Want to attack like a shark? Join the LIU rugby camp this summer. Learn what it takes to be a Division I athlete while sharpening your skill set. This is a non-contact camp designed to increase rugby knowledge, skills and rugby acumen.

For grades 4-8

August 7-8

In 2033, the Rugby World Cup is coming to American soil. Today's high school athletes will be the Women representing Team USA on the world's biggest stage. The LIU Crossover Rugby Camp affords young women to get their first taste of America's fastest growing team sport.

As one of the original eight Division I NIRA rugby programs, Long Island University has played a major role in the sport's adoption by the NCAA. Rugby was the first collision sport offered to women in the NCAA. With this camp, LIU endeavors to continue this tradition of growing the game and creating more opportunities for young women.

The camp is led by Long Island University head coach, Joseph Rasmus. Rasmus has spent the last six years coaching in high performance environments. Most recently, he led Chicago's semi-professional women's side to their best ever finish in the United States Women's Premier League. Rasmus is a leader in his sport when it comes to the holistic, long-term development of athletes.

Campers will walk away with foundational rugby skills, a framework for basic tactical decision-making, improved awareness of wellness habits, improved performance readiness and review skills, and maybe a passion that will drive them to lift a World Cup in 2033!

August 9-11

A premier opportunity for high-performance rugby players to grow, the LIU Rugby Camp affords young women the chance to learn from elite NCAA athletes and Coach Rasmus. Programming over the [#]-day intensive are tailored to drive the holistic development of every participant. Athletes will walk away with improved skill, tactical knowledge, and awareness of wellness habits. For H.S. sophomores and juniors, a general college admissions Info Session is included. Set on Long Island's serene Gold Coast, LIU's Post Campus presents the perfect environment for campers to lock in and focus on their rugby development.

The event is led by Long Island University head coach, Joseph Rasmus. Rasmus formerly oversaw the rejuvenation of the men's program at the University of Illinois and led Chicago North Shore to its best ever result in the Women's Premier League. Rasmus also spearheaded the long-term player development Pathway Program for Silverbacks Elite Rugby.

Joe Rasmus

Joseph Rasmus joined the LIU women's rugby team as head coach in August 2022.

Rasmus previously served in a trio of concurrent roles — head coach of the University of Illinois men’s rugby team and Chicago North Shore of the semi-pro Women’s Premier League and director of rugby for Silverbacks Elite Rugby.

Rasmus helped Chicago North Shore improve by 60 points per game in a four-month period in his final season with the organization. He also led the club to its best-ever finish, its most-ever points scored, and its largest-ever margin of victory in a WPL match.

With the Illinois men’s rugby team, he led more than 100 participants and captured the 2021 XV JV Big Ten championship.