2019 PSAL Rugby Championship

By Play Rugby USA | June 19, 2019

The Girls team from KIPP NYC College Prep High School of Bronx show off radiant smiles!

Play Rugby USA hosted the 2019 Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) Rugby Championship on May 31st – a sunny Friday afternoon on Randall’s Island. Since 2010, Play Rugby has partnered with PSAL to host annual rugby tournaments that bring together teams from different boroughs together to play rugby and demonstrate their #GoForward spirit.

Randall’s Island provides a breath-taking backdrop to the intense game of rugby!

This year, total of 17 teams (9 boys teams and 8 girls teams) from all five boroughs participated in this highly anticipated event.

Boys: Division A
James Madison High School (Brooklyn)
Columbia Secondary School (Harlem, Manhattan)
KIPP NYC College Prep High School (Bronx)
Herbert H Lehman High School from (Bronx)

Boys : Division B
South Bronx Educational Campus (Bronx)
Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists (Bronx)
William E Grady CTE High School (Brooklyn)
Civic Leadership Academy (Queens)
Maspeth High School (Queens)

Girls: Division A
Curtis High School (Staten Island)
Columbia Secondary School (Harlem, Manhattan)
KIPP NYC College Prep High School (Bronx)
Mott Haven Community High School (Bronx)

Girls: Division B
Queens High School Complex (Queens)
Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists (Bronx)
George Wingate High School (Brooklyn)
Civic Leadership Academy (Queens)

Joe Dingle and Adam Hall were among the Play Rugby supporters cheering for the teams.

In addition to the students and coaches, there were family, friends, staff and supporters from the schools, PSAL and Play Rugby. As Dominic Wareing, Play Rugby’s Director of Youth Development, puts it — the tournament had “a wonderful, festival-like atmosphere with plenty of good spirits!” Perhaps due to this positive and supportive environment, students played exceptionally well.

Four students were nominated and recognized for their exceptional attitude and behavior throughout the event. Dominic Wareing, Director of Youth Development, on the far left and Wil Snape-Rogers, Executive Director of Play Rugby, on the far right.

Students who went above and beyond to demonstrate the Play Rugby values of great sportsmanship (positive attitude, determination, honesty and strong work ethic) were awarded with the #GoForward Award, the highest honor that individual student athletes receive during tournaments.

Girls Division A Champions, Columbia Secondary School. On the far right, Wil Snape-Rogers.

This year’s PSAL Rugby Champions were:

Boys Division A Champions: Herbert H Lehman High School from (Bronx)
Boys Division B Champions: William E Grady CTE High School (Brooklyn)
Girls Division A Champions: Columbia Secondary School (Harlem, Manhattan)
Girls Division B Champions: Civic Leadership Academy (Queens)

Dominic states that “the standard of play has gotten better every year” for the PSAL Championship. Furthermore, he thanks the “dedication and unwavering support of the coaches, teachers, PSAL and the Department of Education.” Everyone on the Play Rugby team agrees wholeheartedly! Thank you so much for making this exceptional day possible.