Men’s Division 1AA (D1AA) represents a highly competitive tier of collegiate rugby in the United States, featuring programs governed by both National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) and the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA). It serves as a bridge between elite Division I play and developing Division II or Small College levels, offering strong regional competition and a pathway to national championships under each organization’s structure. While NCR and CRAA operate independently, both use the D1AA designation for schools with established programs that may not have the depth or resources of top-tier D1A teams.
Deciders in NCR D1AA Loom
South Carolina shook up the NCR D1AA pecking order with this past week's 15-3 defeat of defending champs Tennessee.
The Gamecocks put in a brilliant defensive effort. Tennessee was repeatedly frustrated in almost everything they tries to do.
Mizzou: A Breakout Season or a New Path?
Missouri sits 3-1 after defeating Arkansas in the new Great Plains Conference. Their only loss is a very competitive 21-10 loss to conference favorites Oklahoma.
This is all part of the plan for not only Mizzou but Head Coach Chauncey Hatten.
Men D1AA Rankings 2026-27 Week 8
The biggest result of the weekend was South Carolina defeating Tennessee 15-3.
That dropped Tennessee out of #2 and down to #11. But it was a close result, and we could easily throw that result out, or at least mitigate it, is Tennessee rebounds.
Iowa State, Wayne State Tops in Heart of America
Iowa State and Wayne State are atop the Heart of American CRAA D1AA Conference after both won well over the weekend.
Iowa State defeated longtime rivals Iowa 39-20 to move to 2-0.
"Iowa is a tough team," said ISU Head Coach Ant Frein. "They've got some dudes. But we're stout this year."
Jack Cahill was a force at center, leading especially in the defense.
Intriguing Race to the Top in Liberty D1AA
In a conference of 13 teams, after just a few weeks, only three teams are undefeated.
The Liberty D1AA is full of major questions, what with some teams moving in from NCR D1, and some coach changes, and your regular yearly changes. So, really, who knows who will be strong?
Victories by Northeaster, Boston College, and ... Buffalo leave those teams unbeaten.
