NEW ORLEANS – The Loyola University New Orleans Assistant Vice President of Athletics Brett Simpson has announced the addition of men's and women's rugby as varsity programs. The expansion reflects the university's commitment to offering a diverse and inclusive range of athletic opportunities while building on the tradition of excellence that defines the Wolf Pack.
The two Loyola rugby programs, which give the department 22 sports, are set to start competing in Fall 2026, and Ryan Fitzgerald has been hired to be the Director of Rugby for the two teams.
"I'm really looking forward to this amazing opportunity with Loyola New Orleans and Rugby," Fitzgerald said. "Truly a first-class University with great people that give back to their community on and off the field. We will recruit and build this Rugby program the same way."
A meet-and-greet with Fitzgerald with be held in the Hall of Fame Room of the University Sports Complex at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11.
"We are excited to welcome rugby to the Loyola Athletics family," Simpson said. "Rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country at the collegiate level, and we believe these programs will thrive in our vibrant campus culture and competitive athletic environment. This is a major step in continuing to grow Loyola Athletics while providing more student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level and earn an athletic scholarship."
Fitzgerald brings a wealth of experience in rugby leadership, talent development, and organizational strategy, most recently serving as General Manager and Director of the pathway for the NOLA Gold since its founding in 2017. Under his leadership, the NOLA Gold became a premier player development hub in Major League Rugby, producing more American-born players than any team in the league and drafting a Rookie of the Year. Fitzgerald also secured the highest sponsorship deal in team history and oversaw all aspects of operations, including international recruitment, player logistics, and community engagement. His community efforts helped introduce over 6,000 children to the sport of rugby in 2025 alone.
A decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former NFL scout, Fitzgerald brings a disciplined, team-first approach to program building. He has more than 25 years of rugby experience as a player and executive, including a national championship with the New Orleans Rugby Club and international playing experience with the USA U-19 team. Fitzgerald was inducted into the Muskego High School (Wisc.) Hall of Fame, and has long been a champion of grassroots rugby growth in the Gulf South. His vision and leadership will be instrumental in launching Loyola's men's and women's rugby programs into national prominence.
Loyola's decision comes amid a surge in rugby participation and interest across the United States, especially among college-aged students. With its emphasis on teamwork, resilience, and global perspective, rugby aligns well with Loyola's Jesuit values and the University's mission of developing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. Student-athletes in the rugby programs will benefit from Loyola's strong academic reputation, a competitive athletic department, and the unique opportunities offered by living and learning in the heart of New Orleans.
Both teams will compete against national competition in the College Rugby Association of America.
Women's rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics achieved unprecedented popularity, drawing record-breaking crowds to shatter previous attendance records for the sport. The U.S. women's team clinched a historic bronze medal in a buzzer-beating win over Australia, leading to an "Olympic effect" across the country. Membership for women's club rugby rose nearly 95% from its 2023 levels, and projections point toward further expansion as the sport builds momentum toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Recruitment efforts for the inaugural men's and women's teams are already underway.
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