Men’s NCR Division I (D1) is a top-tier collegiate rugby division organized by National Collegiate Rugby (NCR), featuring the most competitive and well-developed university programs across the country. Membership is based on rugby performance and program strength rather than school size, allowing both large public universities and smaller private institutions to compete at this level. Teams in D1 play regionally during the regular season and advance to national playoffs to determine the champion. The division represents the highest standard of competition within NCR’s collegiate structure, showcasing elite play and program excellence.
NCR Finals Weekend By the Numbers
NCR's finals weekend produced plenty for the college rugby fan.
Here it is by the numbers:
5 Champions: D1 went to St. Bonaventure, D1AA went to Virginia Tech, D2 to Thomas More, Small-College Cohen Cup to Christendom, and Small-College Challenge Cup to Siena.
Thomas More Takes D2 Title; Adrian Much to be Proud Of
Thomas More's road to a Men's DII National Championship was a story like that of many teams; they didn't know what they had at the beginning of the season, they didn't know how they matched up, and at a critical period in the season games were hard to come by.
Tights Games and Drama in NCR Small-College Challenge Finals
It was a day of dramatic games in the NCR finals, and the Small-College Challenge bracket was no exception.
Western Oregon took third over College of Charleston in a game that was back and forth. Both teams seemed maybe a little run down early, but the action picked up as they sensed a chance for a strong end to the fall.
St. Bonaventure, Penn State Down to the Wire
NCR’s D1 playoffs ended the way much of it had progressed, with the game on a knife edge.
St. Bonaventure had come into the game the highest ranked team, having already beaten Penn State and Kutztown in the Rugby East, and then beat Kutztown again in the semifinals. Penn State had escaped two one-point games—would it be another tight contest? Yes, yes it would.
Virginia Tech Caps Improbable Playoff Run with NCR Win
Virginia Tech defeated West Chester 34-22 in the NCR DIAA final, capping off an improbably run for the self-coaches Hokies.
