National Collegiate Rugby is proud to introduce the Griffin as the official mascot of its high performance program, an initiative that identifies and develops elite-level collegiate rugby athletes across the nation. The Griffin will make its debut June 5-9 as NCR’s men’s and women’s squads compete at the prestigious Algarve 7s in Portugal.
A mythical creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, the Griffin embodies the core attributes of NCR’s top athletes: strength, agility, intelligence, and pride. The eagle, a powerful symbol of the United States, represents vision and determination, while the lion evokes courage, leadership, and physical prowess—key traits of student-athletes competing at the highest levels of collegiate rugby.
NCR’s High Performance Program provides advanced training, elite competition, and leadership education for the country’s most promising rugby talent. Through domestic and international tours, these student-athletes gain exposure to elite coaching and high-level play, while continuing to grow academically and personally.
“The Griffin reflects everything we stand for—excellence on the field, integrity off the field, and the relentless pursuit of growth,” said Thomas Clark, High Performance Director. “As our athletes take on international competition, this symbol will unify them and inspire pride in our collegiate rugby community.”
The Algarve 7s will mark the first international tour for the High Performance teams under the Griffin banner, bringing together top collegiate players to face elite international 7s squads. Representing more than athletic achievement, the Griffin signals NCR’s commitment to building a professional, supportive environment where student-athletes thrive.
With the Griffin leading the way, NCR is elevating the collegiate rugby experience—fueling ambition, unity, and performance at the highest level.
The Algarve 7s tour features top coaching and tour staff including Olympic bronze-medalist, Naya Tapper. See the full staff in the most recent announcement.
If you would like to support the Griffins, donate here or contact TC Clark at TC@ncr.rugby.
