About

JMU Men's Rugby is a club sport at James Madison University, competing in the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference under the governance of the national governing body, USA Rugby. Fifteens Rugby (Rugby Union) is played in the Fall. Sevens Rugby (Olympic Rugby) is played in the Spring.

We welcome athletes of all skill and fitness levels to join the program, no previous rugby experience required. Our vision is to be the program every Madison Rugby player looks back on as the best years of their life, and the one every future player cannot wait to be part of.

Panoramic view of a university campus with a prominent building featuring tall white columns and a red roof, surrounded by walkways, green lawns, trees, and additional buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

Since 1974

About JMU Rugby

A rugby player in a purple and black uniform running with the ball while two opposing players in gray uniforms approach on a grassy field during a match.

JMU Men’s Rugby

Founded in 1975, the James Madison University Men's Rugby Football Club has been a home for collegiate rugby in the Shenandoah Valley for more than fifty years. The club competes in the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference, playing Fifteens in the Fall and Sevens in the Spring, and trains four days a week.

Group of fifteen men wearing matching beige and black rugby shirts posing indoors with brick wall background, some holding white mugs, smiling and crouching or standing together.

JMU Alumni Association

The JMU Rugby Alumni Association was built by former players to support the club that shaped them. Membership funds scholarships, team travel, and coaching, and keeps every era of Madison Rugby connected to the program.

About

Leadership

Portrait of a middle-aged man with short light hair wearing a dark collared shirt against a plain gray background.

Mark Fowler

Head Coach

Dr. Mark Fowler is the Head Coach of JMU Men's Rugby. He leads a program that trains four days a week and competes in the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference, playing Fifteens in the Fall and Sevens in the Spring.

Coaching Experience

  • Head Coach, JMU Men's Rugby
  • Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference (MARC)

Coaching Staff

  • Mark Fowler, Head Coach
  • Andy Edwards, Coach
  • Full staff profiles coming soon

2025-2026

End of Season Report

The End of Season Report is a summary of what Madison Rugby accomplished this past season, on and off the field. See what we achieved and where we are going next.

James Madison University Rugby 2025-2026 End of Season Report cover with JMU Rugby Alumni Association support mention, set on a purple background with gold accents.

About

Core Values

Academic Quality

Dedicated to exemplary learning experiences because they are the essence of our mission.

Community

We thrive when we collaborate, respect and serve others, and appreciate our interconnectedness.

Diversity

We strive to be an inclusive community that values the richness of all individuals and perspectives.

Innovation

Purposeful creativity through our collaborative processes leads to knowledge creation, learning and excellence.

Integrity

We pursue ethical reasoning because it is essential to meaningful citizenship.

Student Focus

We provide experiences that challenge and support students.

Team Practice

Practice Times & Location

Men’s Rugby

Location

JMU Rugby practice fields

James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Field and parking details available from a coach

When

The club trains four days a week
Times are set at the start of each season
Contact a coach for the current schedule

Play Rugby for the Dukes

No experience required.
Scholarships available for incoming students.