NEWS
Vols, Falcons Vie for Natty in HTX
The National Collegiate Rugby 15s championship is set for Saturday in Houston, pitting the undefeated Tennessee Vols (11-0) against the Bowling Green Falcons (10-3) in a battle of blueblood programs vying for their first national title. Bowling Green, making its second consecutive championship appearance, looks for redemption after an injury-plagued 57-14 loss to Kentucky last year, now healthy and relying on a formidable pack anchored by hooker Phil Tracey and props Ralph Merz and Cody Luther, who dominated the Louisville scrum in the semifinals. Tennessee, the SCRC champions, counter with a potent kicking game led by flyhalf Brendan O’Neill and fullback Vincent Keller, who has slotted an impressive 106 points from the tee this season, complemented by a strong back row including Nick Orefice and Roman Funkhouser. These two powerhouses last clashed in the 2021 USA Rugby D1AA fall playoffs final, where Tennessee emerged victorious 36-32, setting the stage for a historic rematch. US rugby fans won't want to miss this highly anticipated DI-AA final, streamed live on NCR TV from SaberCats Stadium, as one team will finally etch their name into the championship record books.
Queens Or Bonnies Third Time's Charm
The Division I national title is on the line this Saturday as rivals St. Bonaventure (10-1-1) and Queens (8-2-1) clash for the third time at SaberCats Stadium in Houston, TX. Having split their prior matchups (St. Bonaventure 32-29, Queens 26-22 in the conference final), both teams enter battle-tested, with the Bonnies recently showcasing formidable momentum on a dominant playoff run, including a 51-17 win over defending champions Brown and a 33-8 rout of Walsh. Under first-year coach Tyree Reed, Queens chases their inaugural Division I title after consecutive runner-up finishes, relying on playmakers Hilton Olivier and Zach Colson. Head Coach Danny Neighbours leads St. Bonaventure in pursuit of their second national championship this decade, with stars Prusmack Award winner Manu Taula and hooker Reynard Boshoff promising an electrifying showcase of top collegiate rugby for US fans. This high-stakes rubber match, featuring standout talent from both sides, is a must-watch for any supporter of American collegiate rugby.
Crimson Storm Claim Division I National Title
The Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm recently claimed the Division I National Title, dominating Northern Iowa with an impressive 82-21 victory in Houston on December 7, 2025. SNU wasted no time, with fullback Olivia Johnson scoring within the first 45 seconds, setting the tone for a commanding performance that saw them lead 22-14 by halftime after initial pushes from Iowa's Macie Graves and Avery Bird. Powerhouse junior center Telesi Uhatafe was unstoppable, tallying an incredible six tries and earning the 2025 Division I MVP award for her game-changing contributions throughout the match. Other key scorers for the Crimson Storm included Ireland Jeffrey, Lauren Anderson, Vivianne Wright, Jaylyn Isaacs, and Chloe Tarango, with Riley Erickson consistently adding conversions to extend SNU's lead and solidify their massive victory. This decisive championship win not only solidifies Southern Nazarene's place at the pinnacle of collegiate rugby but also highlights the exceptional talent emerging in the US rugby landscape, offering fans a glimpse into the future stars of the sport and the vibrant growth of the collegiate game.
Orediggers Strike Gold in DIII National Championship
The Colorado School of Mines Orediggers clinched the Division III National Championship in a thrilling 38-29 victory over Endicott in Houston, capping an incredible collegiate rugby season. The Orediggers established an early lead with tries from wing Kate Osborn, Charlotte Siervogel, and Paige Kieschnick, augmented by conversions from fullback Piper Lee, putting them up 24-5 at halftime. However, Endicott mounted a fierce second-half comeback, spearheaded by a hat-trick of tries from wing Colleen Mitchell and contributions from center Laryssa Landmesser and eight man Marin Shaffer, even taking a brief 29-24 lead. The Orediggers ultimately sealed their triumph in the final minute, with eight man Kaylyn Courtney tying the match before Piper Lee broke away for the game-winning try and conversion, securing the 38-29 victory and earning MVP honors for her four conversions and crucial try. This hard-fought championship not only showcases the burgeoning talent and competitive spirit within women's collegiate rugby but also provides inspiring moments for US rugby fans eager to follow the sport's growth and development.
Coast Guard Bears Claim DII Championship
The Coast Guard Bears showcased their formidable strength, claiming the Division II National Championship title with a commanding 51-12 victory over Wisconsin - Eau Claire Blugolds in Houston on Sunday, December 7. The Bears initially established a 10-0 lead through early tries from wing Hannah Warnke and eight-man Kaitlyn Boggs. However, the Blugolds fought back fiercely, with Maggie Kane and Olivia George scoring tries, supported by a conversion from Madison Cornell, to briefly take a 12-10 advantage. Prop Meirabella Rouane then grounded the ball, converted by Gabriella Kraus-Rivera, to put Coast Guard back ahead 17-12 by halftime. The second half saw the Bears unleash an offensive barrage, with Rouane adding two more tries, wing Avery Soca crossing twice, and centers Marley King and Hazel Mitrik also dotting down, along with three successful conversions from Kraus-Rivera. This dominant performance secured the national title for Coast Guard, underscoring the high level of competition in US collegiate rugby and marking senior Kaitlyn Boggs as the well-deserved MVP, a significant achievement for both the team and the broader landscape of American rugby development.
Northeastern Captures Women’s DI-AA XV’s National Title
Northeastern's women’s rugby squad capped off an incredible playoff run, clinching the DI-AA XV’s National Title in Houston with a dominant 44-10 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes. The #4 ranked Huskies, coached by Keith Cattanch and Marge Reiss, navigated a challenging "bracket of death," convincingly defeating #1 Notre Dame 41-7 and #2 Virginia 38-24 en route to the championship match. While Colorado’s Lucia Hoffman and Noelle Behr showcased emotional leadership and Sophia Trahan scored, Northeastern's relentless offense saw tries from Alex Muelas Del Moral, Alex Peterson, Sydney Joslin, Isabella Hernandez, Jolene Russo, and Sierra Palecek. All-American Molly McAlevey, returning from injury and contributing two conversions, was deservedly named the Championship MVP for her dominant performance and leadership. This triumph marks a significant achievement for Northeastern, securing back-to-back national titles following their CRC 7s crown in the spring, signaling a formidable force in collegiate rugby that promises continued competitiveness in both 7s and a strong bid for another XVs title in 2026.
Endicott One Step Closer to Three-Peat
The Endicott Gulls are now just one victory away from securing a historic third consecutive national title after defeating East Stroudsburg 43-15 in their Division III semi-final clash on Saturday, December 6. Endicott demonstrated their offensive prowess from the outset, with center Laryssa Landmesser scoring the opening try, quickly followed by flanker Kaila Bartolotti and wing Colleen Mitchell, helping the Gulls establish a commanding 22-5 lead by halftime. While East Stroudsburg’s center Tara Bogansky impressively evaded multiple tackles for their first try and added another late in the game, Endicott's scoring depth, including further tries from prop Chloe Marconi, number 8 Marin Shaffer, and prop Alyssa Mellin, alongside crucial conversions from flanker Caitlin Padeck, solidified their decisive win. This dominant performance propels Endicott into the championship final in Houston on Sunday, December 7, at 11:30 a.m. EST. For US rugby fans, witnessing Endicott’s pursuit of an unprecedented DIII "three-peat" highlights the exceptional talent and growing competitiveness within collegiate women’s rugby, promising an exciting conclusion to the national tournament.
Orediggers Progress to DIII National Championship
The Colorado School of Mines Orediggers are heading to the Division III National Championship after a dominant 61-5 semi-final victory over Siena in Houston. Mines established control early, building a 21-0 lead in the first half with tries from Kate Osborn, Piper Lee, and Amy Sessions, complemented by three conversions from Lee before Siena's flanker Gabriella Jimenez put her team on the scoreboard for their only points. The Orediggers continued their relentless attack, with center Ayana Mejorado and fullback Piper Lee adding further tries before the break to make it 35-5, and Lee sealed a fantastic individual performance by completing a hat trick in the second half, alongside additional scores from Mejorado and Kylie Bogert. The final score of 61-5 solidified Mines' commanding win, setting up a thrilling DIII National Championship clash against Endicott on Sunday, December 7, at 11:30 a.m. EST, with all matches streaming on tv.ncr.rugby, showcasing the depth of talent and competitive spirit in collegiate rugby for US fans.
NCR Announces 2025 Women's Player Finalists
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) recently unveiled the highly anticipated finalists for the 2025 Women’s Player of the Year Awards, a significant moment broadcast live during the opening day of the Women’s National Championships. This announcement marks a crucial milestone for NCR’s newly established national awards program, designed to elevate and acknowledge the most exceptional collegiate rugby athletes across all divisions. The finalists, representing the crème de la crème of the Fall 25 season, have distinguished themselves through their remarkable skill, leadership, and undeniable impact on their respective programs. Among the talented pool are players like Division I's Lauren Anderson, a tenacious hooker for Southern Nazarene renowned for her unyielding gainline presence, and Division II’s Jude Robinson from Vassar, a phenomenal fullback who amassed an incredible 100 points this season, alongside her teammate Sophia Bailey, Vassar’s all-time leading scorer. Also recognized are Division III’s Tara Bogansky, the catalyst for East Stroudsburg’s record-setting offense, and Division I-AA’s Isabel Henderson of Notre Dame, an athletic mismatch in the forward pack with exceptional length and speed. As NCR Women’s Director Alycia Washington noted, these awards highlight the "extraordinary talent driving the growth of women’s collegiate rugby." A panel of administrators, officials, and coaches will now vote, with winners announced in January, underscoring the vital pipeline of talent flourishing in US collegiate rugby and celebrating the sport's dedicated student-athletes.
Blugolds Chase Third National Championship
The UW-Eau Claire Blugolds are on the brink of an extraordinary achievement, chasing their third national championship in just four years after a commanding 59-7 semi-final victory over Binghamton. The Blugolds wasted no time asserting their dominance, with center Margaret Behnke scoring an early try to set the tone, ultimately building a 25-0 lead by halftime. Their relentless first-half pressure saw further tries from scrum-half Brianna Maurer, number 8 Kahlyn Geiger, flanker Breanna Bauer, and hooker Olivia George. The scoring spree continued in the second half, highlighted by George completing an impressive hat trick, alongside additional tries from Militza Sanchez, Elyse Rogers, Jeanne Mondejar-Rodriguez, and a brace from fly-half Elizabeth Crawford. Binghamton's only points came late in the match from fly-half Madison Cornell's try and conversion. This dominant performance propels the Blugolds into a highly anticipated championship showdown against Coast Guard tomorrow, December 7, 2025, at 1:30 PM EST, promising an exciting display of collegiate talent for US rugby fans streaming live on tv.ncr.rugby.
Queens Faces Bonnies For DI Championship
Queens fought their way into the Division I National Championship, securing a thrilling 19-15 victory over Belmont Abbey in a high-stakes semi-final clash. The dramatic contest saw Belmont Abbey take an early 10-0 lead through a Harrison Tu’isila penalty and a Joaquin Oddone try, before Queens responded with a try from John Steel and a Hinton Olivier conversion, narrowing the gap to 10-7 by halftime. Despite Oliver Fussell extending Belmont Abbey's lead to 15-7 in the second half, Queens mounted a stunning comeback, with late tries from second row Simon Hanks and hooker Joshua Schwartz, combined with another crucial conversion from Olivier, sealing their 19-15 win. This hard-earned triumph sets up an anticipated championship showdown against St. Bonaventure in Houston on Saturday, December 13, at 6 p.m. EST, with all the action streaming live on tv.ncr.rugby. Rugby fans across the US won't want to miss this collegiate final, showcasing top-tier talent and the growing competitive spirit within the NCR Division I landscape, as Queens aims to cap off a remarkable season with national glory.
Tennessee, Bowling Green to DI-AA Final
Tennessee and Bowling Green have earned their places in the Men’s DI-AA national championship final after decisive semifinal victories last Saturday. The Volunteers dominated Texas A&M 35-10, quickly building a 21-0 lead with tries from Aidan O’Connor, Clay Winnek, and Nate Rawls, all converted by freshman Vincent Keller, despite A&M's Nathan Sieberhagen scoring in the second half. Bowling Green, conversely, triumphed 26-21 against Louisville in a dramatic encounter. After a slim 8-7 halftime lead, fueled by Zach Szepiela's try and Joseph Apel's penalty, the Falcons secured their victory when reserve flanker Joseph Harris dotted down a crucial 83rd-minute try to break a 21-21 tie, advancing Bowling Green to their second consecutive national final. The highly anticipated Houston final promises a historic outcome, as both programs seek their first-ever national title, a compelling story for US rugby fans.
NCR Partners With NRL For Player Pathways
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has announced a landmark partnership with Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL), creating unprecedented professional pathways for US collegiate athletes. This groundbreaking collaboration will send NCR men’s and women’s select side teams to compete in the prestigious Premier Division at the 2026 Vegas 9s Festival, offering top student-athletes a direct pipeline to the world's premier rugby league competition. NRL scouts will select 15 women and 15 men from over 600 student-athletes evaluated at NCR’s All-Star Championships in Atlanta this January, with the NRL and sponsors covering travel costs and creating recruiting profiles. This is a monumental step for US rugby, as players will perform before NRL and NRLW officials, potentially earning professional scouting and trial opportunities within a league often dubbed the "NFL of Australia" due to its massive $2.2 billion AUD domestic media rights deal. Beyond the select teams, the partnership also introduces a new College Division at Vegas 9s, allowing all North American collegiate programs to experience the fast-paced 9s format and showcase their talent to professional scouts, as highlighted by NCR Women’s Director Alycia Washington and Men’s Director Brad Dufek. This initiative significantly boosts the visibility and professional prospects for American collegiate rugby talent on a global stage, offering unparalleled opportunities right here in the US.
High-flying offenses highlight Women’s DIII Semifinal Saturday
The Women's DIII National Semifinals are set for December 6th, promising high-octane rugby from four formidable teams. Cinderella Siena secured their first-ever Nationals trip by stunning Wisconsin-Platteville 29-17 and dominating Northern Michigan 67-36, highlighted by Olivia McQuhae’s sensational seven-try outing. They now face last year’s runners-up, Colorado School of Mines, led by All-American Aliya Lynn, who dominated North Dakota 59-5. On the other side, defending champions Endicott, with Colleen Mitchell scoring five tries in their 52-17 win over Colby, face East Stroudsburg in a fiery rematch. Seeking redemption for last year's 91-point semifinal loss, the Warriors demonstrated potent attack with an astonishing 140-0 rout of Hofstra, powered by Ashlyn Mugavero and All-American Julie Nilsen. These high-stakes matchups underscore the burgeoning talent and thrilling competition in US collegiate rugby, making them essential viewing.
Old Guard Battles New Money DII Semis
The Women's Division II national semifinals are officially set, promising thrilling matchups between established powerhouses and a formidable newcomer, all vying for collegiate rugby's top prize. Saturday’s action in Houston features a highly anticipated rematch between perennial contenders Vassar and Coast Guard. Last season, Vassar bested the Bears 39-27 on their way to a third national title in four years, powered by players like Sophia Bailey and Jude Robinson, who have led an 11-0 regular season and dominant playoff wins including 57-5 over Towson and 66-0 against Coastal Carolina. Coast Guard, fresh off a Collegiate Rugby Championship 7s title, counters with standouts Kate Boggs and Savannah McBrayer, having secured their semifinal spot with regional victories like 44-31 over Marist and 33-24 against Fairfield. The other bracket showcases a compelling clash of styles as "Old Money" Wisconsin Eau-Claire, who finished second nationally in 2024 and dominated their region with wins like 62-19 over Norwich and 41-19 over Winona State, faces the "New Money" surge of unranked Binghamton University. The Binghamton She Devils stunned the Midwest during regionals, toppling #9 Northwestern 60-17 and #11 Bowling Green 55-34, led by flyhalf Elizabeth Crawford and a deep, multi-faceted scoring threat. These high-stakes contests not only determine who advances to the championship but also highlight the depth of talent and exciting rivalries building within US collegiate rugby, making them must-watch events for fans.
Falcons, Cards, Aggies, Vols In Semifinals Saturday
Four powerhouse collegiate rugby programs are set to clash this Saturday in the Division I-AA semifinals, with Louisville (9-0), Bowling Green (9-3), Texas A&M (8-1), and Tennessee (10-0) all vying for a coveted spot in the national championship game in Houston. In a highly anticipated MAC rematch, undefeated Louisville faces Bowling Green, having already defeated their rivals twice this season by identical 32-22 scores, including a hard-fought MAC final where Bowling Green rallied to within 26-20 before the Cardinals sealed the victory with late penalties. Meanwhile, the other semifinal features Texas A&M taking on a dominant Tennessee side, which previously handed the Aggies a decisive 46-17 defeat 15 months ago, powered by standout performances from players like flyhalf Brendan O’Neill, who accounted for 21 points in that game. However, a transformed Texas A&M under new coach Tui Osborne, who aims to become the first coach to win national titles with three different programs after victories with Life 7s and St. Bonaventure XVs, recently demonstrated their prowess by defeating back-to-back national champions Kentucky 38-36 with a last-gasp penalty, a team Tennessee also bested 39-22 for the SCRC title. These high-stakes matchups promise thrilling collegiate rugby, showcasing the nation's top DI-AA talent and setting the stage for an epic national final, with both games streaming live on tv.ncr.rugby.
Huskies Buffs First DI-AA Final
The Women's DI-AA national champion will be crowned this Sunday when the undefeated Northeastern Huskies meet the Colorado Buffaloes for the first time at SaberCat Stadium in Houston, TX, 2:30 p.m. CST, streamed live on tv.ncr.rugby. Reigning 7s national champions Northeastern dominated their 15s playoff run, dispatching top-ranked Notre Dame 41-7 and Virginia 38-24, showcasing depth despite injuries to All-Americans Molly McAvaley and Kourtney Bichotte-Dunner. Colorado, striving for their program's inaugural national title, advanced from the West with a tight 38-31 win over Lander and a 34-14 avenging victory against Northern Iowa, propelled by scrumhalf Dani Michaels and No. 8 Lucia Hoffman from the "underrated High Peaks Conference." With both teams averaging over five tries a game this postseason, this final promises a high-scoring spectacle, representing a pivotal moment for US collegiate rugby and highlighting the sport's growing women's talent.
Queens, Walsh, Crusaders, Bonnies Fight For Title
The National Collegiate Rugby Men's Division I semifinals will feature an all-Atlantic Rugby Conference clash, with St. Bonaventure (8-1-1) meeting Walsh (7-3-1) and Queens (7-2-1) hosting Belmont Abbey (8-3) in pivotal rematches for the DI crown. St. Bonaventure enters its semifinal against Walsh after their dramatic 25-25 regular season draw, a contest where Walsh flyhalf Jake Tolhoek's six penalty kicks countered Bonnies Mehdi Merah’s late, tying try. The Bonnies seek their first national title since 2021, while second-year program Walsh, boasting remnants of Notre Dame College’s 2023 championship squad, aims for its inaugural DI title. Meanwhile, Queens, the 2019 DII champions, seeks its first DI title after a dominant 47-19 win over Belmont Abbey this season, with Belmont Abbey making their deepest playoff run. These high-stakes matchups highlight the intense competition and impressive growth in US rugby, all streaming live on tv.ncr.rugby.
SNU, Linck With UNI In DI Final
The NCR Women’s Division I National Championship final is set to feature a highly anticipated rematch between Southern Nazarene University (SNU) and the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) this Saturday at 6 p.m. CST in Houston, TX. This championship clash will showcase elite collegiate talent, with SNU center Telesi Uhatafe and UNI flyhalf Morgan Linck both expected to deliver standout performances as two of college rugby’s top players. SNU earned their spot by defeating BYU 34-28 in the semifinals, while UNI's path to the final was far more dramatic; they stepped in as a replacement after undefeated defending champions Wheeling University withdrew due to the firing of coach Ken Pape and subsequent player suspensions, resulting in a two-year postseason ban from NCR for Wheeling. This title game marks a significant rematch from last year’s combined DI playoffs, where SNU decisively beat UNI 62-17, offering the Panthers a shot at redemption in their second DI national championship appearance since falling to Life University in 2021. The dramatic circumstances ensure a compelling final, highlighting resilience and top-tier competition, making it a must-watch for US rugby fans eager to see new champions crowned and witness the future stars of the sport.
Women's Division I National Championship Update
The Women's Division I National Championship faced a significant shake-up after Wheeling University abruptly withdrew from the December 6 title match in Houston. Citing internal team disciplinary issues, the firing of its Head Coach, and subsequent player suspensions, Wheeling notified National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) it was unable to compete. This unexpected departure led NCR to impose a minimum two-year suspension on Wheeling University's women’s rugby program from all postseason play, effective immediately, with further investigation potentially leading to greater sanctions, underscoring NCR's unwavering commitment to accountability. Fortunately, the championship will proceed as scheduled, with the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), a long-standing and perennial powerhouse, stepping in to face Southern Nazarene University. NCR Women's Director Alycia Washington expressed gratitude for UNI's quick response, ensuring Southern Nazarene, who worked incredibly hard to earn their spot, will still have a highly competitive "Championship moment" against a top-tier opponent. This swift resolution maintains the integrity and prestige of the collegiate rugby season's pinnacle event, ensuring US rugby fans will witness a well-deserved national final.