NEWS
Brown Eyes Four-Peat In Final Four
The Women’s Premier Division national championship is heating up, with four formidable teams - back-to-back-to-back champion Brown, Navy, American International College (AIC), and reigning XVs national champion Southern Nazarene - battling for the title this Sunday. Brown, eyeing an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship, displayed dominant form by shutting out UConn 38-0 and West Chester 36-0, with wing Charlotte Davies scoring twice, while Julia Murray leads the division in conversions with seven. Navy also showcased strength, securing a 45-7 win over St Bonaventure and a commanding 21-5 victory against Queens to set up their semifinal clash against Brown at 11 a.m. ET. On the other side of the bracket, Southern Nazarene advanced with a 24-10 win over Aquinas and a 24-0 shutout of Long Island University, notably featuring XVs Player of the Year Telesi Uhatafe, who quickly rejoined her team after playing for the United States against Canada on Friday. AIC, meanwhile, powered through with a 42-0 win over Walsh and a 53-12 triumph against New Haven, where center Mahina Hafoka contributed two crucial tries, though New Haven's Sereana Vulaono currently leads the division with six tries and 30 points. Rugby fans won't want to miss the intense semifinals, particularly the Southern Nazarene vs AIC matchup at 11:20 a.m. ET, as these high-stakes games promise to deliver thrilling rugby and highlight the immense talent developing in US collegiate women's rugby, culminating in the 3 p.m. ET championship.
SHUTOUT SECURES SLIPPERY ROCK TITLE
Slippery Rock Rugby has once again asserted its dominance in collegiate 7s, capturing the Men’s Division III National Championship by shutting out Denver 17-0 in a hard-fought final led by MVP Zach Herrington, who earned his second consecutive All-Tournament Team nod and steered Slippery Rock to their second 7s national title in three years. Their impressive journey included a convincing 27-7 semifinal victory over Richmond, while Denver earned their final spot with a tight 15-2 win against Springfield. Individual brilliance also shone brightly as VMI's Caleb Chandler and Montana's Patrick Brennan shared top scorer honors, each tallying an impressive 41 points from five tries and eight conversions. Beyond the main event, Richmond secured third place 33-10 over Springfield, Montana claimed the Plate with a 28-17 victory against Loyola (MD), and VMI won the Bowl 19-5 against Nichols State. These diverse outcomes and the high level of play collectively underscore the burgeoning talent and growing competitive landscape within US collegiate rugby, which is vital for developing the next generation of players and strengthening the sport's foundation nationwide.
Seahawks Win Second Straight Game
UNC Wilmington's Seahawks secured their second consecutive Men's Division II National Championship with a 7-0 victory over Coastal Carolina in an all-Carolina final. The championship remained scoreless through halftime, with Wilmington breaking the deadlock with a crucial try just two and a half minutes before the final whistle. Wilmington’s journey included a dominant 15-0 shutout of Northwestern in the semifinals, while Coastal Carolina reached the final after a decisive 38-7 win against Colorado Mesa; senior Carey Cortes earned MVP honors for his exceptional play, with Maxton Buckingham also starring with six tries on the weekend. The tournament also celebrated individual brilliance, as Luca Race of Vermont and Reinhardt Stipp of Grand Valley State tied as leading scorers, each recording an impressive 36 points from six tries and three conversions. This thrilling championship weekend highlighted the competitive depth of US collegiate rugby; Northwestern secured third place with a 21-17 victory over Colorado Mesa, while Miami, Towson, and Memphis claimed the Plate, Bowl, and Shield respectively, underscoring the sport's promising future in America.
CARDS OVER COCKS FOR DI-AA TITLE
The Louisville Cardinals have seized the Division I-AA National Championship title, overcoming the South Carolina Gamecocks with a decisive 26-12 victory in a thrilling final held in Boyds, Maryland. Louisville established early dominance, taking a commanding 14-0 lead into halftime and extending it to 26-0 before South Carolina managed to score two consolation tries; this championship run also included an impressive 28-0 semi-final win over West Chester, while South Carolina advanced to the final by defeating Texas A&M 15-10. Individual excellence shone brightly throughout the tournament, with Louisville's Amarreon McClaurin earning MVP honors after scoring five tries, tying for the division lead, and Babson first-year student David McMurtray leading all scorers with an outstanding 34 points from four tries and seven conversions. This triumph marks Louisville's second 7s title in just three years, having also claimed the championship in 2024, underscoring their consistent high performance and highlighting the fierce competition and burgeoning talent within US collegiate rugby, which continues to fuel the sport's growth nationwide.
THREE IN A ROW FOR WHEELING
The Wheeling Cardinals cemented their place in collegiate rugby history, securing an impressive third consecutive Premier Cup title at the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championships with a narrow 14-12 victory. This thrilling final saw them overcome a strong challenge from two-time national champion Dartmouth, who took an early 5-0 lead following a dazzling Richard Wofford try. A pivotal moment occurred when Dartmouth's star Ethan Knight received a yellow card for tackling Shadreck Mandaza mid-tap, creating the opportunity for reigning Player of the Year and weekend MVP, Alex Nyamunda, to score two crucial tries for the Cardinals. Wheeling's path to the final included a hard-fought 17-10 semifinal win over Kutztown, while Dartmouth edged Notre Dame 10-7 in their own tense semifinal. Brown's junior Tito Edjua also showcased incredible talent, leading the Premier division in scoring with an astounding 56 points from eight tries and eight conversions. This highly competitive collegiate tournament, featuring dominant programs and emerging stars, is vital for developing the next generation of American rugby talent, underscoring a promising trajectory for the sport's growth and national team future.
Men's CRAA Rugby Nationals Kuntz Stadium
Indianapolis, IN, is once again at the epicenter of collegiate rugby excitement, as Kuntz Stadium hosts the highly anticipated Men’s CRAA National Championships. This premier event, organized by the Collegiate Rugby Association of America, promises an exhilarating display of power, speed, and skill, featuring the nation’s top student-athletes battling for ultimate glory. Rugby enthusiasts across the United States are keenly following the action, recognizing this championship as a crucial stepping stone for the sport's future trajectory. It offers a vital platform for showcasing emerging talent and reinforcing the depth of quality within the American collegiate rugby system. For many fans, these championships are not just about the immediate competition, but about identifying the next generation of professional and national team players who will elevate US rugby on the global stage. The intense rivalries and high stakes involved ensure every match at Kuntz Stadium delivers captivating rugby, solidifying its importance in the calendar for anyone passionate about the growth and success of rugby stateside.
Men's DIII Final Four Set
The NCR Men's Division III National Championship saw an intense opening day at the Maryland SoccerPlex, narrowing a field of 16 ambitious teams down to a formidable Final Four poised to battle for collegiate glory. In the East region, top-seeded Richmond asserted dominance with a commanding 33-5 victory over Providence before securing a tighter 19-14 win against Loyola (MD), setting up a compelling semifinal clash with second-seeded Slippery Rock, who advanced by defeating St. Thomas 26-14 and The Citadel 26-12. Out West, Springfield College, the top-ranked side, powered through with a decisive 30-7 triumph over St. Edwards and a 24-10 win against Montana, earning their semifinal spot against the University of Denver, who impressed with a 19-0 shutout of Susquehanna and a subsequent win over Duke. Beyond the team successes, the individual brilliance of Tate Peterson from St. Thomas and Patrick Brennan of Montana shone brightly, as both led all scorers with an identical 28 points, each recording four tries and four conversions, underscoring the high level of talent converging in this significant collegiate championship for US rugby development.
Upsets Shake Men's DII Final Four
Day one of the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championship Men’s Division II competition delivered immediate drama, with unexpected upsets shaking the bracket and setting up a thrilling Final Four featuring UNC-Wilmington, Northwestern, Colorado Mesa, and Coastal Carolina. The biggest surprises came from Northwestern, who stunned Memphis 19-5 before taking down the No. 2 seed Grand Valley State with a dominant 21-10 performance, while out West, fourth-seeded Colorado Mesa made waves by defeating Vermont 17-12 and pulling off a significant 24-19 upset against top seed Miami (OH). East top seed UNC-Wilmington secured their semifinal berth with strong wins over Norwich (33-17) and Georgetown (19-7), as Coastal Carolina progressed by beating Towson 26-14 and Northern Iowa 26-19. Vermont senior Luca Race currently leads all scorers with an impressive 36 points, including a half-dozen tries and three conversions, highlighting individual brilliance amidst these team triumphs and signaling an exciting championship path that promises to showcase the next wave of talent vital for US rugby's future.
Texas A&M Shocks, Favorites Advance
The Men's Division I-AA quarterfinals delivered thrilling action and a significant upset, as three of the top four seeds advanced while Texas A&M shocked the field on day one of play. The Aggies, seeded fourth in the East bracket, carved a path of defiance, first defeating Babson 19-5 before stunning top-seeded N.C. State with a dominant 20-5 victory, setting up a semifinal clash against South Carolina. South Carolina earned their spot by defeating Temple 26-12 and Western Michigan 12-7, while in the West bracket, Louisville, the top seed, secured a tight 26-19 win over Nebraska before blanking Sam Houston State 34-0. West Chester also impressed, notching a 38-5 triumph over Oregon State and a nail-biting 17-15 edge over a formidable Northeastern side to advance. Amidst the team battles, Babson's first-year student David McMurtray emerged as the leading scorer with an impressive 30 points from four tries and five conversions, illustrating the high-caliber talent on display as these collegiate titans vie for national glory, which is crucial for the development and excitement of US rugby.
Men's Premier Four Teams Standing
Day one of the Men’s Premier Division collegiate rugby championships was a rollercoaster, as 32 hopeful teams were whittled down to just four semifinalists vying for the greatest prize in collegiate rugby. Only one No. 1 seed survived the "chaos," highlighting the intense competition and the depth of talent on display across the nation. Advancing to Saturday's semifinals are No. 2 seed Dartmouth, who dramatically upset top-seeded St. Bonaventure 10-7 with a try at the death, and No. 2 seed Notre Dame, who overcame No. 1 Walsh 24-17 after earlier victories, including a 19-0 shutout of San Diego. Meanwhile, No. 1 seed Wheeling lived up to its reputation in the West, dominating opponents like Indiana Tech (45-0) and Utah State (38-10) before defeating Belmont Abbey 29-10, with Wheeling's sophomore Shadreck Mandaza leading all scorers with 36 points (5 tries, 6 conversions) in three matches. Finally, No. 2 seed Kutztown also powered through the Midwest, triumphing 19-10 over No. 1 Indiana with a late surge, setting the stage for an thrilling conclusion to a dramatic tournament, showcasing the future of US rugby talent for fans nationwide.
CRAA Women’s Rugby 7s National Championships
Get ready to witness top-tier collegiate rugby action, as the CRAA Women’s Rugby 7s National Championships are poised to ignite Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. This highly anticipated event, a cornerstone of the collegiate rugby calendar, promises to be one of the most electrifying showcases of talent and determination in the sport. Rugby fans nationwide should mark their calendars for what is undoubtedly a critical stage for the future stars of American rugby, offering a glimpse into the next generation of talent. The championships serve as a crucial platform for student athletes to demonstrate their prowess in the fast-paced, exciting format of Rugby 7s, a discipline growing rapidly in popularity across the United States. Beyond the immediate thrill of competition for national honors, the tournament highlights the incredible strength and depth of women’s collegiate rugby, contributing significantly to player development and the growth of the sport at all levels. Witnessing these exceptional athletes compete for the coveted title is not just about the game, it’s about supporting the vital pathway for future Olympians and national team members, making it an unmissable event for anyone passionate about the future of US rugby and the relentless pursuit of excellence within the collegiate ranks.
Rugby Conference Fort Lauderdale August 15-16
USA Rugby Training & Education has excitingly announced The American Way Rugby Coaching Conference, a brand new national initiative set to assemble in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 15-16, 2026. This significant event aims to gather coaches from all levels across the United States, creating a vital national platform for learning, collaboration, and professional growth, connecting experts from grassroots, scholastic, collegiate, and high-performance rugby under one roof. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic mix of keynote speakers and interactive sessions designed to deliver practical, game-relevant coaching education, with open registration set to launch in the first week of May. As USA Rugby Director of Community Training & Education, Kevin Battle, emphasized, the conference is dedicated to "building alignment and raising the standard of rugby coaching across the United States," equipping coaches to better impact their players and communities. For US rugby fans, this conference represents a crucial step in elevating coaching quality nationwide, directly influencing player development and ultimately strengthening the sport's pathway from local clubs to the highest levels, promising a brighter future for American rugby.
2026 Women's Rugby 7s Brackets Revealed
The eagerly anticipated brackets for the 2026 Women’s Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s have been officially revealed, setting the stage for 64 top collegiate programs to converge at the Maryland Soccerplex across four divisions. In Division III, top-seeded Endicott pursues a third national title (2023, 2025 wins), challenged by Baldwin Wallace, while Division II sees defending 7s champ Coast Guard (two-seed, lost Player of the Year Kate Boggs) face top-seeded Roger Williams (2023 winners). DI-AA 7s and XVs champion Northeastern aims for an unprecedented third consecutive title as a top seed, contending with East top-seed James Madison. The Premier Cup spotlights Brown attempting an historic second four-peat, battling American International College (AIC) and XVs champion Southern Nazarene. This championship is crucial for US rugby talent development; fans can stream all matches on NCR TV ($19.99), with Sunday finals globally on All Women’s Sports Network.
2026 Collegiate Rugby 7s Brackets Locked
National Collegiate Rugby has officially unveiled the highly anticipated men’s brackets for the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s, setting the stage for 80 elite programs to clash at the Maryland Soccerplex. Defending champions UNC-Wilmington in Division II and Wheeling in the Premier Cup enter as top seeds, while 2025 DI-AA winner N.C. State leads the East, and Louisville, the 2024 champ, anchors the West in their division. The tournament is rich with captivating narratives, including Denver’s Anthony Rice, last year’s leading try scorer in Division III, and Premier Cup's Manu Taula, a Prusmack Award winner for St. Bonaventure, promising electrifying play. Adding to the drama, coaches like IUP's Seth Erwin and Norwich's Bob Weggler hope to cap illustrious careers with a final title. Meanwhile, Texas A&M’s Tui Osborne aims to make history as the first collegiate coach to win national titles with three different programs, and the 2-seed Southern Virginia, coached by former USMNT center Paul Lasike, looks to continue their upset run against formidable contenders like 2022 champion Kutztown, making this a must-watch event for the future of American rugby.
Rugby World Cup Winners Honored Capitol Hill
The legendary 1991 USA Women’s National Team, inaugural Rugby World Cup champions, recently received a momentous Capitol Hill celebration for their 35th anniversary. Nine player representatives, including Tara Flanagan, were honored on the House floor as Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts read an official Congressional Record, commemorating their historic triumph in Cardiff, Wales, on April 14th, 1991. This recognition for a self-funded, self-organized team highlights three decades of women's rugby growth, a journey Flanagan likened to their initial grassroots efforts, and honored beloved deceased teammates Kathy Flores and Val Sullivan. For US rugby fans, this celebration of past glory, which included 32 flags flown over the US Capitol for the full squad, is a powerful reminder of the sport's ascent. Co-captain Barbara Bond further illustrated this progress, citing the 85,000-fan sellout for the 2025 Rugby World Cup final and the anticipated 10,000+ crowd for the upcoming Pacific Four Series match against Australia in Kansas City, stressing the need for professionalism and resources in the women's game.
AWSN To Broadcast 2026 Collegiate Rugby 7s
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) has announced a groundbreaking media rights partnership with the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN) to globally broadcast the Women’s Championship matches of the 2026 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) National 7s, marking a significant step for American collegiate rugby. This landmark deal will see the top 60 women's teams compete live on AWSN from Boyds, MD, on Sunday, April 26, at 1:00 PM ET, reaching over 1 billion people across 60-plus countries via the network co-founded by entertainment icon Whoopi Goldberg. With NCR’s women’s competition boasting 8,000 athletes across 320 clubs, this global platform offers unparalleled visibility for student-athletes and showcases the immense depth and growth of the sport in the U.S. As NCR Women’s Director Alycia Washington noted, this partnership is crucial for providing a "vital pipeline" for U.S. Women preparing for the 2028 Olympics, demonstrating the high-caliber talent emerging from the collegiate ranks to millions worldwide. Beyond the championship finals on AWSN, fans can still catch early-round and outer-field action through NCR’s existing digital platform, NCR TV, further investing in the continued rise and visibility of women’s rugby at every level.
CRAA U19s Represent USA At RAN Tournament
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has announced a major development for American rugby, confirming the CRAA Men’s U19s will represent the USA Pathway at the 2026 Rugby Americas North (RAN) U19s Tournament, taking place August 5-8, 2026, in Querétaro, México. This international competition is a significant step in CRAA’s commitment to building a clear, merit-based pathway for high-potential American players and coaches, providing essential exposure to high-performance environments during a critical developmental stage. CRAA Executive Director Paul Santinelli underscored this opportunity, stating it's about "true high-performance access and alignment" to identify and prepare the next tier of American talent. Eligible players, born between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, must be either high school graduates committed to CRAA colleges or current CRAA collegiate players. The program meticulously aligns with USA Men’s National Team Pathways, incorporating shared playbooks, Individual Development Plans, and rigorous performance standards. USA Rugby’s Head of Men’s Player Systems and Development, Brenden Keane, praised this partnership as "another important step forward in pathway alignment," noting it will give young athletes and coaches meaningful international exposure. This initiative will not only develop promising young athletes for future national team environments but also strengthen the domestic coaching pipeline, ultimately elevating the future of American rugby on the international stage.
CRAA Sets 2026 National Championship Brackets
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2026 Men's D1A National Championship and Challenger Cup Playoff brackets, igniting the postseason for 22 elite collegiate teams. The intense D1A National Championship path begins with initial playoff rounds on April 11, progressing through Quarterfinals on April 18 and Semifinals on April 25, culminating in a marquee D1A National Championship showdown between the University of California - Berkeley and the US Naval Academy at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis on May 2. Further expanding the competitive landscape, the D1A Challenger Cup will feature Ohio State, St. Thomas, Santa Clara, and UC Santa Cruz in play-in games, vying to face top seeds Davenport and Utah during the championship weekend. This action-packed Indianapolis event, spanning May 1-3, also encompasses the D1AA National Semifinals with matchups like Arizona State versus Iowa State, the D2 National Championship featuring California Lutheran and North Florida, and U23 Bowl games, solidifying Indianapolis as a crucial hub for collegiate rugby development. For US rugby fans, this comprehensive championship weekend offers a vital look at the sport's future stars and showcases the pinnacle of collegiate competition, with all games available to watch live on the CRAA Rugby YouTube channel.
One more weekend until Selection Saturday
The collegiate Spring 7s season is hurtling towards its climax with the "AQ-palooza" weekend, the final opportunity for teams across all divisions to secure automatic bids to the Championship bracket before the highly anticipated Selection Saturday. This crucial stretch includes two Men's Premier Cup qualifiers: the Stags 7s, featuring teams like Brown, who notched quality wins over St. Bonaventure and AIC but fell to Kutztown by just two points, and Dartmouth, led by All-Star Ethan Knight; and the Fools Gold 7s, where Utah State, champions at a recent UVU tournament, look strong alongside Oregon State and Colorado Mesa. The Gate City 7s serves as a double qualifier, with St. Bonaventure, featuring the speedy Elizabeth Lyons, aiming to dominate the Women's Premier Cup after beating Walsh twice at Frostbite 7s, while the DI-AA field sees already-qualified James Madison University contending with perennial powerhouses like Virginia, boasting All-Americans Milena Keene, Kate Delaney, and Taylor Wreath, and a strong Florida State squad. Northeastern has already punched their ticket in the Men's DI-AA bracket, but hosts UMass, a 2025 final four finisher, desperately need a big performance at their Minuteman 7s tournament after tough losses, including a 34-5 defeat to Babson, showcasing the high stakes for All-Stars Liam Pearl, John McGoey, and Colin Moriarty. With every team pushing for a final statement on their resume, this weekend is set to deliver thrilling rugby action as programs fight for their spot in Maryland, making every tackle and try critical for their national championship aspirations.
Skyward Group Sponsors USA Rugby Jersey
USA Rugby has announced a landmark multi-year partnership, unveiling Skyward Group as the Official Front-of-Jersey sponsor and Exclusive Insurance Partner for all National Teams. This significant deal covers the Women's and Men's Eagles (XV), the Women's and Men's Eagles Sevens, and their developmental squads, marking a crucial financial boost as rugby's profile continues to soar in the United States. Skyward Group Chairman and CEO Andrew Robinson expressed enthusiasm for aligning with USA Rugby's trajectory, mirroring Skyward's own disciplined growth, while USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren hailed it as a "major landmark for the growth of rugby in the USA." Fans will get their first look at the new Skyward Group branding when the Women's Eagles debut the updated kit during the Pacific Four Series matches, kicking off in Sacramento on April 11, followed by Kansas City on April 17 and Chicago on April 24. Both the Men's and Women's Eagles Sevens will showcase the new jerseys on the global stage at the Hong Kong Sevens from April 17-19. This strategic partnership arrives at a defining moment for American rugby, underscoring its rapid ascent and growing national relevance as the country builds towards the LA 2028 Olympics, the Men's Rugby World Cup 2031, and the Women's Rugby World Cup 2033 on home soil.