In order to participate in any match with another team, even a friendly, all players must be registered (aka CIPPed) with USA Rugby. It’s not simply a Cup Match requirement. It is an insurance and liability requirement that protects players, coaches, referees, administrators, the union, and the clubs.<
The sanction for a first offense of fielding an unregistered player is a $100 fine per unregistered player and forfeit of the match. Subsequent offenses can be penalized by fines of up to $500 per ineligible player, disqualification of the club from playoffs, and suspension of the club from the TRU.
To get registered, go to the USA Rugby website at https://usarugby.org/