NEWS
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.
All Atlantic Final Four in Men's DI
The Men's Division I semifinals are locked in, showcasing an unprecedented sweep by the Atlantic Rugby Conference (ARC) as Queens, Walsh, Belmont Abbey, and St. Bonaventure all advanced to the Final Four. This remarkable achievement sees the newly minted ARC boast an 8-1 combined postseason record, highlighted by Walsh's thrilling 30-28 victory over Marian at Fortress Obetz and Belmont Abbey's dominant 44-24 dispatch of Notre Dame to secure their spots. Queens continued their strong form with a 45-28 win against Wheeling, setting up an anticipated rematch with crosstown rival Belmont Abbey on December 6th in Knoxville, while St. Bonaventure, who decisively beat defending champion Brown 51-7, will face Walsh in Butler, PA, after their regular season 25-25 draw. This all-ARC Final Four holds immense significance for US collegiate rugby, with St. Bonaventure seeking their second national title (2021), Queens aiming to overcome previous runner-up finishes (2022, 2024), and both Belmont Abbey and Walsh vying for their first-ever championship appearances in Houston on December 13th.
Vermont, UNC-Wilmington Headline DII Final Four
The Men’s Division II National Championship Final Four is officially locked in, promising exhilarating December showdowns in Houston for US rugby fans. Top-ranked Vermont secured their semifinal berth convincingly, dispatching Cornell 43-16 with key scores from Roman Legere and flyhalf Matthew Tevnan, who also contributed crucial kicks. Meanwhile, #2 UNC-Wilmington faced a tougher test against #11 Memphis, ultimately prevailing 50-43 in a nail-biter; Xavier Arrington proved the hero with his third try of the game in the 78th minute, complemented by Daniel Marsh’s critical conversions after Memphis had tied the score at 43-43. This sets up an anticipated semi-final clash between the two dominant programs, guaranteeing fireworks. On the other side of the bracket, two surprise contenders emerged from hard-fought regional rounds. The #6 University of Chicago Maroons battled through four yellow cards to secure a 43-25 win over #4 Colorado Mesa, with sophomore Nico Roth notching a brace. Even more remarkably, #15 Grand Valley State continued their Cinderella story status by upsetting #5 Scranton 34-26. These two teams will now face off in the other semifinal, with the winner aiming to play spoiler against either Vermont or UNC-Wilmington in the championship, offering a thrilling display of collegiate talent and fierce competition.
DIII Men's Regional Rivalries Revived
The Men's DIII regional playoffs wrapped up with captivating finales, as Holy Cross, Franciscan, Slippery Rock, and New Mexico Tech all punched their tickets to the National Championship in Houston. Holy Cross mounted a remarkable 36-28 comeback against #3 Nichols, erasing an early two-score deficit with late scores from John Cox and Christopher Dalton, with James Flaherty's masterful kicking sealing the victory. Franciscan proved equally resilient, dominating the Duke Blue Devils with 31 unanswered points after an initial penalty kick; Christopher Ascough scored two tries and three conversions, while Dom Grecol was Player of the Match for his defense. Slippery Rock powered past Wisconsin-Eau Claire 31-12. In a dramatic finish, New Mexico Tech avenged last year's playoff loss to Colorado School of Mines, scoring 15 unanswered points for a thrilling one-point victory. These intense regional outcomes, showcasing fierce conference rivalries and dramatic come-from-behind wins, promise a sensational National Championship, highlighting the thrilling DIII talent for US rugby fans.
Men's DIII Round One Sets Quarterfinals
The opening round of the Men’s Division III Regional playoffs delivered a stunning smorgasbord of rugby action, featuring upsets, blowouts, and nail-biting overtime thrillers that have set the stage for compelling quarter-final contests. In a dramatic rematch of last year's 51-45 contest, #11 Duke once again edged out #6 Catholic, securing a hard-fought victory with a clutch penalty kick from fly half Gabriel Downes in sudden-death overtime, after Catholic's Chibundu Edozie scored with zeroes on the clock and John Skelton converted to force the extra period. Out West, #15 Colorado School of Mines repeated history against #2 Cal Poly Humboldt, holding on for a 23-19 win to advance, while #7 Franciscan continued their miraculous run in the South with a dominant 29-19 upset over #1 VMI. The excitement wasn't limited to the South and West, as #7 Holy Cross staged an epic comeback in the East, recovering from a 22-0 deficit to defeat #14 Springfield 45-34, sparked by three tries from hooker Christopher Dalton. Meanwhile, the Midwest saw #5 Slippery Rock assert their dominance with a resounding 48-0 shutout of Xavier, fueled by hat tricks from Zach Herrington and Roman Police, while #4 Wisconsin Eau-Claire dispatched Richmond 53-5. These thrilling results underscore the fierce competition within collegiate rugby, promising high-stakes battles in the upcoming Regional Finals as teams vie for a spot in the DIII National Championship.
Vols, Aggies, Cards, Falcons DI-AA Semis
The Men’s DI-AA Final Four is officially locked, promising thrilling semifinal action on December 6th as Tennessee faces Texas A&M in Knoxville, and Louisville takes on Bowling Green in Butler, PA. The Volunteers secured their spot with a dominant 20-0 defensive shutout over Sam Houston, spearheaded by fullback Vincent Keller's two penalties and two conversions, along with tries from Leo Bonifacio and Jacob Anton. Bowling Green earned their place convincingly, exploding for a 66-24 victory against Virginia Tech, where flanker Phil Tracey, scrumhalf Griffin Wilson, and wing Gianpaolo Sferrella each dotted down two tries, complemented by fullback Joe Apel’s 12 points and a try. Meanwhile, Louisville staged a gritty comeback against Boston College, turning a 13-8 deficit late in the second half into a 22-8 win with crucial tries from Liam Flynn, Jakob Moore, and Jack Eberle. The most dramatic quarterfinal saw Texas A&M clinch a 38-36 thriller over two-time defending champions Kentucky, with fullback Carim Daher slotting a walk-off penalty following Nathan Sieberhagen's clutch jackal, after an intense game featuring five lead changes. These high-stakes matchups not only showcase the depth of collegiate rugby talent across the nation but also set the stage for an electrifying path to the DI-AA National Championship, making them must-watch events for US rugby fans tracking the future stars of the sport.