Northern California high school rugby program becomes first U.S. team to compete in international tournament [Video]

(FOX40.COM) — Jesuit High School has set a milestone for its athletics program. 

The rugby team from Jesuit in Carmichael was invited to compete in the 2024 Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament in Munakata City, Fukuoka, Japan. Jesuit becomes the first team from the United States to participate in the international event.

Jesuit student-athletes and coaches will be in Japan for 12 days, as the tournament takes place from April 24 to May 6. The tournament is typically held during the Japanese national holiday known as “Golden Week.” 

Jesuit’s invitation comes after finishing second place in last year’s U.S. National Invitational Tournament. The squad was nominated by USA Rugby to represent the United States in the event. 

“We play in that tournament every year and we won it nine times,” head coach Andrew Acosta told FOX40.com. “We have a pretty strong history over the last 25 years so we’re excited …