Great Midwest Rugby Conference

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. Since then they have branched out into Iowa, as well.

The Great Midwest Conference Champion regularly has teams go far in the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) national-level playoffs.

In recent years, the Great Midwest added a Small College competition, and now runs competitions in D2 and D3 (which is what Small College is now called).

Division: Men's D2
Division: Men's D3 (Small College)

Conference Website

10.30.2022College Men

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.

12.28.2021College Men

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.

11.06.2021College Men

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.

marquette v uww 2021 3rd 4th alex goff 8

11.06.2021College Men

Marquette Takes 3rd in GMW, Books Place in NCR Playoffs

Marquette defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater in relatively emphatic fashion 54-22 to finish 3rd in the Great Midwest and book a spot in the NCR D2 playoffs.