The reinstated Rugby Kentucky High School Boys' State Championship in 2026 will feature teams from across the commonwealth competing through a structure that will see them compete against each other through the season and then have a play-off weekend. 

While the specific, official qualifying structure for the 2026 rugby state championship may still be finalized, the competition will be designed to showcase the teams from Kentucky's growing rugby community. 

Rugby Kentucky aims to open a girls and middle school division as rugby grows across the Commonwealth. 

The State Championship trophy has been kindly donated by the Hale family in honor of Frank Hale. 

Frank Hale was a lifelong supporter of grassroots rugby in the United Kingdom. Although his family later settled in Northern Kentucky, he never had the chance to see his grandson play rugby in the United States, which is something he would have absolutely loved. His grandson eventually went on to play for the University of Kentucky, but Frank passed away just a few years too soon. Frank would have been delighted to witness the recent growth of rugby in Kentucky. 

Today, the Hale family is committed to supporting the growth of rugby in Kentucky, honoring Frank's passion for the sport and keeping his legacy alive.