Ohio State, Mines Qualify Over Easter Weekend

The road to the Collegiate Rugby Championship 7s Nationals saw two more teams secure their bids over the Easter weekend, significantly shaping the championship picture for US rugby fans. In the Wolverine 7s in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Northern Iowa emerged victorious, defeating Ohio State 26-12 in the championship match. While UNI is eyeing a Premier Cup at-large bid, the automatic qualifier for nationals went to runner-up Ohio State, who showcased their dominance earlier by shutting out Indiana and Adrian in pool play before narrowly beating archrival Michigan in the semifinals. Out west, the reigning XVs champion Colorado School of Mines dominated the High Peaks 7s, going undefeated with an impressive 5-0 record to punch their ticket to the Women's DIII national championship. The Orediggers proved their prowess by besting Western Oregon, Northern Colorado, Idaho State (twice), and New Mexico Tech on their way to qualification. These teams now join an increasingly competitive field, with Ohio State adding to a strong men's contingent including Florida, Iowa, and Arizona State, while Mines joins the likes of Drury and MiraCosta in the women's DIII bracket. With as many as sixteen additional teams poised to qualify on the final weekend, and all 144 teams and eight national championship brackets to be unveiled on Selection Saturday, April 18, the anticipation for college rugby's ultimate showdown is rapidly building.