FALL CUP
2026
Fall rugby for clubs whose main season runs in spring. Fresh opponents, real games, and a finals day in November.
The format
Three games, then a knockout. Five games, win or lose.
Fall Cup is a proper tournament for the fall window. Three group games against clubs you do not normally face, then a four-team knockout on finals day: win your semi and you are in the final for the trophy, lose it and you play off for third. Five games, win or lose, with a party at the end. It is built for clubs whose main league runs in spring or summer, so the fall is otherwise filled with friendlies or nothing.
Three games against clubs you do not normally face, then every club is ranked in one table and split into brackets of four. An eight-club edition runs two brackets, the Cup and the Plate. Bigger fields add the Shield and the Bowl, up to four. No early knockout, and a third-place playoff in every bracket. Finals day brings them all together at a proper stadium with room for fans, a celebration of rugby on the field and off.
Pre-register your club for Fall Cup 2026
The inaugural edition
Fall Cup 2026 is the inaugural edition. We are looking at the regions where the fall calendar is open, across the West and the South, places like California, Florida, Arizona and Texas. Where we believe the format can work, we invite the clubs in to join. Registering now does not commit you to anything. We confirm an edition once enough clubs sign up to fill brackets of four (8, 12 or 16), then ask for an entry fee, expect around $500 to $700 per club. It covers some of the cost of running the tournament and confirms your club is committed; we take no profit on entry fees. Group stage kicks off September 2026, finals day in November.
FAQs
Is Fall Cup confirmed in my city?
Not yet. We confirm an area once enough clubs sign up to fill brackets of four (8, 12 or 16). Because Fall Cup 2026 is launching tight, we will confirm areas by the end of July 2026.
Why the West and the South?
Most of the US already plays its main season in the fall, so a fall cup only makes sense where the fall window is open. That is the West and the South: California, Florida, Arizona, Texas and the Pacific Northwest. If your region runs a spring or summer league and wants in, tell us and we will look at it.
How much does entry cost?
TBC per market. Expect $500 to $700 per club. The money goes to venue, refs, athletic trainers, trophies and photography. We run no profit margin on entry fees. The tournament is funded by sponsorship.
What if my market does not have enough clubs?
You are notified and no charge is taken. We do not take entry fees until a market is confirmed.
Is this affiliated with USA Rugby?
No. We are independent. Clubs do need to comply with USA Rugby CIPP registration for insurance, which most already do.