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.
What's In a Championship?
The split of collegiate rugby has resulted in a long list of major championships, and while some of that isn't any different from the way it's always been, there are now some championships split upon split upon split.
NCR Finals Weekend All-Tournament and MVP Selections
Three all-tournament teams were named for the NCR Small-College and D2 championships.
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.
