Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content
NateA_JM_Headshot_2026

Nate Augspurger

The College of Saint Benedict hired Minnesota native and former U.S. National Team standout Nate Augspurger as the new Director of Rugby in December of 2025. 

Augspurger oversees operations and development for the Saint Benedict rugby program while serving as the head coach for the team at Saint John's. He provides leadership for all aspects of CSB+SJU rugby, including coaching, recruiting, player development, alumni relations and overall program growth.

"This is a truly special opportunity I have been appointed to," said Augspurger. "I have always said that the best fit for me as a coach is where my Christian values and rugby overlap. CSB and SJU has put me in an advantageous position to succeed, and I look forward to leading these rugby programs."

Augspurger brings more than a decade of elite playing experience at the professional and international levels to CSB and SJU. A 2012 graduate of the University of Minnesota, he was a member of the Golden Gophers' rugby program before a distinguished playing career with USA Rugby and Major League Rugby.

"With the success of U.S.A. women's rugby in the last Olympics, it's an exciting time for the growth of the women's game in the country," said Saint Benedict Athletic Director Kelly Anderson Diercks. "St. Ben's has had an active club rugby program for decades. With a dynamic leader like Nate Augspurger, we are excited to see this program grow enrollment and athletic success for the College of Saint Benedict."

From 2012-25, Augspurger earned 51 caps (international games played) with the USA Men's XVs National Team, competing in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and represented the United States on the World Rugby Sevens Series, including serving as a traveling reserve for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

At the professional level, Augspurger spent seven seasons in Major League Rugby, including six years with the San Diego Legion (2018-23), then most recently with the Chicago Hounds (2024-25). He also served as a youth coach and community ambassador for the local rugby communities in San Diego and Chicago. 

Augspurger began coaching in 2015 as an Olympic Development Program Skills Coach with Play Rugby USA. He also served as a coach and recruiter for the Rhinos Rugby Academy, a high-performance program based in California that focuses on creating pathways for young athletes to collegiate, professional and international rugby. He is also a certified functional strength coach and spent time as a personal trainer while competing in Chicago.

Augspurger directs a rugby program with a rich history at both St. Ben's and Saint John's, with more than 107 combined years of competition and numerous championships. 

CSB rugby was established in 1978 and competes in the DIII Northern Lights Women's League. The Bennies won the DIII Minnesota State Championship in 2009 and finished as the state runner-up in 2011. CSB also advanced to the nationals' "Sweet 16" that season. 

Saint Ben's went 5-6-1 in fall of 2025 and 3-3 in the Women's Collegiate Recreational 7s conference. The Bennies fell to eventual champion Minnesota State-Mankato in the Minnesota Collegiate State Tournament in October.