
  • Corning (NY)
Southern Division
  • Clayton (NC)
  • Raleigh Red Hawks (NC)
  • NOVA Vipers (VA)

DMV clubs in the EGRL: North Bay and West Carroll are founding members in the Central Division. NOVA Vipers compete in the Southern Division. North Bay fields a combined squad with the Virginia Outcasts for EGRL fixtures. EGRL teams also play home matches as co-events alongside DC Old Glory MLR matches at the Maryland Soccer Plex.

Capital Rugby Union (CRU)

The Capital Rugby Union is the official territorial union governing rugby in the DC/MD/VA area under USA Rugby. Local clubs register through the CRU. For the most current club directory and sanctioned match calendar, visit capitalrugby.org.

Age Groups Explained
Middle School
Grades 6–8 (roughly ages 11–14)
Most clubs field a single MS team; a few run separate U12 and U14 bands. Format varies from touch and 10s for younger players to full 15s for older.
High School / U19
Grades 9–12 (roughly ages 14–18)
The competition band — EGRL league play and Girls Rugby Nationals in 15s; 7s tournaments through spring and summer (Gonzaga Classic, Dragon’s Breath, Buckeye Invitational). The college recruiting window.
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