Expanded Great Northwest Challenge set for Montana This Weekend

The Great Northwest Challenge is back in Montana for 2026 with an added feature and a large field of teams in competition.

The tournament will run Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, with the first day being a combine and a major college expo for players to be seen and discuss their college options.

The College Expo is in partnership with GRR Sponsor Next Phase Rugby, the app that helps high school players find their college home, and as well as The Rugger’s Edge college rugby consultancy. The message from both Next Phase and The Rugger’s Edge, as well as the College Expo ,is that while high-level players do need help finding the right college, players of a variety of levels can play competitive rugby after high school, and can even be recruited.

Over two-dozen college rugby programs will be in attendance at the GNC, and will be held at Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Mont. High School players will attend a coaches panel hosted by Next Phase Rugby’s Greg Stelluti and Karen Fong Donghue from The Rugger’s Edge, speaking with coaches about what they want to see from potential recruits.

After that, high school players can meet and speak with college coaches representing both men’s and women’s teams.

Check out Next Phase Rugby’s updated app which makes it easier for you to sign up for, upgrade, and manage your account. A new monthly premium has been launched and the yearly rate for Premium has dropped to $99.

Connect with college rugby teams. Find out how competitive, unified, and fun a rugby team is before you get to the college you want. Find out how you can get recruited as a rugby player, even if you’re not on a high-profile team. 

Rugby can help make college more fun, can sometimes help you get into a school, and can even find you some financial assistance. How? Get the Next Phase Rugby app and set up your profile.