In Spring 2012, the Great Midwest Rugby Conference (originally named the WIIL Rugby Conference) was formed by joining D2 collegiate men's teams from the Wisconsin RFU, Illinois RFU, and CARFU. This was done partially to comply with USA Rugby's directive on forming conferences as well as increasing competition and enhancing the reputation of rugby in the Midwest. The Great Midwest Conference Champion receives an automatic berth to NCR Nationals and historically the conference finalist and 3rd place teams have also advanced to Nationals based on the competitiveness of the conference. In recent years, the Great Midwest added a Small College competition, has branched out into Iowa, and continues to add new teams to elevate our competition.
Shock Result Shakes Up Great Midwest
The BIG GAME of the Great Midwest might not be quite as big as anticipated, but still carries some caché.
Big Results for Loyola, UNI in Great Midwest
Loyola of Chicago improved to 2-0 with yet another fairly comfortable win, beating Illinois State 50-15.
Around Top-of-Conference D2 College Games
Here's a quick look at where we are in Men's D2 College rugby.
Northern Iowa and Marquette will meet up in the Great Midwest Conference final after both won semifinals in convincing fashion Saturday.
Teams of the Fall: Illinois State and Northern Iowa
The men's DII college season was marked by the emergence and growth of several varsity and school-supported programs, and that emergence might obscure the accomplishments of some of the more traditional club teams.
ISU Downs UNI in Teeth-Rattling GMW Final
In a tight, hugely physical match that lived up to expectations, Illinois State held off a determined Northern Iowa team 27-23 to win the Great Midwest.
Both teams move on to the national playoffs and both will take Round of 16 berths. but ISU gets the bigger trophy.
