Frank Finicle ’25 is representing the United States on one of rugby’s biggest international stages as a member of the USA Men’s U20 National Team competing at the 2026 World Rugby Junior World U20 Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The tournament brings together the world’s top young rugby players, with the United States competing in a challenging pool alongside Argentina, Ireland, and England. Team USA opens pool play against England on Thursday, July 2, at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi. Find match information here.

For Finicle, earning the opportunity to wear the USA jersey is the realization of a dream that began long before he first stepped onto the rugby pitch as a Blue Jay sophomore.

“It’s an indescribable feeling knowing I’m representing the USA,” Finicle said. “It doesn’t end there though. I’m also representing my family, friends, my home city of New Orleans and, of course, Blue Jay rugby. Before every match I write my family’s initials, NOLA, and AMDG on my wrist tape to honor where I come from.”

During his three seasons with the Blue Jays, Finicle helped establish one of the program’s most successful stretches. A three-time state champion, three-time All-State selection, and captain of the 2025 team, he was named the 2025 Louisiana High School Rugby Player of the Year after anchoring the Blue Jays’ championship run. He also earned high school All-State honors while contributing as a tight end for the Blue Jay football team.

Following graduation, Finicle became one of the inaugural scholarship student-athletes for Loyola University New Orleans men’s rugby, where another opportunity soon followed.

“I remember seeing the U20 World Championships being played a few years ago while I was training with Clermont-ASM in France, and I knew that would be my opportunity,” Finicle said. “After graduating, my coach at Loyola, Mr. Ryan Fitzgerald, recommended me to the U20 head coach. I was invited to the selection camp, and even though I believed in myself, I knew there were outstanding players from all over the country, and even from around the world, competing for a spot. Making the team and now being in Georgia representing the USA truly is a dream come true.”

One of the experiences Finicle has enjoyed most has been building relationships with teammates whose paths to Team USA are as diverse as their playing styles.

“We have guys from all over the world with different accents, backgrounds, and styles of play,” he said. “The one thing that unites us is that we’re all American citizens. It’s been awesome hearing everyone’s story and then coming together on the pitch to play for the USA.”

Learn more about the USA Men’s u20 National Team here.