The North America Cup, or "NORAM," is the biennial North America championships of gay and inclusive rugby. The largest amateur rugby union tournament in North America. In 2019, Charlotte, North Carolina, won the bid to host the first ever North American Championships. On August 1st, 2023, the Boston Ironsides won the bid to host the 2025 North American Championships. The tournament will take place May 30th to June 1st, 2025 in Boston.
Charlotte 2023
The 2023 NORAM Tournament took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Boston Ironsides fielded two full sides for the event. For the second consecutive year, the Village Lions joined the second team to form the IronLions. This collaboration marked an exciting chapter in the tournament’s history as the Ironsides made their mark on the competition.
Boston Ironsides – NORAM Cup (Division 1) The Ironsides had an incredible run in the NORAM Cup, finishing pool play with a perfect 3-0 record and securing the top seed heading into the playoffs. Quarterfinals: The Ironsides faced the Chicago Dragons, dominating the match 33-7 to advance to the semifinals. Semifinals: In an impressive performance, the Ironsides shut out the San Francisco Fog 34-0, earning a spot in the final. Finals: Despite a valiant effort, the Ironsides lost a heartbreaker to Gotham, 15-7, but still finished as runners-up in Division 1. Throughout the tournament, the Ironsides scored 165 points and earned 4 shutouts, with only 22 points conceded. Their performance made them the first team in NORAM history to have both sides finish in the Top Two of their respective divisions.
IronLions – NORAM Vase (Division 3) The IronLions, competing in the NORAM Vase, had an outstanding run as well, finishing pool play with a 2-1 record and earning the third seed in the playoffs. Quarterfinals: In a thrilling match against the Atlanta Buck, the game ended in a 5-5 tie after double overtime, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout. The IronLions scored the lone goal to advance to the semifinals. Semifinals: The IronLions faced the Crescent City Rougaroux and emerged victorious, winning 12-5 to secure a place in the final. Finals: In the final, the IronLions faced the Washington Scandals, ultimately losing 31-0, but their performance throughout the tournament earned them a well-deserved second-place finish. This was the best result in the two-year history of the joint IronLions team, and their strong showing in Division 3 was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Both teams performed exceptionally well, and the Boston Ironsides have firmly cemented their place in NORAM history with a second-place finish in Division 1. The IronLions also made significant strides, finishing as runners-up in Division 3 in what was their best performance to date. We’re incredibly proud of both teams and excited for the future. Thank you to all the players, coaches, and supporters who made this incredible achievement possible.
