Bay State Games 2026

Town of Wrentham Wins Bid to Host 2026 Bay State Games Rugby Tournament

Wrentham, MA – March 6, 2026 –  The Town of Wrentham, home of the Barbarians Youth Rugby club, has been officially selected to host the 2026 Bay State Games rugby tournament. The competition, scheduled for July, will be held at the William A. Rice Recreation Complex.

The 2026 tournament is based on the fast-paced "Rugby 7s" format, modeled after matches played at the Olympic Games. Rugby 7s is known high-scoring and continuous play, offering an exciting experience for both players and spectators.

The Bay State Games rugby tournament is open to teams within the Massachusetts Youth Rugby Organization (MYRO) and invited clubs from neighboring states that are USA Youth and High School registered clubs. In 2025, a total of 35 teams across six divisions competed. As in years past, in 2026, each team will be guaranteed a minimum of three matches, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded to the top three finishers in each division.

"We’re honored that the Town of Wrentham and the William A. Rice Recreation Complex have been chosen to host the 2026 Bay State Games for rugby," said Stephen Signes, President of Barbarians Youth Rugby. "This competition is a highlight of the season for our young athletes. Last year, our Barbarians entered five teams in the Bay State Games, with four earning medals. We’re looking forward to another summer of high-level competition and success right here in Wrentham."

The Town of Wrentham anticipates the tournament will draw numerous teams, families, and fans to the area, providing a boost to local businesses and highlighting the region's commitment to youth sports. Further details regarding the exact dates and schedule will be released by the Bay State Games organization and MYRO in the coming months.

Become a Barbarian! Spring 2026 Registration is Now Open

Registration for our 2026 season is now open for girls and boys in grades K-12. More details are available on our website. To sign up, please follow the steps below. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@barbariansrugby.club. 

1. From the Barbarians Youth Rugby website, go to "Join the Horde" and then click "Register."  

2. This will take you to the Rugby Xplorer website, where returning players/parents will log in and new ones will create a new Rugby Xplorer account.

3. Select "Wrentham Barbarians" as your team before selecting the registration for the "Spring" season. 

About Bay State Games:

The Bay State Games is a multi-sport competition for amateur athletes in Massachusetts, modeled after the Olympic Games, providing opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities.

About Barbarians Youth Rugby

Barbarians Youth Rugby is a community-focused sports organization dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of rugby to youth in Wrentham and the surrounding areas. Through coaching and competition, the club aims to develop skilled athletes and responsible young citizens guided by the core values of rugby. On the web, visit Barbarians Youth Rugby or on Facebook to learn more.

Contact:

Greg Vitarelli

Communications Director

greg@barbariansrugby.club

617-455-9627