ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Colton Cariaga has been named an assistant coach for the Navy men's rugby team, director of rugby Gavin Hickie announced today. Cariaga arrives in Annapolis after serving as the head coach of the Harvard club team for the past three seasons.
"We are thrilled to welcome Colton to Navy rugby and the USNA family," Hickie said. "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. I have no doubt he will elevate our Midshipmen both as athletes and as future leaders."
"I am deeply honored and excited to join Navy rugby," Cariaga said. "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."
A native of Charlotte, N.C., Cariaga was a member of the Life University rugby team, where he served as team captain from 2010 to 2013. As a student-athlete, Cariaga led the Running Eagles to two national championship victories (2011, 2013) and was a two-time All-American (2012, 2013).
Upon graduating with a degree in business administration, Cariaga accepted an assistant coaching position at Blackrock College in Dublin, Ireland, where he helped the squad to the Provincial Cup Championship in 2014. Cariaga also continued his playing career with Trinity Rugby in the All-Ireland League in 2013-14.
Cariaga returned to Life as an assistant coach ahead of the 2014 season, where he helped lead the Running Eagles to three-straight Mid-South Conference championships (2015, 2016, 2017) and a national championship victory over St. Mary's (24-20) in 2016. During his time as an assistant coach, Cariaga also continued his playing career, making several appearances for the USA Selects ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the USA Falcons ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games. He retired from competitive rugby in 2017.
After the 2017 season, Cariaga accepted the head coaching position at his alma mater, where he coached six seasons and amassed a 73-13 record. Life made the playoffs every season under his leadership (the 2020 and 2021 playoffs were canceled due to COVID-19), including back-to-back national championship victories over California (60-5, 29-26) in 2018 and 2019.
Following the 2022-23 season, Cariaga took on the position of head coach for the Harvard club team, where he led the Crimson to three straight Collegiate Rugby Championship qualifying seasons.
