USA Rugby, USAYHS Laucnh Official Non-Contact Format for Nation

08.15.2026Youth

T1 is USA Rugby's official non-contact standard.

Author: Press Release

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – USA Youth & High School Rugby and USA Rugby have announced the adoption of T1 Rugby as the official non-contact game in the United States.

Developed by World Rugby with the intention of producing a more engaging form of non-contact game play, T1 will serve as a welcoming and inclusive entry point for youth participation. As grassroots rugby sits at the forefront of growing sustainable participation in the lead up to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2033 here on American soil, T1 offers a unified pathway for clubs, schools and youth organizations to draw new interest in rugby. Extensive resources are now available to learn about T1 Rugby and implement it within their communities.

T1 Rugby provides a fast, flexible and accessible way for young athletes to experience the game of rugby. As a non-contact game, T1 replaces tackles with simple touches or flags while retaining the fundamental elements that make rugby unique. Played seven-a-side on a half-pitch, T1 can accommodate mixed-gender teams and players of all ages and abilities; making it an ideal format for introducing rugby in schools, communities, clubs and other environments.

“T1 is uniquely suited to be rugby’s major growth mechanism for mass participation within the United States," said USA Youth & High School Rugby Executive Director Giovanni Vaglietti. "As clubs and SYROs extend outreach into local recreation departments, PE curriculums and after-school programs nationwide; T1 gives newly introduced kids a natural landing spot as a non-contact, low-barrier way to play. From there, a local T1 league ties directly back into the club and SYRO ecosystem, turning that first introduction into a love for the game that lasts forever.”

World Rugby Development Director, Jason Lewis added, “With over 90 national unions already playing and trialling T1 Rugby since its 2023 launch, the game is proving to be a powerful universal tool for youth engagement and retention. The formal adoption by USA Rugby and USA Youth and High Schools marks a significant global milestone, reinforcing how non-contact formats can successfully scale across diverse markets and inspire rugby development worldwide."

T1 isn't exclusive for rugby newcomers. It also acts as a fun and competitive format for experienced players who want a non-contact and low impact way to play the game.

"T1 gives clubs and SYROs a real answer for how to grow the game - a non-contact, mixed-gender format that prioritizes a positive first experience to the game," added Vaglietti. "T1 also provides great flexibility that both experienced and new players can play together, have fun and be on the same team.”

USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren added, "It goes without saying, but Rugby is an amazing sport that offers unique opportunities and experiences to people from all walks of life. We're excited to partner with USA Youth & High School Rugby on the launch of T1 Rugby, to open a new door for people to find and fall in love with the game. The adaptable and welcoming nature of T1 is a great avenue for youth programs and organizations to add rugby into their current curriculums and enjoy the experience themselves. As we look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2031 and 2033, these entry points to rugby are key to growing interest and participation over the next decade."

So far multiple State Youth Rugby Organizations (SYROs) have committed to implement T1 Rugby into their youth programming, including regions such as Florida, NorCal, North Carolina, Texas and Illinois. USA Youth & High School Rugby will work directly with its SYROs and clubs to deploy T1 into communities across the country.

T1 materials — including explainer videos, lesson plans, infographics and referee tips — will be available on both the USA Rugby and USA Youth & High School Rugby websites. Into 2027, USA Rugby will modify all non-contact coaching materials to be built around T1 Rugby curriculum.