CM Rugby Academy — Chris Mattina

CM Rugby Academy — New York, NY

Chris Mattina | Rugby Athlete & Coach

Welcome to CM Rugby Academy. I'm Chris Mattina, a professional rugby player, USA Eagle, and coach based in New York. With over a decade of experience competing at the highest levels of the game, I created this academy to bring world-class skill development to players across the tri-state area, from first-time players to those chasing a professional career.

In order to take your game to the next level you need real, detailed skill coaching in order to master the skills of rugby. Many young players are not properly coached on the fundamentals and technical aspects of how to pass, kick, tackle, catch and position themselves on the field. I have learned these skills from some of the best in the world and my goal is to pass on that knowledge to the next generation of American rugby talent. I look forward to working with you and helping you improve on the field.
— Chris Mattina, Founder CM Rugby Academy

Book a Session About Chris

CM Rugby Academy

The Academy

CM Rugby Academy has worked with over 200 players across the tri-state area, from youth to professional level, logging over 300 private and small group sessions. The academy was founded with a simple purpose: to pass on the knowledge and expertise gained from years of elite competition, and use it to build the next generation of skilled American rugby players.

Chris's Coaching Experience

Founder & Head Coach — CM Rugby Academy

Head Coach — Fordham University 7's Program

Head Coach — PR 7's Academy Girls Program

Head Coach — Rugby 4 All

Assistant Coach — Xavier High School

Community Coach — Imagine Rugby

1 on 1 Skill Sessions

Private, focused training tailored to the individual player's position, age, and goals.

Small Group Sessions

Competitive, high-rep training environments for a minimum of 2 players and up to 10.

Coaching & Team Consultancy

Program design, staff support, and on-field coaching for clubs and teams at any level.

Background

The Story
Behind the Academy

Early Life & Education

Born and raised in Manhattan, Chris attended Xavier High School as a three-sport athlete in basketball, football, and rugby. He led his team to the High School Rugby National Championship in 2010, earning MVP honors. At the University of Delaware, he served as president and captain of the rugby club, guiding the team to a top-15 national ranking. He graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Science, double minoring in Coaching Science and Strength & Conditioning, and later earned his MBA from Keller School of Management on the Team USA Scholarship. This foundation in sport science, coaching methodology, and athlete development gave Chris the tools to build an academy grounded in both elite experience and technical expertise.

Professional Career

After returning to New York in 2016 and playing for NYAC, Chris was recruited to the USA 7's Olympic team, training full-time at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego. He earned 8 HSBC World Series appearances in Hong Kong, London, Paris, Sydney, and New Zealand, and was selected as injured reserve for the 2018 Rugby 7's World Cup in San Francisco. After leaving the 7's program in 2019, he competed for 7 seasons in Major League Rugby across Austin, Chicago, San Diego, and New York, accumulating 65+ appearances. In August 2023, Chris earned his first USA Men's 15's cap as Eagle #564. Throughout his playing career he founded CM Rugby Academy, which has now worked with over 200+ players from youth to professional level. Every level of competition Chris experienced, from club rugby in New York to the Olympic program and Major League Rugby, directly shaped the coaching philosophy behind the academy, giving his players access to the kind of detail, discipline, and technical knowledge that only comes from competing at the highest levels of the game.

CM Rugby Academy — Training Session, New York

Player Testimonials

What Players &
Parents Are Saying

“

Training with Chris has tremendously improved my technical skills and confidence to execute those skills.

Anthony Puk

Xavier HS / Varsity

“

Chris brings elite coaching and dedication to every session. His targeted training sessions have completely transformed my game, seeing results directly on the field within a few sessions.

Cara D.

Aspetuck Rugby / Varsity

“

Coach Chris's session has been outstanding, and the impact on my high school son has been clear from the very beginning. Coach's ability to combine strength training with game-relevant coaching truly sets him apart. We are grateful to Coach Chris for his support in developing my son into a strong rugby player and earn a place on the varsity team!

Nori T.

Parent

“

The training sessions that I have been doing with Coach Mattina have not only been helping me prepare for my upcoming season at Penn State but have been helping me prepare for the future.

Stephen Hoey

Penn State '23

Get Started

Ready to
Train?

Fill out the interest form and Chris will be in touch to find the right session type and schedule for you.

Submit Interest Form Youth to professional level welcome.

What to Expect

📋

Submit the Form

Name, contact info, age, and club. Takes under a minute.

📞

Chris Reaches Out

He'll follow up to learn more about your goals and pick the right session type.

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Get on the Field

Training sessions run in New York. All ages and skill levels welcome.