Noblesville Boys Rugby Moves to Division 1, Sets Sights on State’s Top Competition
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — The Noblesville Millers Boys Rugby team is preparing for its biggest challenge yet. Beginning in spring 2027, the program will advance from Division 2 to Division 1, joining the highest level of Indiana high school boys rugby competition.
The advancement follows an impressive 2026 season in which Noblesville reached the Division 2 state championship, falling just short of the title in a closely contested 27-22 match against Royal Irish Rugby.
For the Millers, the move represents more than a change in divisions. It is an opportunity to test themselves against some of Indiana’s most established rugby programs, several of which have earned national recognition.
Indiana has a distinguished history in high school rugby. Programs such as Royal Irish, Penn and Brownsburg have competed successfully on the national stage. Royal Irish has captured four national high school club championships, while Penn has recorded multiple top-four finishes at the national single-school championships.
Moving into Division 1 places Noblesville in a competitive environment with programs that have helped establish Indiana as a respected state in American high school rugby.
The Millers are also expanding their high school boys program with a full B-side junior varsity schedule for spring 2027. The additional team will provide opportunities for more students to participate, develop their skills and gain valuable match experience while building toward varsity competition.
For students who have never played rugby, the expansion creates an opportunity to join a growing program regardless of their athletic background.
A Proud Rugby Tradition in Noblesville
While the move to Division 1 marks an exciting new chapter, rugby is far from new to Noblesville.
The Noblesville Rugby Club has served the community for more than 25 years, developing generations of athletes and establishing a history of competitive success for both boys and girls.
The boys program captured a Division 2 state championship in 2007 and has made several appearances in state championship competition, including its most recent runner-up finish in 2026.
The girls program has an equally proud tradition, with historical records documenting Division 1 state championships in 2000 and 2008, along with a Varsity Challenge Cup runner-up finish in 2019.
In 2020, Noblesville High School formally recognized rugby as a varsity letter sport, acknowledging the dedication and accomplishments of the student-athletes representing the Millers.
Although rugby is not sanctioned by the Indiana High School Athletic Association, Noblesville’s rugby athletes have the opportunity to earn varsity letters while competing through Rugby Indiana.
The club’s history is closely connected to the growth of rugby throughout the state. Organized youth rugby in Indiana began in 1990 with approximately 100 high school boys participating in a four-team league. Since then, Rugby Indiana has expanded opportunities for young athletes through competitive leagues and introductory programs.
More Than a High School Sport
The club’s growth is not limited to its Division 1 boys program.
Noblesville continues to field a competitive high school girls varsity team, building on the program’s championship tradition and providing opportunities for young women interested in rugby.
For spring 2027, the club also intends to expand its youth offerings with flag rugby for second- through fourth-graders, coed tackle rugby for fifth- and sixth-graders, and separate boys and girls tackle teams for seventh- and eighth-graders.
The club also offers a Unified Rugby team, providing children with disabilities and special needs an opportunity to experience the sport in an inclusive, supportive environment. The program emphasizes participation, teamwork, confidence and the enjoyment of playing rugby, ensuring that athletes of different abilities have an opportunity to be part of the rugby community.
Together, these programs reflect the club’s commitment to making rugby accessible to children throughout Noblesville and surrounding Hamilton County communities.
Unlike many competitive youth sports, rugby offers opportunities for athletes with a wide range of abilities, body types and experience levels. Different positions reward different strengths, including speed, agility, endurance, power and teamwork.
No previous rugby experience or organized sports experience is necessary to join. New players are taught the fundamentals of the game, including passing, positioning, teamwork and safe tackling techniques appropriate to their age group.
A Volunteer-Driven Commitment to Accessibility
Behind Noblesville Rugby’s success is a community of volunteer coaches, parents and administrators dedicated to keeping the sport accessible.
The nonprofit club operates entirely through volunteers, helping keep participation dues as low as possible while providing organized competition and player development.
That commitment to accessibility is also reflected in the Justin Henson Memorial Player Scholarship Fund.
Henson, a longtime coach who became head coach of the Noblesville girls program in 2019, was known for his dedication to developing athletes and ensuring that financial circumstances did not prevent young people from participating. Following his death in 2023, the club established the scholarship fund in his honor.
The fund assists families with participation fees, equipment and player development, continuing Henson’s belief that every young person who wants to play rugby deserves the opportunity.
An Invitation to the Next Generation
As the Millers prepare for Division 1 competition, the club is looking toward the future and welcoming new players and families.
For high school athletes seeking a new competitive challenge, the varsity and junior varsity programs offer an opportunity to compete in one of Indiana’s most demanding high school rugby divisions.
For younger athletes, the club’s developing youth programs offer an introduction to a sport built on teamwork, discipline, respect and camaraderie. The Unified Rugby program further extends that opportunity to children with disabilities who want to experience the game and be part of a team.
Whether a student is an experienced athlete looking for another competitive outlet or someone who has never participated in organized sports, Noblesville Rugby welcomes them to become part of the program.
With more than two decades of history, championship traditions for both boys and girls, and a new opportunity to compete at the state’s highest level, Noblesville Rugby is preparing for an exciting spring season.
Families interested in playing, coaching, volunteering or supporting the club can visit www.NoblesvilleRugby.com or email NoblesvilleRugbyClub@gmail.com. No prior experience is necessary.