Nate Augspurger Bio
Nate Augspurger, born January 31, 1990, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an American rugby union player who competes at the scrum-half position for the Chicago Hounds of Major League Rugby (MLR). A versatile back with international experience, Augspurger has represented the United States in both sevens and fifteens formats, including selection to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad. Across more than a decade of senior play, he has earned a reputation for quick decision-making, accurate passing, and steady leadership in high-pressure matches.
Beyond his playing career, Augspurger is recognized as one of the most consistent American scrum-halves of his generation, with notable achievements in sevens competition, Americas Rugby Championship titles, and historic moments for the United States national side. He is married to Rosie Augspurger and is a Christian.
Early Life and Background
Nate Augspurger was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he attended Minneapolis Southwest High School. Growing up in the Twin Cities gave him access to a strong community rugby scene, and he developed his game in local clubs before earning a place at the University of Minnesota. His time at the university helped him sharpen the passing, tackling, and game-management skills that would later define his professional career.
Augspurger’s early rugby education combined collegiate competition with the broader Midwest rugby culture, an environment known for producing technically sound backs. His discipline and willingness to learn during these formative years laid the foundation for a transition into elite-level play.
Path to Rugby
Augspurger’s pathway to professional rugby began in the United States national rugby sevens system, where he joined the residency program ahead of the 2012–13 HSBC Sevens World Series. He debuted on the World Series circuit in Dubai and Port Elizabeth in 2012, marking his arrival on the international stage. An injury during his first full sevens season kept him out of the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia, but he continued to develop within the program.
In 2013, Augspurger played for New York City 7’s at the inaugural World Club Series Sevens at Twickenham, becoming the first player to score a try in that tournament. He returned to the USA sevens program full-time in 2015, toured with the USA Men’s XVs in the Americas Rugby Championship in 2014, and was part of the sevens squad that won bronze at the 2015 Pan American Games. His performances earned him a traveling reserve role at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics before he switched from sevens to fifteens later that year.
Nate Augspurger Career
Early Career (2016)
Augspurger earned his first USA XV cap against Italy in the summer of 2016, starting at scrum-half in a 20–24 loss and becoming Eagle number 491. He added a second cap against Russia that summer and featured against the New Zealand Maori All Blacks, Romania, and Tonga later in the year.
His first season with the senior fifteens side established him as a reliable option at scrum-half and on the wing, offering coaches both a steady distributor and a dangerous attacker in broken play.
United States National Team Breakthrough (2017–2019)
The 2017 international season marked Augspurger’s breakthrough as a leader for the United States. He started on the wing against Brazil in the Americas Rugby Championship and captained the side to the 2017 ARC title against the Argentina XV. In 2019, he captained the USA against Ireland at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey and started three consecutive tests against Georgia and Canada. The United States qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup by beating Canada in San Diego, the first time the USA Men’s XVs had qualified as Americas number one.
Augspurger also contributed off the bench in the 2018 summer tests, including a famous Tier I victory over Scotland, and was selected for the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, where he came off the bench against Argentina and Tonga.
Major League Rugby Breakthrough (2018–2022)
Augspurger signed with the San Diego Legion ahead of the 2018 Major League Rugby season under Head Coach Rob Hoadley. He started every match of the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship under new Eagles Head Coach Gary Gold, captaining the United States to a 61–19 victory over Uruguay and back-to-back ARC titles. Returning to the Legion, he played a key role in the playoff push, scoring a late try in a postseason loss.
After rupturing a quadriceps tendon in late 2018, he returned to play every match of the 2019 MLR season, helping the Legion post a 13–3 record and earn home-field advantage. He was named to the MLR First XV at scrum-half. In 2021, he recovered from a fractured ankle in nine weeks and returned to start the final matches at scrum-half. In 2022, he battled back from a knee injury and returned for the playoffs, starting and scoring in a loss to the Seattle Seawolves.
Chicago Hounds Era (2024–Present)
Augspurger joined the Chicago Hounds of Major League Rugby, where he continues to compete at scrum-half. His move to Chicago brought a veteran presence to the Hounds roster and positioned him as a key playmaker within the team’s backline structure.
His ongoing role with the Hounds allows him to balance club play with continued national team ambitions, contributing both experience and tactical discipline to a developing franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Augspurger is known for his quick service at the breakdown, accurate box kicking, and sharp decision-making from the base of the ruck. His comfort at both scrum-half and wing gives coaches tactical flexibility, while his calm distribution under pressure helps control tempo in tight contests.
Notable Events and Milestones
Augspurger became the first United States Eagle to score a try against the New Zealand All Blacks when he started at scrum-half at FedEx Field in 2021. He also captained the USA to back-to-back Americas Rugby Championship titles in 2017 and 2018, and was part of the sevens squad that won its first-ever World Series tournament final at the London Sevens in 2015.
Nate Augspurger Career Wins
Across sevens, international fifteens, and Major League Rugby, Augspurger has built a résumé highlighted by team titles and individual recognition rather than a long list of individual trophies. His biggest wins have come in tournament and championship settings with club and country.
International Highlights
Augspurger won bronze with the United States at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto and helped the USA win the 2017 and 2018 Americas Rugby Championships, captaining the side in both finals. He was part of the sevens squad that captured its first HSBC Sevens World Series tournament title at the London Sevens in 2015.
Major League Rugby Performances
With the San Diego Legion, Augspurger played a central role in a 13–3 regular season in 2019 that delivered home-field advantage and an appearance in the MLR Championship match. He was named to the MLR First XV at scrum-half that year, cementing his status among the league’s top performers.
Nate Augspurger Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Augspurger was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and attended Minneapolis Southwest High School before continuing his education at the University of Minnesota. His upbringing in the Twin Cities rugby community shaped his early development as a player.
Personal Life
Augspurger is married to Rosie Augspurger. He is a Christian and has spoken about the role of faith in his career and daily life.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 Major League Rugby season, Augspurger remains with the Chicago Hounds as a veteran scrum-half and backline leader. His experience at both club and international level provides a stabilizing presence for a team building toward sustained contention.
For the United States national fifteens setup, Augspurger continues to be a reliable option in the scrum-half rotation, valued for his composure in pressure moments and his ability to guide younger halfbacks. His combination of sevens speed and fifteens structure makes him a flexible selection for coaches.
With the 2025 MLR campaign underway, Augspurger’s focus is on health, consistent performance, and contributing to the Hounds’ push for a playoff spot. His ongoing role with the franchise and his standing within the USA player pool suggest he will remain a key figure throughout the season.