May 3 & 4 – Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island
The 2025 Atlantic Super Regional, a key event in the Road to Nationals, took place on May 3-4, 2025, in the picturesque coastal city of Newport, Rhode Island. This USA Club Rugby National Championship Series playoff boasted over 20 mens’ and women’s amateur rugby teams across seven divisions of play.
Find the fixture schedule and track match updates live with Rugby Xplorer!
Without friends like these, this event would not be possible
Atlantic Super Regional will be hosted at Fort Adams State Park which features three full size rugby pitches overlooking Newport harbor. Home to Newport Rugby, Fort Adams has played host to NERFU Cup, New England’s annual premier senior rugby tournament, for many years.
There are some important considerations for tournament participants to keep in mind. Naval housing is nearby and is strictly off limits to tournament participants. Parking is very limited, so we strongly encourage attendees to carpool or ride in by bus or taxi. Parking is not allowed on the roads.
These Google Maps Directions will bring you to the correct parking lot.
Keep an eye on this space for forthcoming block-booking details.
For teams and supporters seeking lodging, Newport offers a range of options within easy driving distance of Fort Adams State Park. We’ve partnered with the following hotels to offer discounted block booking opportunities for competing teams:
Beyond rugby, visitors can explore Newport’s renowned mansions, enjoy local wineries and breweries, or relax on pristine beaches. The city’s vibrant culinary scene, featuring innovative chef-owned restaurants and classic seafood shacks, ensures a memorable experience for all tastes and budgets.
The fields at Fort Adams will be available on a first come, first served basis for teams wanting to get in a little practice. Please carry out everything you bring in – volunteers are super busy and will not be able to clean up after you. Earn that karma ahead of your championship and honor the field you play on.
We are periodically updating this space, so keep an eye out for developments.
Resolving Red Cards
A Judicial Officer will be present to conduct hearings for red cards (and other foul play or misconduct) as needed and so that they may be resolved prior to Sunday’s final matches. If a player receives a red card, they should report to the officials at the admin tents located between the two teams’ technical zones at midfield. They’ll be asked for their cell phone number and will be contacted, ideally within an hour to conduct the hearing as per USA Rugby Disciplinary Procedures.
Disclaimer: If your team is video recording the match, it is advantageous to find a clip of the incident immediately following your match to have ready and share with the JO. It is exceedingly difficult to over turn a red card, or mitigate a suspension without this.
Special Notice Regarding Referee Abuse
Rugby differentiates itself from other sports by the degree of respect and dignity afforded to officials. Without them, our games cannot be played at all, much less safely. NERFU has issued this standing special alert regarding referee abuse. Note that these protections extend to the Officials in the admin area in addition to the referee and assistant referees. You must inform your team.
Friday Evening Captains & Coaches Meeting
We would like to cordially invite team captains and coaches to Sail Newport, next to the rugby pitches, Friday at 6pm to enjoy some light fare and a cash bar. If they wish to join, please RSVP at this link.
Free Beer & Saturday Post Match Social
We invite all clubs to join us at the main tent for a super-region-wide social after the last match finishes around 5pm. First drinks are on us! NERFU will distribute tickets to your team redeemable for free beer at club check-in. Food will continue to be available for purchase as well. For those who take socials more seriously than championship matches, we invite you to join us downtown at longtime friends of NERFU Cup, O’Brien’s Pub on Thames Street much later in the evening.
Tournament Concessions
Longtime partners and friends of NERFU, MacGrath Clambakes and Catering, will be set up in the big tent both days serving food and drinks (alcoholic and otherwise).
Important – No outside Alcohol is allowed in the park.
This is state law and strictly enforced — not a rugby joke.
Participants are encouraged to avoid Broadway on Sunday, May 4.
The 40th Aquidneck Island National Police Parade will take place on May 4th, 2025, at 11:50 a.m. The parade will start in front of 317 West Main Rd. and head south on West Main Rd. into Newport, then onto Broadway, and end in Washington Square at a reviewing stand. The parade honors and recognizes both fallen officers and law enforcement in the past, present, and future.
Newport’s deep-rooted connection to rugby culture makes it the perfect backdrop for this championship event. Site of the regional rugby highlight: NERFU Cup for decades, in conjunction with the revered Newport Rugby Club (www.newportrugby.com), the city’s stunning Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile National Recreation Trail, provides unmatched views of the Atlantic Ocean and Gilded Age mansions, offering visitors a glimpse into Newport’s storied past.
Fort Adams State Park, our chosen venue, stands as a testament to Newport’s historical significance. Located at the mouth of Newport Harbor, it offers panoramic views that will captivate players and fans throughout the competition.
Since 1975, the New England Rugby Football Union has embodied grit, camaraderie, and unbreakable spirit. We honor the intrepid ruggers who laid the foundation and toast to every player, club, and supporter who’s kept the passion alive. Here’s to the next fifty!
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