MG All Stars FAQ

To help players, coaches, and fans better understand the format and expectations for both the Mary Graham All Stars competition and the TRU Toast All Stars team, we’ve put together this FAQ. Whether you’re new to the event or a returning participant, these answers will clarify key details and help you prepare for the upcoming season.

Competition FAQs

Will the event be streamed?
Yes, all matches will be streamed live on the TRU YouTube page.

Will USA Rugby scouts be present?
Yes, our goal is to have a USA Rugby WNT XVs or 7s coach in attendance each year. We also notify them that the matches are available live or via replay for scouting purposes.

What teams are eligible for the competition?
The competition mirrors the old National All Stars Competition (NASCs) or Inter Territorial Tournament (ITTs). We prioritize inviting all Geographic Unions (GUs), then Academy or unaffiliated All Star teams. If needed, clubs may be invited to fill spots. In recent years, we’ve filled the Cup and Plate brackets with only GU and unaffiliated All Star teams.

What is the format of the competition?
The competition is divided into two tiers:

  • The Cup features the top four teams.
  • The Plate includes the next four teams.
  • The winners of Saturday’s semifinals in each tier will move on to Sunday’s Championship matches.
  • The Plate Championship winner is promoted to the Cup bracket for the following year, while the loser of the 3rd/4th place Cup Consolation match is relegated to the Plate competition for the next year.
  • If there are multi-side teams, only one side can be in each bracket.

How are referees chosen?
We partner with the Texas Rugby Referee Association (TRRA), USA Rugby High Performance Referees, and Women’s Premier League (WPL) Referee groups to choose the match official team.

How are Announcers chosen?
We collaborate with experienced local and regional announcers to create dynamic play-by-play and analyst teams. As part of our commitment to growing all aspects of women’s rugby, we also offer mentorship for aspiring female commentators. If you’re interested in joining the team, reach out to Wendy Young.

TRU Toast FAQ

Are camps free?
Yes, the camps are free to attend! Participants just need to be 18+ and registered with USA Rugby (USAR) or National Collegiate Rugby (NCR).

What if I’m not ready for the team, but want to improve my skills?
Even if you don’t intend to join the team, these camps are designed to develop players. Athletes with at least half a season of experience are encouraged to attend, regardless of whether they want to play for the TRU Toast.

Are college players eligible?
Yes, college players aged 18+ are eligible. They need to be registered with USAR/NCR to attend camps. If selected for the team, they will need to register with the TRU.

Can I still be considered if I can’t attend the camps?
Yes! If you’re unable to attend, email Traci Young for alternative options.

Do I need to attend both camps?
No, attending both camps is not required, but players are welcome to join both if they wish.

What is the commitment to be eligible for the team?
Players must commit to attending both the warm-up weekend (Nov 9-10) and the Mary Graham All Stars weekend (Dec 7-8).

What is the TRU Jam?
The TRU Jam is a second women’s All Star team. Right now, we’re seeing 30-40 players interested in trying out for the Toast. If those numbers grow, we’ll look to activate the Jam team.

Is there a men’s All Stars team in the TRU?
Not at the moment. There has been a Men’s All Star option for D2, D3, and D4 teams in the past, but it’s not currently active.