Montana State University · Bozeman, MT
The Nation's Premier Regional Tournament
Up to fifty of the country's top state and regional select sides come to Bozeman for two days of XVs, a College Showcase and a USA Rugby Talent Identification Day in one weekend. High school only.
Stay & Play
Montana State University
The Great Northwest Challenge is a Stay and Play event at Montana State University. Players stay in the school dorms and eat in the university dining halls, getting the full MSU experience. It keeps player cost down, and the dorms are a short five minute walk from the game fields.
Campus Dorms
Players stay together in Montana State University dorms, a short five minute walk from the game fields.
University Dining Halls
Eat in the MSU dining halls across the competition days, keeping players fuelled between matches.
Lower Player Cost
Staying and eating on campus keeps player cost down while delivering the full MSU experience.
Why the GNC
Compete. Get Recruited. Get Identified.
Elite Competition
Six divisions of the country's top state and regional programs, with four guaranteed XVs matches across two days.
College Showcase
Credentialed college recruiters attend, a player database you opt into, and VEO film of every match to review.
USA Rugby Pathway
A USA Rugby Talent Identification Day for players 16 and older, feeding the Junior National Team pathways.
Bring a Team
Compete in one of the top high school rugby showcase events in the USA.
Register interest →Recruit at GNC
Connect with the best high school rugby talent from across the country.
College recruiters →Vendors & Partners
Showcase your business, support youth rugby, and connect with teams, families and fans.
Get involved →Your Weekend's Planned
Stay and Play at MSU: dorms, dining and the game fields all a short walk apart.
See the details →Format
Tournament Format
- Match format
- XVs, 22.5 minute halves with a 5 minute half time
- Guaranteed matches
- Four per team across the weekend
- Field
- Up to 50 teams representing their state and regional programs
- College Showcase
- Credentialed college and university recruiters attend and evaluate players
- USA Rugby Talent ID
- A USA Rugby TiD Day for players 16 and older, feeding the Junior National Team pathways
- Eligibility
- USA Rugby Youth & High School eligible; this is a high school tournament only
Divisions
Six Brackets
HS Boys XVs, Division 1
HS Boys XVs, Division 2
HS Girls XVs, Division 1
HS Girls XVs, Division 2
U16 Boys XVs, Division 1
U16 Boys XVs, Division 2
High School players are eligible in line with USA Youth and High School Rugby eligibility. U16 players must not have reached their 16th birthday by the September 1st that starts the competitive season, including the summer following that school year. Proof of age is required at check in.
Last Year
Who Competed in 2026
State and regional programs from across the country came to Bozeman in 2026.
HS Boys D1
- Colorado
- NorCal Elite
- Utah
- Washington
- Montana West
- Hawaii
HS Boys D2
- Arizona
- Eastern Washington
- Idaho
- Montana East
- NorCal Development
- Iowa
- Oregon
HS Girls D1
- Colorado
- NorCal Elite
- Utah
- Washington
- Hawaii
HS Girls D2
- Arizona
- Idaho
- Montana
- NorCal Development
- Oregon
U16 Boys D1
- Colorado
- NorCal Elite
- Utah
- Washington
U16 Boys D2
- Idaho
- Montana
- Eastern Washington
- NorCal Development
Want your program in the 2027 field? Register your interest.
College Showcase
Recruited on the Pitch
The GNC is built for the next step. Credentialed college recruiters line the touchlines, every match is filmed on VEO, and players opt into a recruiting database shared directly with college programs. A dedicated college recruiting event runs Friday, June 25th, giving coaches and athletes face time before the whistle blows.
Recent recruiters include
- Army West Point
- US Naval Academy
- Princeton
- Washington
- Montana
- Lindenwood
- Western Oregon
- Guilford
- New England
- Alfred
- Rio Grande
- Western Washington
What They Say
From the Recruiters
Incredible talent, a well run tournament, and an amazing experience overall. It was my first time attending the Great Northwest Challenge, and I can't wait to return next year!Army West Point
This event needs to be the model for around the country. Doing this exact event in six or so regional locations would greatly improve the recruiting process for players as well as colleges.Davenport University
The GNC showcased talented high school rugby players from places that are often off the beaten path, and the setting, in field quality and in views, was spectacular.Long Island University
Well organized event that showcases talented players. This event is permanently on our recruiting calendar.US Naval Academy
Enter
Enter Your Program
$1,450per team
Entry for both days and four guaranteed matches, with a Stay and Play package of team housing and meals available.
50team field
Places are limited across the six divisions. For SYRO / State Representative Programs.
Not on a team but want to play? Register as a free agent.
Resources
Your Weekend's Planned
Getting There
Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN), a short drive from Montana State University, with direct flights from cities across the country.
Airport to venue →Venue
Montana State University offers four full sized grass rugby pitches and a state of the art turf field purpose built for rugby. Central to hotels, dining and the scenery around Bozeman.
More on the venue →Ground Transportation
School bus rentals through First Student, Inc., Bozeman, MT.
Transport details →Watch
2026 Recap
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter?
State and regional representative programs (SYROs) in three brackets: High School Boys, High School Girls and U16 Boys, each with a Division 1 and Division 2. This is a high school tournament only, in line with USA Youth and High School Rugby eligibility.
What is the format?
XVs across two days at Montana State University. Matches are 22.5 minute halves with a 5 minute half time, and every team is guaranteed four matches.
What does it cost?
$1,450 per team for both days of competition. Travel, lodging and meals are not included.
Is there a college showcase?
Yes. The GNC is a College Showcase, credentialed recruiters attend, receive VEO match footage, and access a player recruiting database that athletes opt into. See the College Recruiters page.
What is the USA Rugby Talent ID Day?
A USA Rugby Talent Identification (TiD) Day for players 16 and older, feeding the Junior National Team pathways. Reserved for players competing in the GNC, see the TiD Day page.
Where is it played?
Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, four full sized grass pitches plus a purpose built turf rugby field.
How do we watch?
Every match is livestreamed on the Montana Institute of Sport YouTube channel using VEO cameras. See the Livestream page.
Can we referee?
Yes. All expenses are covered on arrival and a tournament jersey, shorts and socks are provided. Apply through the referee page.
The Grounds
Rugby Under the Big Sky
