Navy Men’s Rugby Adds Championship Coach Colton Cariaga to Coaching Staff
The Navy men’s rugby program has added one of the top young coaches in American collegiate rugby, as Director of Rugby Gavin Hickie announced the hiring of Colton Cariaga as an assistant coach. The move brings a proven winner to Annapolis as the Midshipmen continue building on one of the nation’s premier Division I-A rugby programs.
Cariaga arrives at the U.S. Naval Academy after spending the past three seasons as the head coach of Harvard’s club rugby program, where he guided the Crimson to three consecutive Collegiate Rugby Championship qualifying seasons. Prior to Harvard, he compiled a remarkable 73-13 record during six seasons as head coach at Life University, leading the Running Eagles to back-to-back national championships in 2018 and 2019 while making the national playoffs every season they were held during his tenure.
Before becoming a head coach, Cariaga established himself as one of the top assistants in college rugby. Returning to Life University in 2014 after coaching in Ireland, he helped the Running Eagles win three consecutive Mid-South Conference championships and capture the 2016 national title.
His playing résumé is equally impressive. A Charlotte, North Carolina, native, Cariaga captained Life University from 2010-13, won two national championships as a player, earned two All-America selections, and later represented the USA Selects and USA Falcons during his international playing career. He also served on the coaching staff for the United States Under-20 National Team, further expanding his experience at the highest levels of American rugby.
Hickie believes Cariaga’s background makes him an ideal fit for the Naval Academy.
“Colton is a proven championship builder, bringing elite tactical expertise and a track record of national titles. Beyond his success on the pitch, Colton’s focus on discipline, leadership and strong character makes him a perfect fit for our mission,” Hickie said.
Cariaga said the opportunity to coach at Navy was one he could not pass up.
“I am deeply honored and excited to join Navy rugby. My focus is entirely on supporting our Midshipmen and staff to be the best, not just by competing and winning, but by helping shape and develop leaders and future officers.”
The hire comes at an important time for the Midshipmen. Since becoming an NCAA varsity program, Navy has established itself as one of the nation’s elite rugby programs. Under Hickie, the Midshipmen captured their first Division I-A national championship in 2023 and have remained among the country’s top contenders, reaching another national championship match during the 2026 season.
Cariaga’s championship pedigree, recruiting experience, and player development success should strengthen an already outstanding coaching staff as Navy prepares for another run at a national title.
MSB Take
This is a significant addition for Navy Rugby. Programs that consistently compete for championships invest in elite coaching, and Colton Cariaga has proven at every stop that he knows how to build winners. His combination of national championship experience, international rugby knowledge, and leadership development aligns perfectly with the Naval Academy’s mission. Navy already fields one of the premier rugby programs in America, and this hire should only make the Midshipmen stronger heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
