Arkansas State University

Championship Vision

Building the Future of U.S. Collegiate Rugby

Arkansas State University, a leading program within the CRAA Men’s Division, sought a partnership that would deliver more than just short-term player improvement. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dominic Shaw, the goal was to embed a sustainable high-performance culture that could compete with international standards.

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Recognizing Crusaders Global Academy’s track record of developing world-class players and systems, Arkansas State embarked on a long-term collaboration designed to elevate every layer of their program—from coaching philosophy to athlete mindset.

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The Challenge: Bridging the Gap to Elite Performance

Despite strong performances within the U.S. collegiate system, Arkansas State identified a gap between domestic training environments and the demands of professional, world-class rugby. The challenge focused on two key areas:

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1. Coaching Evolution: Equipping coaches with the tools, frameworks, and global insights necessary to lead and develop elite athletes.
2. Player Readiness: Exposing athletes to professional standards of skill execution, preparation, and resilience—creating a pipeline capable of stepping into the international arena.

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To overcome these challenges, Arkansas State needed a structured, holistic partnership grounded in proven high-performance methodology.

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From Coaching to Culture

The collaboration began in 2024, when Coach Shaw attended the Crusaders Global Academy, gaining direct exposure to the systems, principles, and culture behind one of the world’s most successful rugby organizations.

Following that engagement, CGA delivered a series of Growth Programs and on-campus High-Performance Camps at Arkansas State throughout 2024 and 2025.

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These initiatives focused on:

• High-Performance Coaching Education: Empowering Arkansas State’s staff with the Crusaders’ frameworks for leadership, review, and athlete management.
  
  
• Elite Skill Development: Immersive sessions for players centered on technical precision, game intelligence, and physical preparation.
  
  
• Cultural Alignment: Establishing a shared vision of professionalism, accountability, and collective standards that mirror elite rugby environments.

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Proven Impact and Measurable Growth‍

The results of this partnership have been transformative. Coaches report a significant increase in performance clarity and cultural consistency, while players have adopted a higher standard of preparation and discipline.

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“Our engagement with Crusaders Global Academy has been a game-changer for our players and staff. The alignment in values and performance standards has raised the bar for our entire program.”
- Dominic Shaw, Head Coach, Men’s Rugby Program, Arkansas State University

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The success of these initiatives has positioned Arkansas State as a model for growth within U.S. collegiate rugby, demonstrating how a commitment to international best practice can redefine a team’s identity.

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The Pathway to Global Integration

With momentum building, the partnership is entering its next phase, preparing select Arkansas State players to join the CGA Player Residency Program in 2026.
This progression represents more than just an opportunity for individual athletes; it signifies a bridge between American collegiate rugby and one of the world’s premier professional development systems.

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Conclusion

Arkansas State University’s collaboration with Crusaders Global Academy marks a defining shift in the evolution of U.S. collegiate rugby. By embracing a holistic framework—rooted in elite coaching education, professional culture, and international alignment—the Red Wolves are not only elevating their own performance standards but also setting a precedent for sustainable growth within the CRAA system. Through continued partnership, Arkansas State is laying the foundation for a future generation of players and coaches who embody the discipline, mindset, and excellence synonymous with the Crusaders legacy.