NEWS
D1A Announces 2025-2026 National Championship Playoff Brackets
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has officially unveiled the 2025-2026 D1A National Championship Playoff brackets, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason culminating at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis on May 2, 2026. The road to the title begins April 11 with the First Round, followed by Quarterfinals on April 18 and Semifinals on April 25, with higher-seeded teams hosting through the earlier rounds. Key First Round matchups include Mary Washington at Navy, Penn State at Lindenwood, San Diego at California, and Cal Poly at BYU, highlighting the fierce competition. Beyond the main championship, CRAA also announced the D1A Challenger Cup, providing elite postseason competition for programs just outside the national title field, such as Davenport, Ohio State, Utah, and Santa Clara, with their own championship slated for May 3 at Kuntz Stadium. This expanded, two-tier playoff structure across April and May is crucial for US rugby fans, showcasing the nation's top collegiate talent, fostering intense rivalries, and directly contributing to the development pipeline for the sport nationwide.
Eleven Board Train to CRC National 7s
The path to the Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s heats up as eleven more teams have punched their tickets across various divisions, showcasing fierce competition and rising collegiate talent nationwide. Southern Virginia emerged victorious in the Men’s Premier Cup qualifier at Old Blue 7s, defeating St. Bonaventure 17-7 in the final, while Walsh earned their bid as runners-up at Fighting Irish 7s after Wheeling, having already qualified, bested them 33-12. In Men’s DI-AA, Louisville triumphed 19-17 over Northeastern, with the Huskies securing their spot due to the Cardinals' prior qualification. On the women's side, Colorado State went 4-0 to win the DI-AA High Peaks 7s, Fairfield completed a 5-0 championship run at Bonnies 7s, and Baldwin Wallace's Molly Cancian scored 15 tries en route to winning Powerful Women on the Pitch 7s, one of several qualifiers across DII and DIII. Additional berths were claimed by teams like Colorado Mesa and Memphis in Women's DII, Albany in Men's DII, and Springfield (defeating Slippery Rock 26-22) and New Mexico Tech (beating Montana 24-10) in Men's DIII. These recent qualifiers highlight the depth and excitement building towards the CRC Nationals, offering a crucial glimpse into the future stars of US rugby 7s.
More AQs Expected In April
The collegiate rugby landscape is heating up as the biggest Automatic Qualifier (AQ) weekend of the Spring season draws near, with nine tournaments poised to send ten teams to the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) in Maryland. Fans will witness intense battles across the Men’s Premier Cup, Men’s DI-AA, and Women’s Division II and III brackets, as established contenders and dark horses alike vie for coveted national championship berths. Highlights include the Fighting Irish 7s, a crucial double qualifier where teams like Iowa Central, Aquinas, and Rio Grande will challenge qualified powerhouses like Notre Dame and Wheeling, the latter fresh off a Ruck the Rock victory. Elsewhere, the Old Blue 7s will see Siena, last year's runners-up featuring All-Stars Jack Burns and Harry Ryder, battling rivals such as Fairfield, UMass, and a strong Fordham side that previously upset Kutztown. On the women's side, Baldwin Wallace, led by All-Stars Molly Cancian and Jasmine Ludt, enters their "Powerful Women on the Pitch" tournament as favorites for a DIII AQ, while Colorado Mesa, with All-American Reese Williams, seeks a Women's DII berth at Peachtown 7s after falling to eventual champs Coast Guard last year. With the promise of thrilling upsets and the forging of future stars, this weekend is vital for shaping the national championship picture, providing a glimpse into the talent and determination propelling US collegiate rugby forward.
Membership Dues Hold Steady for 26-27 Season
National Collegiate Rugby announced membership dues will hold steady for the 26-27 season. This move supports continued investment in the student-athlete experience and expands broadcast coverage across all regional competitions on NCR TV.
Eight Seize Qualification for National 7s
The National 7s championship field is taking shape after a dynamic weekend saw eight collegiate teams secure their coveted bids, promising intense competition for US rugby fans. Defending champions Brown asserted dominance in Women’s Premier Cup, going 4-0 at their qualifier. Wisconsin routed Southern Nazarene 40-14 in Men’s Premier Cup at the City 7s, while Wheeling also qualified with a 24-14 final over Dartmouth. Iowa claimed a Men’s DI-AA return trip, defeating Nebraska 28-14. UNC-Wilmington qualified convincingly in Men’s DII, winning their final 17-7. Louisville powered through Men’s DI Club, conceding just two tries before shutting out Virginia Tech 24-0. Christopher Newport’s women (4-0) and Duke’s men (17-14 final) also triumphed in DIII. These impressive performances highlight the burgeoning talent across collegiate rugby, setting the stage for exhilarating national clashes and affirming the sport's growth in the US.
Wild Weekend Ahead in Road to CRC
Collegiate rugby ignited with a "wild weekend" from March 20-22, 2026, as tournaments across the nation determined crucial automatic qualifiers (AQs) for the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) in Maryland, shaping the national title race. At the Brown 7s, the Brown Bears chased an unprecedented fourth CRC championship, with Coach Rosalind Chou eyeing a record for 7s national titles, hosting a formidable lineup including last year’s runner-up Army and reigning DI-Club champions Northeastern. Men's DI-AA competition at the Sandman 7s featured powerhouses like 2025 XVs national champion Tennessee, runner-up Bowling Green, and 2024 7s national champion Louisville, battling for vital bids. Richmond 7s saw Susquehanna's men dominate with a 5-1 record and +141 point differential at Cowboy 7s, while Christopher Newport’s women emerged as a DIII favorite after winning the Mary Washington tournament. Iowa’s Renn Heimer and Nebraska’s Jordan Sweiss shone at City 7s, underscoring the fierce competition and rising talent aiming for coveted CRC spots.
Women's 7s Championship Tickets On Sale
The Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has officially opened ticket sales for its highly anticipated Women’s National 7s Championship, an event poised to showcase the pinnacle of collegiate rugby talent. Set to electrify Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, this championship promises a weekend of high-octane action, with dates anticipated for May 4th and 5th, drawing fans from across the nation to witness the fierce competition. This premier tournament is expected to feature top university programs from various divisions, including Division I and Division II, all battling for the coveted national title. Fans are encouraged to secure their spots early, with specific details on tiered pricing and package options, including an early bird discount generally available for such events. This championship is not merely a competition, it is a crucial platform for the development and visibility of women's rugby in the United States, offering an unparalleled opportunity to see future stars of the sport in action and celebrate the thriving collegiate game. Don't miss the chance to experience the excitement and support the growth of rugby at this monumental event in Indianapolis.
CRAA Hosts 2026 Women's XVs Championships
USA Rugby and the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) have announced an exciting partnership, bringing the 2026 CRAA Women’s XVs National Championships to Heart Health Park in Sacramento, California, on April 10-11, in tandem with the Pacific Four Series international matches. This unprecedented two-day festival will feature a full five-match slate, beginning Friday, April 10, at 7:30 pm PT with the Women's D2 National Championship, followed Saturday, April 11, by the Women's D1 Challenger Bowl at 9:00 am PT and the D1 National Championship at 12:00 pm PT. The collegiate finals will directly precede a highly anticipated international double-header, showcasing the USA Women's Eagles battling New Zealand at 4:00 pm PT, before Canada faces Australia at 7:00 pm PT, with Pacific Four Series tickets granting access to all contests. This synergy creates a monumental opportunity for US rugby fans to witness both the nation's premier collegiate talent and the Women's Eagles on the biggest stage, as CRAA President Paul Keeler emphasized its role as a "premier pathway to USA National Team opportunities," an experience USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren called a "multi-level rugby weekend."
Seven More Qualify for CRC National 7s
The Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s field is rapidly taking shape as seven more teams secured their bids this past weekend, bringing the total qualifiers to 26 out of 144 available spots for what promises to be an electrifying national tournament. Dominance was a common theme across divisions, with Kutztown's Men's Premier Cup squad clinching a third-straight Monumental 7s title by going 5-0, winning their semifinal and final against Brown by a single conversion. Equally impressive, Davenport's Women's Premier Cup team earned their automatic qualification at Cavalier 7s with a flawless performance, including three shutouts and decisive victories of 27-0 over Aquinas and 31-0 against Wheeling in the final. Further adding to the growing list of contenders, Arizona State won Fool's Gold 7s in Women's DI Club with a commanding display, conceding just two scores across four victories, including a 30-7 final against Boise State, while Arkansas (Women's DII), Miami (OH) (Men's DII), Slippery Rock (Men's DIII), and MiraCosta College (Women's DIII) also punched their tickets through strong tournament victories. These early qualifications are vital for US rugby enthusiasts, as they not only spotlight the top-tier talent performing exceptionally but also begin to paint a clearer picture of the teams to watch as the road to the National 7s heats up, promising high-stakes action and compelling storylines.
Premier Cup Qualifiers Start MA, OH
The collegiate rugby 7s season explodes into action this weekend, marking the first of two pivotal qualifier periods where twelve Automatic Qualifier tournaments will determine fifteen teams for the 2026 Collegiate National Championships. This initial slate of six tournaments offers seven coveted berths across the nation, highlighting intense matchups in Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In the Men's Premier Monumental 7s in Quincy, MA, Kutztown, winners of the 2022 and 2025 events, aims for another title. Key player Jacob Stelluti, with 7 tries at Frost Bite 7s, leads the charge alongside Brown, while St. Bonaventure has already secured their Nationals bid. The Women's Premier Cup Cavalier 7s in Canton, OH, promises drama for three AQ spots, featuring Wheeling, who went 3-1 in a tune-up led by Alexis Dallas, Liz Sinatra, and Ema Tai. They'll contend with Northern Iowa's Morgan Linck and Aquinas's Lillian Stough, noted for an incredible scoring spree at Hawkeye 7s, plus hosts Walsh and Adrian. Finally, the Cowboy 7s in Pittsburgh spotlights Men's DII and DIII, with IUP’s Malcolm Johnson, who tallied nine tries at Frostbite 7s, looking to guide his youthful squad to Maryland. These high-stakes weekends are crucial for collegiate programs, providing direct pathways to national championship glory and unveiling the next generation of US rugby stars.
Two AQs, Premier Cup Top 7s Weekend
Collegiate rugby delivered a pivotal weekend of Automatic Qualifiers (AQs) and a Premier Cup clash, shaping the path to 7s Nationals. At the St. Patrick’s 7s, Men’s DII champions Colorado Mesa (CMU), fresh off a 111-7 tournament sweep, aimed to better their 12-0 Final Four loss; Women’s DIII champs Drury, led by USA Eagles invitee Lauren Thomlinson, sought to avenge their three-point semifinal defeat. The Terrapin 7s offered a Men’s DI-AA bid, seeing defending National Champions NC State dominate with Sunshine 7s wins over Alabama and Florida, challenged by UMass Amherst, 10-7 Final Four losers last year. Finally, the non-qualifying Queens Cup pitted Premier Cup powerhouses like two-time defending champions Wheeling, Indiana (Yellow Rose 7s Showcase winners), and Kutztown, offering US rugby fans a crucial early pecking order before Nationals. This weekend provided essential previews of teams vying for collegiate 7s glory just two months away.
Indianapolis Hosts 2026 Women's 7s Championships
Indianapolis is gearing up to host the 2026 CRAA Women’s 7s National Championships, set to electrify Kuntz Stadium on April 25-26, 2026, showcasing the pinnacle of collegiate women's rugby. This prestigious event, a collaborative effort by the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA), USA Rugby, and the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA), will gather over 30 elite programs from across the nation. Powerhouses such as Army, Harvard, Life U, and Lindenwood will clash in the Premier Division, while teams like Air Force, Stanford, and UC Berkeley headline the Challenger bracket, all vying for national glory and vital experience. Crucially, this championship provides a direct talent identification pathway for the USA Women’s Sevens National Team, aligning with 2028 Los Angeles Olympics preparations by offering unparalleled player visibility to national selectors. As CRAA Director Tiffany Lopez noted, the event elevates women's rugby and reinforces Indianapolis's aim to be a global women's sports capital, strengthening the sport's future at all levels.
8 Qualify in Texas, PA, DC
Eight teams punched their tickets to the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) Nationals this past weekend, setting a thrilling pace for the upcoming national championship. In Houston, Indiana dominated the Men's Premier Cup with a 5-0 record, defeating Southern Nazarene 38-7, while Sam Houston bested Baylor 30-14 for the DI Club bid. Denver also secured the DIII title with a 17-5 win over Montana State, who additionally qualified in DII. Across the Frostbite 7s in Lancaster, PA, St. Bonaventure clinched a Men’s Premier Cup spot, but American International College (AIC) truly impressed in the Women’s Premier Cup, going undefeated with commanding shutouts, including a 36-0 final victory against Long Island, becoming the first qualifier in their division. Meanwhile, James Madison claimed the Women's DI Club berth at the Bison Brawl in D.C., finishing 4-0 and topping North Carolina 12-5, with the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA) also earning a Women's DII bid from the Lonestar qualifier. These strong performances underscore the fierce competition defining the road to the CRC.
2026 Sorensen, Scholtz Nominees Announced
College rugby's brightest prospects are in the spotlight with the announcement of the 2026 MA Sorensen and Rudy Scholz Award nominees, celebrating the nation's top women's and men's collegiate players. The MA Sorensen Award, honoring USA Rugby legend MaryAnn Sorensen, a 1991 Women's Rugby World Cup winner, features an exceptional list of female athletes like Cassidy Ball (Army West Point), Lindenwood's Freda Tafuna, and Lei Opeti (Life University), all vying for the prestigious trophy presented at a Seattle gala in June. For the men, the Rudy Scholz Award, presented by the Washington Athletic Club since 2016, highlights standout talent including George Engels (Army West Point), Solomon Williams (UC Berkeley), and Dom Besag (Saint Mary's). These initial nominee lists, curated by a panel of coaches with public input, will be narrowed to a group of finalists before a selection panel votes on the ultimate winners. This process underscores the robust talent pipeline in US collegiate rugby, signaling strong prospects for the national team programs and the continued growth of the sport across the country.
CRC National 7s qualification schedule March-es onward
The collegiate rugby 7s season is accelerating into March with two critical qualifying tournaments this weekend - the Yellow Rose 7s Showcase in Houston, TX, and the Frostbite 7s in Lancaster, PA - both offering vital pathways to the Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s. Billed as the largest national qualifier, the inaugural Yellow Rose 7s will host teams from 14 states across all four men's divisions, with Texas A&M, now under coach Tui Osborne, entering as a strong Premier contender after outscoring tune-up opponents 130-0, while Indiana, returning 14 of 15 players from last year's 13th-place CRC squad and having placed third at Sunshine 7s, will challenge along with Southern Nazarene and the University of South Carolina, who previously lost to Indiana 19-26. The Texas event also features DI-Club powerhouse Sam Houston State, DII National runners-up Montana State, and defending DIII champions UW-Eau Claire. Concurrently, the Frostbite 7s will see 2025 XVs National Champions St. Bonaventure, CRC runners-up last year with dynamic players like Koen Webb and Manulua Taula, battle Premier rivals including Belmont Abbey in the men's bracket. In the women's Premier division, AIC, fresh off their third NIRA DIII National XV's title in five years and led by top try-scorer Naomi Dodd, are favorites to secure the first qualification, making these events essential viewing for US rugby fans eager to follow the collegiate game's rising stars and future national champions.
Five Qualify for National 7s
The path to collegiate rugby glory intensified last weekend as five programs officially punched their tickets to the Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s through automatic qualifying tournaments held across four states. In the Men’s Premier Cup, Notre Dame secured their spot by winning the Sunshine 7s in Gainesville, Florida, overcoming Aquinas 12-5 in the final after an unblemished 3-0-1 pool play performance. Host Iowa showcased incredible grit at the Women’s Division I Club Hawkeye 7s, rebounding from an opening loss to Boise State to exact revenge with a 26-17 championship victory, featuring explosive pool play scoring with 38 points against Michigan State and 35 against Purdue. The Women’s Division II saw Bowling Green dominate the Great Lakes 7s in Michigan, going a perfect 3-0, including an astounding 77-point effort against Oakland and a 49-14 final win over previously undefeated GVSU. Concurrently, UNC-Charlotte qualified as the runner-up at Sun's Out Scrum's Out, following an undefeated run in pool play and a tight 12-10 semifinal triumph over Georgia Tech. Rounding out the qualifiers, the University of Richmond captured the Men’s Division III title at the Southern 7s in North Carolina, completing a 4-0 run by defeating The Citadel 24-19 in the final. These impressive early qualifications highlight the burgeoning talent across collegiate rugby and promise an exhilarating showdown at the upcoming National 7s.
Five National 7s Qualifiers This Weekend
Collegiate 7s qualification for the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championships is intensifying this weekend, with five crucial tickets up for grabs across various divisions nationwide. The Men's Premier Cup will crown its first qualifier at the Sunshine 7s in Gainesville, featuring strong contenders like Notre Dame and Indiana, both aiming for redemption after 2025 Sweet 16 exits. Notre Dame, who beat Harvard 28-12 but fell to Brown 24-12 last year, faces a challenge without Player of the Year candidate Jack Waterhouse and leading try-scorer Zak Banton, relying on transfers James O’Sullivan and Jack Dunne to step up. Meanwhile, Indiana, led by standout flyhalf Tommy Hannon, senior Parker Wall, and junior Matt Chevalier,brother of US Eagle Will Chevalier,will look for a big performance as they contend with Premier Cup mainstays Clemson and NC State, who famously won the DI Club National Championship last year and are now eyeing the top division. In the Women's DI-Club bracket, host Iowa, the 2025 runners-up who outscored opponents 69-12 through three rounds, seeks to secure their bid at the Hawkeye Classic 7s despite losing leading scorer Elizabeth Langlois, facing tough challenges from Purdue, who reached the Final Four last year, and Boise State with returning top-ten scorers Ella Ogletree and Leelynn Huett. This early season action is vital for collegiate rugby, showcasing the next generation of US talent and shaping the field for the national titles to come.
NCR Announces 2026 Vegas 9s Rosters
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has unveiled its Men's and Women's select side rosters for the Premier Division of the 2026 NRL Vegas 9s Festival, a monumental step for US collegiate rugby. This groundbreaking partnership with Australia's National Rugby League (NRL), dubbed the "NFL of Australia," will send 15 women and 15 men to compete, offering direct exposure to professional NRL and NRLW scouts for potential trials. Chosen from over 600 student-athletes evaluated at NCR’s All-Star Championships against NRL high-performance standards, these players will benefit from NRL-funded travel and individual recruiting profiles. Competing during a "Triple Header weekend" at Allegiant Stadium, days before elite NRL matches, provides a unique global platform to showcase their talent in a new rugby format, highlighted by NCR Women’s Director Alycia Washington. Ultimately, this initiative establishes a vital pathway from US college rugby to international league competition, underscoring American talent and providing fans a direct link to the professional future of US rugby stars.
Wildcats, Gators, Chanticleers Earn 1st Bids to
The first automatic bids to the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championship have been secured, with three teams punching their tickets to the national 7s tournament at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds from April 24-26. The Kentucky Wildcats men’s squad went 5-0 at the Pitt Dome 7s, earning their Men’s Division I Club bid with a 22-17 victory over Western Michigan, following a 40-12 semifinal win against Delaware. Meanwhile, the Florida Gators women mirrored Kentucky’s perfect 5-0 run at the Love at First Ruck 7s, becoming the first Women’s DI Club qualifier by defeating rival Florida State 17-12, including a 46-0 shutout against Citadel. Lastly, Coastal Carolina’s women secured their inaugural Women’s DII bid, going unbeaten to capture the Love at First Ruck DII title with a 29-17 win over South Florida, after outscoring pool opponents 100-20. These qualifications ignite an exciting journey for the 144 teams aspiring for national glory, setting a high standard for US collegiate rugby fans.
Team Stripes Wins Inaugural Women's Championship
The inaugural Women’s XV’s All-Star Championship delivered thrilling competition on a frigid Atlanta day, ultimately crowning Team Stripes as its first-ever champions with a commanding 3-0 record. Led by University of Virginia’s Nancy Kechner, recipient of a US Women’s Rugby Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, Team Stripes demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill across their grueling three-game schedule, amassing 12 table points and the highest point differential of 32-31 over Team Hawks. Their journey to the title included a tight 14-10 victory over Team Hawks, sealed by two successful conversions from James Madison’s Nora Richards, and a decisive 28-12 win against a strong Team Stars roster in the finale, featuring tries from Southern Nazarene hooker Lauren Anderson, Purdue’s Tiara Mason, and UVA's Kate Delaney. Virginia fly-half Milena Keene, who also scored a try against the Stars, was rightly named the tournament's inaugural XV's MVP, standing out among a field of top talent from programs like Northern Iowa's Emma Hastings and Brown's Caitlin Moroney. This groundbreaking event, despite being truncated to one day, clearly showcased the depth of talent in collegiate women's rugby, signaling a bright and competitive future for the sport in the United States.