An MSU ball carrier breaks into open field against Illinois with teammates in support

Big Ten Conference · Division 1A

Michigan
State Men's
Rugby

Fifteens in the fall, sevens in the spring, and a brotherhood that lasts long after the final whistle. Every MSU student is eligible, and no experience is needed.

Join the Team See the Schedule
  • Practice Tue · Wed · Thu
  • Vet Med Field
  • A, B & C sides

2026 Fall 15s

Schedule & Results

Nine matches this fall. Home games are in East Lansing, and fans are always welcome on the sideline.

  1. Sun9/13
    Notre DameSouth Bend, IN
    AwayFinal
  2. Sat9/19
    Ohio StateEast Lansing, MI
    HomeFinal
  3. Sat9/26
    Rio GrandeRio Grande, OH
    Away
  4. Sat10/3
    Grand Valley StateEast Lansing, MI
    Home
  5. Sat10/10
    IllinoisChampaign, IL
    Away
  6. Sat10/17
    TrineAngola, IN
    Away
  7. Sat10/24
    Indiana TechEast Lansing, MI
    Home
  8. Fri10/30
    MichiganAnn Arbor, MI
    Away

Kickoff times and results are posted on Instagram first. Follow @msu_mrugby for game-day updates.

Want in? Join the Team

Recruiting

Never played? Good.

You don't need to have played before. If you played football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, baseball or ran track, you already have what it takes. Rugby needs every body type on the field.

  • 15

    Fall fifteens

    Full-contact Big Ten league play against Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Illinois and more.

  • 7

    Spring sevens

    Faster, open-field tournament rugby on a spring circuit around the Midwest.

  • 3

    Three sides

    We field A, B and C sides, so new players get real game minutes while they learn.

New to rugby?

Find Your Position

A rugby team puts 15 players on the field. There's a spot for every build, and your old sport is a good hint about where you'll fit.

123

Forwards · Front row

Props & Hooker

The strongest players on the field. They anchor the scrum and do the heavy lifting in contact.

If you played O-line, D-line, wrestling, or throws

45

Forwards · Second row

Locks

The tallest players. They get lifted to win the ball at lineouts and drive the scrum forward.

If you played basketball, volleyball, or tight end

678

Forwards · Back row

Flankers & Number 8

Relentless tacklers with a motor. First to every breakdown, and they carry hard off the scrum.

If you played linebacker, fullback, or wrestling

910

Backs · Halves

Scrum-half & Fly-half

The decision-makers. They get the ball first, call the plays, pass, and kick.

If you played quarterback, point guard, or soccer

1213

Backs · Midfield

Centers

Powerful runners who break tackles in attack and make the big hits on defense.

If you played running back, safety, or lacrosse

111415

Backs · Back three

Wings & Fullback

The fastest players on the team. They finish tries out wide and field the kicks.

If you played receiver, cornerback, or ran sprints

Not sure where you fit? You'll try a few spots at practice until you find yours.

Meet the Squad

Support the club

Back the Spartans

We're a student-run club, and every trip, jersey and ball comes from dues and donations. Any amount helps keep the program on the field.

  • Travel to away games
  • Kits & equipment
  • Referee & league fees
  • Medical & training supplies
Donate on Venmo Venmo: @msurugby
An MSU forward offloads the ball in contact