Herriman Highs’ boys rugby team has been successful since it started in 2010. Jeff Wilson started the program and has been the director since the school opened. He is the head coach for 15s. The assistant coach for 15s, Jaeron Masina, is the head coach for the 7s season.
Herriman Highs’ boys rugby team has 15 state wins between 15s and 7s, they have been ranked top five every year but one. The team also has a national championship. Herriman Mustangs are one out of two public schools that have won a national championship in Utah.
Rugby is not just about playing the sport; there is so much more to it that has a lot to do with attitude. Wilson mentions that “Character is important and they need to be good men.” He wants what is best for these boys, and is very focused on their overall character outside of rugby. In doing so, Wilson has his boys do community service around Herriman.
Troy Ellermeier has been playing rugby since 7th grade. Since then, he and his team have won three state championships, and were national runner ups. Ellermeier says that, “Rugby will change your life for the better.” With having the privilege of being able to do community service, he mentions that it’s been a humbling experience but wants to do more of it. He also says, “Rugby makes me more friendly.” It has helped him to open up with people outside of his friend group. Having to work as a team forces him and others out of their comfort zone. One example is learning to make new relationships with their teammates by including every player.
Nu’u Maui isn’t any different. His first season was this 15s 2025 season. He mentions doing service projects during rugby, for example, like picking trash up around the Herriman High school. Maui said that playing rugby and doing projects has “Helped improve him as a person.”
Overall, Herriman Rugby is more than about the sport. The main focus of the boys rugby team is representing something bigger than yourself, not just winning state or being nationally ranked. The program is to help make the kids better people while giving them an experience.
