USRF & Graham Downes Fund Open Applications for the 2027 Nelson College Scholarships

SAN DIEGO, CA – September 11, 2026 – The United States Rugby Foundation (USRF), in partnership with the Graham Downes International Rugby Scholarship Fund, is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Nelson College Rugby Scholarships. This makes the fifth consecutive year that U.S. high school rugby players will have an opportunity to attend Nelson College in Nelson, New Zealand – a boys’ high school globally recognized for its elite and highly acclaimed rugby program.

This Scholarship is awarded to exceptional scholar-athletes who demonstrate academic excellence, maturity, superior athletic ability, high-level rugby performance, and a strong potential for growth, leadership, and character development.

“The Nelson College Scholarship, offered through our partners at the US Rugby Foundation, is an investment in dedicated young players aiming for excellence in both academics and rugby,” said JD Stephenson, Head of Men's Pathways and Systems at USA Rugby. “By providing access to world-class education and top-tier competition, this program helps student-athletes build leadership skills on and off the pitch while deepening the connection between American rugby and New Zealand's storied rugby heritage. Immersing themselves in Nelson College's daily training environment offers a transformative high school opportunity for driven young men, especially those aspiring to join the U20 and U23 national player pools.”

Salty Thompson, Founder and Director of the Eagle Impact Rugby Academy, added: “The Nelson College Scholarship, sponsored by the US Rugby Foundation, has had a life changing impact on the lives of our young finalists. These players dramatically improve their rugby while also experiencing a New Zealand education, participating in their culture and making long lasting friendships.”

The successes of past recipients underscore the scholarship’s value and potential impact. Oliver Kirk, a 2023 Nelson College Scholarship recipient, shared:

“Traveling to New Zealand to live, attend school and play rugby at Nelson College has without a doubt been one of the best experiences of my life. On top of enjoying a unique culture, I was lucky enough to play exciting, high level rugby that’s stuck with me since I returned.”

Kirk’s accomplishments speak volumes. He led Nelson College to an undefeated 2024 regular season and a New Zealand National Championship Finals appearance. Upon returning to the U.S. in 2024 and beginning his college career, Kirk was named the starting loose head on Cal’s 1st XV. As both a freshman and sophomore he went on to be named a Collegiate All-American; and, in both years, Cal went on to win the National Championship with a 55-38 victory of Life University in 2025 and a 36-22 victory over Navy in 2026. The summer of 2025 Kirk played for the USA Rugby U23 Team on their undefeated tour of South Africa and the summer of 2026 he played for the USA Rugby Team in the Junior World Championships in Georgia.

It is anticipated that one or two scholarships will be awarded for the 2027 season. The scholarship package includes:

Tuition and boarding (at the school or in a homestay).
Travel and medical insurance.
School uniforms and extracurricular activity fees.
New Zealand government and administrative fees.
Airfare to and from Nelson, New Zealand.

To learn more details about the school, the rugby curriculum and the scholarship, visit:

Learn More

Applications for the 2027 Nelson College Rugby Scholarship are now open to U.S.-based high school rugby players. To apply, visit:

Nelson College Scholarship Application

About the Partners

About the United States Rugby Foundation

The United States Rugby Foundation supports the growth and development of grassroots rugby across America by funding programs that inspire youth participation, foster high-performance pathways, and preserve rugby’s rich history.

About the Graham Downes International Rugby Scholarship Fund

The Graham Downes International Rugby Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Graham Downes by providing opportunities for American rugby players to experience international rugby environments, promoting both personal growth and the advancement of U.S. rugby.

Our Mission

The US Rugby Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization, which has for six decades supported the growth and development of youth rugby in the United States. The Foundation accomplishes this by funding and promoting grassroots programs, college scholarships, coach & referee development, and health & safety. To learn more about USRF visit usrugbyfoundation.org.

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