(Franklin, MA) – The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) will host its inaugural Rugby State Championship games on Saturday, June 10 at Endicott College. This season marks the first time that rugby has been offered as an interscholastic sport sponsored by the state association. In fact, Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to offer rugby as a state association-sponsored sport.
“This is a major milestone for rugby in the United States,” said Jeff Sperling, assistant principal of Medfield High School and chair of the MIAA Rugby Committee. “Massachusetts has taken a huge step in providing a platform for student-athletes to compete in the sport they love, and on par with other varsity sports. As the first state to formally adopt rugby under the high school athletic association, we are now a model and exemplar for the rest of the U.S.”
Endicott College, located in Beverly, will host three championship games:
2:30 p.m. Division 2 Boys: Hanover vs. Milton
4:30 p.m. Division 1 Girls: Algonquin vs. Belmont
6:30 p.m. Division 1 Boys: St. John’s Prep vs. B.C. High
“I am very excited that Endicott College gets to partner with the MIAA for the inaugural rugby state finals,” said Mark Kulakowski, assistant athletic director of Endicott College. “With the growth of men’s and women’s rugby at the college level, it is exciting to see that there are more opportunities for high school athletes to participate. We are proud to be able to host the finals and look forward to bringing the best of Massachusetts rugby to Endicott College.”
Amy Daniels, a former USA Rugby Women’s National Team player, was hired as the first MIAA Rugby Tournament Director in the association’s history. Daniels will oversee both the boys and girls tournaments and is working closely with MIAA staff to ensure a successful tournament experience for everyone involved.
“This is a dream come true for our student-athletes,” Daniels said. “Rugby has been growing exponentially the past few years and I’m excited to be a part of that growth as our nation continues to learn the game. Every student-athlete dreams of playing in a state championship. Now, our younger generations of rugby players have the opportunity to do so.”
NOTES: The MIAA and Endicott College will host a Rugby Breakfast of Champions at Endicott College on Friday, June 9 at 9:30 a.m. Media are invited and encouraged to attend.
Two team sportsmanship awards will be presented during the state finals on Saturday, June 10. The girls award will be presented to Belmont High School and the boys award will be presented to Catholic Memorial School.
Admission for Saturday’s championship matches is $7.00 for students and $10.00 for adults.
Visit www.miaa.net for more information.