USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren joins Nathan Dalena on the Rugby NorCal Podcast to discuss the future of rugby in the United States and the work underway to build a stronger, more sustainable rugby ecosystem. Bill shares USA Rugby’s priorities around governance, community rugby, college rugby, youth and high school development, marketing, and long-term growth. The conversation explores new investment in college rugby, support for youth programs, efforts to establish rugby as a varsity sport, and why professionalizing the administration of the game is critical to its future. They also discuss how rugby can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the 2028 Olympics and the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups while building infrastructure that lasts well beyond those major events.
USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren joins Rugby NorCal Executive Director Nathan Dalena for a conversation about where American rugby is headed and what needs to happen now to build sustainable growth.
Bill outlines USA Rugby’s core responsibilities, from governance and player safety to supporting the community game and developing coaches and referees. He also discusses the importance of creating a rugby ecosystem that keeps people involved in the sport beyond their playing careers.
A major focus of the conversation is USA Rugby’s investment in college rugby. Bill explains why the college game is such an important connection point between youth rugby, senior clubs, and the high-performance pathway, as well as the development of a dedicated team to support college rugby operations, events, and marketing.
Nathan and Bill also discuss youth and high school rugby, and efforts to establish rugby as a varsity sport in the States.
The conversation expands into marketing and visibility, including national broadcasts, short-form social media, local activation around major matches, and the role clubs can play by connecting national rugby stories to athletes in their own communities.
With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles followed by the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup in the United States, the discussion focuses on building the infrastructure now so American rugby can take advantage of those opportunities for years to come.
In this episode:
• USA Rugby’s priorities and responsibilities
• Growing the community game
• Investment in college rugby
• Youth and high school rugby grants
• Varsity rugby and institutional support
• Coaching and referee development
• Marketing and national visibility
• Local storytelling and community engagement
• Professionalizing rugby organizations
• Creating sustainable pathways beyond playing
• Preparing for 2028, 2031, and 2033
• Collaboration between USA Rugby and local rugby organizations