NEWS
Women’s All-Stars Swarm Atlanta
The Women’s All-Star Championship is set to ignite Silverbacks Park in Atlanta this Saturday, bringing together 394 of the nation's premier college rugby players and coaches for a thrilling one-day showcase. Originally planned as a two-day event, the entire schedule has been condensed due to inclement weather, promising an action-packed Saturday for fans. This landmark championship will feature both XVs and 7s competitions for the first time, with four formidable XVs sides,the Hawks, Bison, Stars, and Stripes,battling for an inaugural title in a round-robin format, while 17 conferences vie in the 7s knockout stages across six pools. The XVs rosters are loaded with talent, including Stars standout Alexis Dallas from 2024 national champions Wheeling, DII Player of the Year finalist Kate Boggs (Coast Guard), DI finalist Natalie Lamar (St. Bonaventure), DIII POY finalist Julia Nilsen (East Stroudsburg) for the Bison, and DI POY finalist Lauren Anderson (Southern Nazarene) leading the Stripes. In the competitive 7s, defending champions Lonestar, featuring DI POY candidate Telesi Uhatafe, will be challenged in what's dubbed the "pool of death," Pool D, showcasing POY finalists Isabel Henderson (Notre Dame) and Piper Lee (Colorado School of Mines). This event is crucial for US rugby, offering a vital glimpse into the next generation of women's stars and significantly elevating the collegiate game's profile.
Collegiate Rugby Unveils Women's Player Awards
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has proudly unveiled its 2025 Women’s Player of the Year Award winners, spotlighting exceptional talent from across its four competitive divisions after a rigorous selection process involving nearly 7,000 players from 300 teams. Southern Nazarene junior Telesi Uhatafe, an explosive center, earned the Division I honor after an incredible five-try performance in the national championship game, powering the Crimson Storm to an 82-21 victory over Northern Iowa and their first program title, fresh off training with the 7s national team. Division I-AA’s Molly McAlevey, a Northeastern senior No. 8, capped a dominant year with a 15s national championship, adding to a 7s title and an NCR All-American tour in England, proving to be the constant heartbeat of her Huskies squad. Resilient Coast Guard senior Kate Boggs, a Division II No. 8, secured her award by leading the Bears to their first XVs national title with five playoff tries, including one in their 51-12 championship win against Wisconsin Eau Claire, remarkably after recovering from a broken leg. Meanwhile, Colorado School of Mines sophomore fullback Piper Lee claimed the Division III accolade, averaging two tries per game in the playoffs to guide her team to their inaugural national championship, showcasing incredible field vision and attacking prowess. These outstanding athletes exemplify the remarkable growth and competitiveness within collegiate women’s rugby, serving as vital leaders and ambassadors for the sport's bright future in the US.
Important Schedule Update - Women’s All-Star Championship
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has announced a significant schedule alteration for the upcoming Women’s All-Star Championship in Atlanta, prioritizing player safety due to extreme weather forecasted for Sunday, January 25th. All collegiate rugby action will now be consolidated into an extended single day of play on Saturday, January 24th, utilizing three match fields to ensure the full completion of the championship safely while maintaining its high standard of competition. Under the revised format, XVs teams will each play three matches on Saturday, with each contest featuring two 20-minute halves of intense, fast-paced rugby. The 7s competition will adopt a modified pool play structure, culminating in knockout rounds, guaranteeing each team a minimum of four matches. For fans unable to attend in Atlanta, NCR remains committed to providing a comprehensive live stream, with stadium matches accessible via a weekend pass on NCR TV and outer field games broadcast on the NCR YouTube channel, allowing US rugby fans to witness the future stars without interruption from the elements.
NCR Announces Women's Pathways, Portugal Return
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) recently announced significant new pathways for women’s rugby at its 2026 Women’s All-Star Championship in Atlanta, where 340 elite collegiate athletes converged for a crucial scouting showcase. This high-intensity event served as a centralized hub for identifying talent for national camps and professional opportunities, including preparing the NCR Women’s High-Performance 7s team for their return to Portugal’s prestigious Algarve 7s (June 5-7), aiming for a title after last year's finals run. Further expanding professional pathways, NCR enhanced its partnership with Australia’s NRL, sending 15 standout athletes to form the NRLW-NCR Select Team for a fully-funded invitation to the Vegas 9s Tournament in late February, offering direct auditions and potential trials in Australia with the NRLW. Combined with a summer XVs cycle including an international match in mid-August, these initiatives, as NCR Women’s Director Alycia Washington stated, represent a “fundamental shift” making the professional rugby pathway “more visible or more attainable” for US talent.
North Run Table in Rising Stars
The North region utterly dominated the Rising Stars Championship in Atlanta, sweeping their competition with a perfect 3-0 record to claim the title. Thomas College scrumhalf Conor Tierney was named tournament MVP for his stellar performance, expertly guiding the North's offense and contributing seven conversions and two penalties. Their journey saw a 13-5 win over the South, a 26-12 semifinal triumph against the East,with AIC center Otsile Maphosa scoring two tries,and a decisive 43-12 final over the West, highlighted by two key tries from Thomas College flanker George Pelter. Elsewhere, Kentucky's Nate Ingolls of the East led the competition with six tries, while North Alabama's Mohale Maolibeli and South Carolina's Landen Day scored two tries each in the South's 41-24 win for third place. This crucial collegiate showcase provides an invaluable platform for identifying and developing the next generation of talent, making it a cornerstone event for the future of US rugby.
New England Red Repeat As Shield Champions
New England Independents Red successfully defended their Men’s All-Star Shield Challenge Championship, clinching a narrow 23-20 victory over the Southeast Bears after a thrilling weekend in Atlanta. The Independents Red initially dominated, building a 20-3 halftime lead with tries from Northeastern’s Bobby Walker and Dartmouth’s Hamish Yeldham, supplemented by flyhalf Ethan Knight’s two penalty kicks and two conversions; Knight’s influential kicking throughout the undefeated 3-0 campaign ultimately earned him Tournament MVP honors. Southeast roared back in the second half, with Clemson’s Noah Ainsworth and Maxwell Wyckoff scoring quick tries, and Queens University’s Seth Vallence adding another late, shrinking the deficit to just three points. However, stout defense, featuring Dartmouth’s Gjergji Bacuku, secured New England's repeat title, a dominant run that included a 52-0 win over the Mid-Atlantic Sharks and a 24-15 semifinal triumph against the formidable Great Lakes Thunderbirds, demonstrating the impressive collegiate talent emerging as crucial for the future of US rugby.
Collegiate Rugby Names 2025 Player Winners
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has unveiled its 2025 Men’s Player of the Year Award winners, recognizing four exceptional collegiate athletes chosen from over 10,000 players across 332 teams. These prestigious awards, highlighted by NCR’s Director of Men’s Rugby Brad Dufek, celebrate young men who consistently deliver in crucial moments, elevate program standards, and embody the character vital for US rugby development. Division I honoree Alex Nyamunda, Wheeling’s explosive junior center, amassed 16 tries, 35 tackles, and 17 turnovers, while Division I-AA’s Philip Tracey, Bowling Green’s senior back-rower, recorded 21 tries (105 points) and an 89% scrum win rate, leading his Falcons to a MAC title. Rounding out the selections are Grand Valley State senior fly-half Reinhardt Stipp, a Division II star with 22 tries, 168 points, and six 50/22 kicks, and Franciscan sophomore scrum-half Joseph Moleski, whose elite attacking and 82 tackles were key to his Division III team’s historic national championship.
Rising Stars Tournament Showcases College Talent
College rugby enthusiasts are buzzing as the NCR Rising Stars competition kicks off, showcasing the finest first-year and sophomore talent from across the nation at Silverbacks Park. This exciting tournament pits geographically-formed teams - North, South, East, and West - against each other in a round-robin format, with each side playing three games over two days to vie for the championship. The North boasts St. Bonaventure twins Kane and Liam Murray alongside Babson's Nico Bosa, while the formidable South features Texas A&M fullback Carim Daher, whose game-winning penalty kick sent the Aggies to the national semifinals, and South Carolina's imposing 6’4”, 240lb lock Tommy Darlington. The East highlights Wheeling University’s James Holland, who converted 7 of 10 kicks for 14 points, and DIII Player of the Year candidate Joseph Moleski; the West is anchored by Iowa Central Community College’s core, including Nathan Cox and Elian Robles. This event is crucial for US rugby fans eager to identify the next wave of talent, much like last year's participant Nathan Rawls from Tennessee who became a Player of the Year candidate this season, offering a vital glimpse into the future stars of the domestic game.
Men’s All-Stars All Weekend in Atlanta
The National Collegiate Rugby Men’s National All-Stars Championship ignites this weekend at Silverbacks Park in Atlanta, bringing together over 200 of the nation's top college rugby talents across eight regional sides. This premier collegiate event, kicking off Saturday with quarterfinals and semifinals before Sunday's finals, is a vital showcase for future US rugby stars and promises thrilling, high-level competition for fans. Defending champions, the New England Independents (Red), open their campaign against the Mid-Atlantic Sharks, boasting a formidable squad including Dartmouth’s Gjergji Bacuku and Ethan Knight, and Brown scrumhalf Charm Tuala, while the Sharks feature prolific scorer Malcolm Johnson from IUP. The Great Lakes Thunderbirds, 2024 champions, return with Wheeling’s Alex Nyamunda and BGSU’s Phil Tracey, alongside Zimbabwe-capped flyhalf Takudza Musingwini, while Tri-State Foundry is bolstered by St. Bonaventure DI National Champions like playmaker Koen Webb and Prusmack Award winner Manu Taula. Other contenders include the two-time runner-up Midwest Barbarians, featuring UChicago’s Will Johnson, and the rebranded Western Bison, packed with Lonestar talent such as Sam Houston’s Drake Torno, challenging the Southeast Bears and New England White. All the action, crucial for scouting the next generation of US rugby talent, will be streamed live, with stadium matches available on NCR TV for a $12.99 weekend pass and outer field games on YouTube.
Rugby All-Star Championship Atlanta Bound
Atlanta is buzzing this weekend as the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Men’s All-Star Championship, taking place January 17-18, 2026, draws the top 300 collegiate players from across the nation. This prestigious event serves as a critical evaluation point, acting as the premier scouting window for both national team representatives and professional rugby leagues aiming to identify the future stars of American rugby. A monumental partnership with Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) will see selectors choose 15 elite athletes for a newly formed NRL/NCR Select Team, granting them a fully-funded trip to Las Vegas for the Vegas 9s Tournament to trial for potential professional contracts. Beyond the NRL pathway, performances here will also finalize rosters for NCR’s 2026 Summer High-Performance cycle, featuring a return to RugbyTown 7s in August under coaches Steven Lewis, Ethan Pougnet, and Edward Tubridy. As NCR Men’s Director Brad Dufek noted, these athletes are playing for much more than a trophy; they are auditioning for their future careers, making this championship a vital engine for developing professional pathways and elevating the standard of rugby in the United States. Fans can catch all the action, with stadium matches streamed on NCR TV and outer field matches on YouTube.
2025 Men's Player Finalists Announced
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has unveiled the impressive finalists for its 2025 Men’s Player of the Year Awards, announced live during the Men’s National Championship halftimes on December 13, 2025. This expanding national awards platform spotlights 20 exceptional collegiate athletes from the Fall 2025 season across four divisions, showcasing the high standard of rugby played nationally and their season-defining performances, as lauded by NCR Men’s Director Brad Dufek. Among the standout nominees are Division I’s Jack Waterhouse from Notre Dame, a 6’7” former age-grade Springbok whose unique blend of pace and power is unmatched, and Division II’s Malcolm Johnson from IUP, who boasts a school record of 46 tries in a single sevens season. For US rugby fans, these rising stars,including Division I-AA’s Jace Hernandez (Texas A&M) and Division III’s Joseph Moleski (Franciscan),embody the crucial pipeline for Major League Rugby and national team contention. A panel of rugby experts will now determine the Player of the Year recipients, to be announced in January.
Franciscan Barons Claim Division III National Title
The Franciscan Barons have officially crowned themselves Division III National Champions, securing a hard-fought 29-17 victory over Slippery Rock on Saturday in Houston. The title marked a remarkable postseason comeback, as the Barons avenged an earlier conference championship loss to Slippery Rock, besting three powerhouse teams en route to the final. Franciscan established a slim 14-12 first-half lead with tries from eight-man Abraham Schmiesing and flyhalf Lex Lang, along with two Nathanael Bateman conversions, ultimately pulling away in the second half despite a try from Slippery Rock's Alec Harbison. Flanker Dominic Grecol and Schmiesing added further tries, with Bateman's conversion and penalty kick sealing the win, and prop Jacob Leerkes earned Division III MVP honors. This significant triumph, especially after missing regionals last year, highlights the burgeoning talent and competitive spirit thriving within collegiate rugby across all divisions, offering compelling narratives for US rugby enthusiasts. Holy Cross also claimed third place, defeating New Mexico Tech 29-7.
UVM Reigns Supreme in Division II
The University of Vermont (UVM) Catamounts have made history, securing their first-ever National Collegiate Rugby Division II National Championship title with a dominant 71-5 victory over the Chicago Maroons. Kicking off with an early try from Chicago scrumhalf Agustin Buteler, the Catamounts quickly took control, ending the first half with a commanding 31-5 lead thanks to tries from center Harry Missing, fullbacks Colin Green and Tom Burnett, and two crucial scores from wing Luca Race, complemented by three conversions from scrumhalf Matthew Tevnan. UVM continued their offensive onslaught in the second half, completely shutting out the Maroons while adding further tries from Green, two more from Race (completing a hat trick), and two from second row John Worobel, along with another from Missing. With four additional conversions from Tevnan and one from flyhalf Alexander Zagereos, Vermont solidified their overwhelming win, ultimately earning Luca Race the MVP award for his remarkable four tries. This historic triumph for UVM not only crowns a new champion but also highlights the escalating talent and competitive spirit within collegiate rugby, fueling the excitement and growth of the sport across the US.
Tennessee Vols Claim DI-AA National Title
The Tennessee Vols have secured their historic first-ever DI-AA National Championship title, capping off an undefeated season with a thrilling 21-15 victory over Bowling Green in Houston. Despite Bowling Green flanker Philip Tracey putting the Falcons ahead early with a try and conversion for a 7-0 lead, No. 1 seed Tennessee responded fiercely, grabbing a 14-7 advantage by halftime through tries from fly half Brendan O’Neill and center Michael McGettigan, both converted by fullback Vincent Keller, who boasts an impressive 106 points this season. The second half saw Bowling Green reclaim the lead 15-14 with another Tracey try and a penalty kick from fullback Joseph Apel, but Tennessee's resilience shone through as eight-man Roman Funkhouser delivered the decisive try late in the half, securing the 21-15 win after a crucial overturned Falcon try, with Keller adding the final conversion. This championship marks a significant milestone for the Vols, redeeming themselves from a hampered showing last year and featuring standout performances, notably Brendan O’Neill earning MVP honors for his efforts in the final. For US rugby fans, Tennessee's hard-fought victory highlights the escalating competition and high-stakes drama within collegiate rugby, showcasing the talent and growth of the sport at this crucial development level.
Fairfield Stags Conquer Lone Star Bowl
The Fairfield Stags unleashed a phenomenal offensive display to conquer the Texas Tech Raiders in the Lone Star Bowl on Saturday, claiming a resounding 60-19 victory. Demonstrating superior control from the outset, the Stags powered through the first half with seven tries, including impressive double efforts from second row Cassius Grimes and fullback Archer Fenton, alongside scores from Thomas Morales, Christopher O’Halloran Gannon, and Luke Boals. Flyhalf Ian Thomson and wing Aaron Traynor successfully converted three of these scores, establishing a formidable 41-7 lead by halftime, despite a valiant lone try from Red Raider flyhalf Marlowe Fokken, converted by center Brighton Chinyanya. Fairfield’s relentless momentum continued into the second half, where they grounded an additional three tries through Cian O’Callaghan, Boals, and Grimes, with O’Callaghan adding two conversions to seal the comprehensive win. This dominant performance by the Stags not only secures a significant collegiate rugby title but also vividly underscores the burgeoning talent and competitive quality within US rugby, providing an exciting showcase for fans interested in the sport's domestic development.
Bonnies Best Queens For DI Natty
St. Bonaventure emphatically claimed the Men’s Division I national title, dominating Queens University 55-19 in a thrilling final at SaberCats Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Bonnies established a commanding 24-7 halftime lead, fueled by early tries from hooker Reynard Boshoff and flanker Rhys Cunningham, backed by flyhalf Noah Edwards' two conversions and a penalty kick, overcoming Queens' initial response from center Gideon Wessels. St. Bonaventure exploded in the second half, scoring four more tries, including a crucial brace from scrumhalf Troy Heroldt, who earned MVP honors, alongside scores from Edward Nelson and Michael Sears, as Edwards continued his precision kicking, though Queens' Joshua Schwartz and Zach Colson managed late tries. This decisive championship marks the Bonnies' second program title, and their first under head coach Danny Neighbors since their 2021 victory, highlighting the consistent strength of collegiate rugby as a crucial talent pipeline and foundation for the continued growth of US rugby.
Slippery Rock and Franciscan Onto DIII Final
The Men's DIII national final is officially set, promising an exhilarating "rubber match" as Allegheny conference rivals Slippery Rock and Franciscan prepare to clash for the third time this season on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST. Slippery Rock secured their championship berth with a dominant 29-10 victory over New Mexico Tech, showcasing powerful first-half tries from second row Kameron Kruzelyak and wing Cooper Alleman, before extending their lead with scores from flyhalf Chase Nething and eight-man Alec Harbison. Franciscan, the seventh-ranked team, locked in their bid by delivering a commanding win against last year's runner-up, Holy Cross. Their performance was driven by a rock-solid defense and crucial tries from eight-man and DIII point leader Christopher Ascough, center Augustine Wright, and flanker William Shaifer, who scored again in the second half. This highly anticipated national final, which fans can stream live on tv.ncr.rugby, offers a thrilling decider between two evenly matched collegiate teams vying for national glory after splitting their previous two encounters this season. Tune in to witness the culmination of DIII rugby excellence and see who hoists the trophy!
Chicago Vs Vermont DII National Title
The NCR DII Men's National Championship is set for Sunday, promising a historic clash as the Universities of Chicago and Vermont both secured thrilling semifinal victories at SaberCats Stadium in Houston. Both programs are now poised to battle for their inaugural national titles, an exciting prospect for collegiate rugby fans. Chicago's Maroons advanced with a commanding 42-26 win over Grand Valley State, overcoming a tight 21-20 halftime deficit. Despite early tries from Lakers like Haydem Crum and Connor Orlando, and conversions by star flyhalf Reinhart Stipp before his second-half injury, Chicago dominated the latter half. Key scores from Maroons including Will Hendricks, Jose Alzugaray, Caius Michlitsch, and Nicholas Mushong propelled them to the final. Meanwhile, the Vermont Catamounts emerged victorious from a gritty 22-11 defensive battle against UNC-Wilmington. After an early 8-0 deficit, Vermont rallied to lead 17-8 by halftime, then held off the Seahawks in a tight second half where points were scarce until late in the match. Rugby enthusiasts won't want to miss the 3 p.m. EST kick-off, which will crown a new DII champion, highlighting the growth and excitement within collegiate rugby.
Toughness Defines 2025 DIII Title Contenders
The 2025 Men's Division III National Championship semifinals are confirmed for Houston, featuring #5 Slippery Rock, #7 Franciscan, Holy Cross, and New Mexico Tech. The Allegheny Rugby Union impressively boasts two contenders, setting up a compelling potential all-ARU final. Franciscan, driven by a significant chip on its shoulder, notably upset #1 Slippery Rock 15-7 earlier this season before conquering a "murderer's row" South Regional, propelled by Christopher Ascough's 27 regional points. Their formidable opponent, Holy Cross, defied expectations after losing key players, upsetting Nichols 36-28 in the East Regional final through sheer grit, led by hooker Christopher Dalton's four clutch postseason tries. On the other side, Slippery Rock secured their spot with a dominant 31-12 victory over Wisconsin Eau Claire, while New Mexico Tech advanced from the West through two thrilling one-point wins, including a 15-14 decision against Colorado School of Mines. These highly anticipated matchups, streaming live at tv.ncr.rugby, promise intense physicality and compelling narratives, essential viewing for US rugby fans eager to crown the next DIII national champion.
Houston Hosts Men's DII New Era
Houston is set to crown a brand new Men’s Division II National Champion this weekend, promising fresh faces at the top as all four of last year's finalists failed to return. The top-ranked semifinal pits undefeated #1 Vermont, led by MLR draftee John Worobel with an incredible 475-27 scoring differential, against the formidable #2 UNC-Wilmington Seahawks, CRC 7's National Champions who outscored opponents 560-71, with Daniel Marsh converting 12 of 13 regional kicks. The other bracket features Grand Valley State University Lakers, surprising with a 20-17 upset over UNI, facing the rising University of Chicago Maroons, climbing to #6 nationally and advancing with a hard-fought 43-38 win against Colorado Mesa, showcasing postseason standouts like Jack Allison (four tries) and Jonas Grusnius (11 conversions). These high-stakes matchups promise unforgettable action from collegiate rugby, making this a must-watch event for fans eager to witness the next generation of champions live on tv.ncr.rugby.