In this latest RuggaMatrix America podcast, Alex Goff and Bruce McLane ask that question—are playoffs really necessary?
If they are, are they too big, too small, or the right idea for different teams?
As usual, they're not afraid to shake it up.
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Day 2 Improvement Highlights Mount St. Mary's Academy Tournament
Expanded Great Northwest Challenge set for Montana This Weekend
Harlequins Impressive in NorCal Girls Win
Eagles Plucky in First Half as New-Look Team Falls to NZ
Cardinals Excel at Friendship Cup, But Others Show Well Also
St. Ignatius Holds Off Gonzaga in DC
Podium Claimed in USA's Most Consistent Performance Yet
Syracuse University-Leinster School of Excellence Camps Keep Growing For 2026
Applications for Boys HS Nationals Close Soon. Time to Act!
Balancing Urgency and Patience in Age-Grade National Teams
HS Action Around the USA
Dom Besag
Long Day Of Rugby But Gaels Leave Arizona Winners
Boys HS National Championships Applications: Keep an Eye Open
Boys School-Team Rankings 2026 Week 1
Spencer Huntley
Hope Rogers
Michael Siano
USA Men's 7s Play Pool Set for 2026
Q&A With Hope Rogers: The Past, the Future, and the Eagles
CRAA and USA Rugby Confirm Women's 7s Championship for April in Indianapolis
NCR D1AA Semis: Bowling Green Needs OT, Tennessee Rolls
Something New and Something Classic in NCR D1AA Semis
CRAA Classic Offers Impressive Showdowns in South Carolina
RMA Podcast: Why Rugby Has Value for Veterans
D1AA Quarterfinals: Changing of the Guard
Nathan Caruso
Mary Washington Edges Ohio State in Solid Outing for Two Changed Teams
University of Maine - Orono Men
A Heroic Battle in the Mud as USA Military Takes on British Army
Gameday Is Here for Military Team, But There's More To It Than That
Thriller Semi Helps Decide Who Makes the SCRC Final
Brown University Men
Warriors, Eagles, and Now Tigers, Too. The Tonga Kofe Journey
US Military Team Roster Announced for UK Tour
Ignatius Saves Best for Last in Ohio 7s
West Pitt Takes Rugby Ohio Girls 7s
Gamboa Sparks Key Army Win in Rugby East
U. Chicago Squeezes Success into Tight Window
University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) Men
Close Win for Lindenwood at NIRA Enters Crucial Weeks
Eagle Women's Coaching Decision a Crucial Decision This Fall
Iona Shocks Siena in Liberty Nailbiter
Great Northwest Challenge Returns for 2026
November Looms, Now What?
Who Is Making an Impact in Fall HS Sevens?
Villanova Univ Men
Villanova Shows its Class in Win over UMBC
Thriller in the City of Brotherly Love
Eager to Play, Air Force Women Start Strong
Spotlight
Dom BesagPosition:
Center
Team:Saint Mary's MenDe La Salle HS
Saint Mary's (Rudy Scholz Finalist)
USA U20s (Captain)
USA Men's National 15s Team (Debut vs Georgia 2023 at age 20)
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De La Salle HS
Saint Mary's (Rudy Scholz Finalist)
USA U20s (Captain)
USA Men's National 15s Team (Debut vs Georgia 2023 at age 20)
Spencer HuntleyPosition:
Scrum Half
As a 17-year-old Spencer Huntley required a waiver to play for the USA U20s, an indication of how he was rated in the USA age-grade pathway. He got that waiver and impressed for the USA U20s, and then moved up to the USA U23s. He led the San Diego Mustangs to a national HS Club championship in 2024.
He also played in the SoCal single-school league for Cathedral Catholic.
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As a 17-year-old Spencer Huntley required a waiver to play for the USA U20s, an indication of how he was rated in the USA age-grade pathway. He got that waiver and impressed for the USA U20s, and then moved up to the USA U23s. He led the San Diego Mustangs to a national HS Club championship in 2024.
He also played in the SoCal single-school league for Cathedral Catholic.
Hope RogersPosition:
Loosehead Prop
Team:USA WomenHope Rogers began playing rugby at age 16 in high school and continued to compete during her time at Penn State University. There, she won four National Championships, was crowned MVP on two occasions, was named to the USA Under-20s and earned Collegiate All-American honors for four years. Rogers was also an impressive discus player during her senior year in high school where she broke a school record and won Gold at Districts for the sport.
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Hope Rogers began playing rugby at age 16 in high school and continued to compete during her time at Penn State University. There, she won four National Championships, was crowned MVP on two occasions, was named to the USA Under-20s and earned Collegiate All-American honors for four years. Rogers was also an impressive discus player during her senior year in high school where she broke a school record and won Gold at Districts for the sport.
Michael SianoPosition:
Wing Forward
Team:USA MenMike played for Life College, Philly-Whitemarsh and played for the USA National 7s and 15s teams in the 1980s and 1990s.
He was also part of the Atlantis touring side, playing 7s for the team in several around the world.
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Mike played for Life College, Philly-Whitemarsh and played for the USA National 7s and 15s teams in the 1980s and 1990s.
He was also part of the Atlantis touring side, playing 7s for the team in several around the world.
Nathan CarusoPosition:
Fly Half
Team:Villanova Univ MenNathan Caruso is a steady, smart fly half who drives Villanova’s attack with calm decision-making and a reliable skill set. He’s been central to Villanova’s success in the MARC, controlling tempo and keeping the team organized under pressure.
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Tonga KofePosition:
Prop
Team:Utah Warriors MenTonga Kofe is one of the most promising young front-rowers to come out of the American rugby pathway. A powerful and hard-working prop, he rose through the Utah Warriors development system.
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Ray SantiagoPosition:
#8
Ray Santiago has emerged as one of RPI’s most influential forwards, a player whose size, athleticism, and rapid development make him stand out in the Division II landscape.
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Christy RinggenbergPosition:
Fly Half
Christy Ringgenberg is one of the most accomplished and versatile players to wear the USA jersey, earning recognition on the Goff Rugby Report All-Time American list for her impact on both 15s and 7s.
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Dakota SouthworthPosition:
Wing Forward
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