The Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA), in partnership with USA Rugby, has announced its 2026–27 playoff and championship series schedule, highlighted by expanded national competition opportunities.
Following a massive year for men’s and women’s CRAA championship events in 2025-26, where broadcast viewership, social media impact and competitive rugby reached new highs; CRAA and USA Rugby are proud to further partner on momentum into the next year. The 2026-27 season is positioned to be a turning point for college rugby as added resource and investment is projected to elevate competitions, development, marketing and the overall student-athlete experience across all CRAA clubs and programs.
We’re pleased to confirm the postseason and championship calendar early this year; allowing administrators, coaches and players the proper amount of preview to organize and compete in another exciting year of college rugby," said CRAA President Paul Keeler. “ The 2025-26 season set new benchmarks for CRAA, so we’re excited to finalize this competition framework and continue momentum towards high performing teams and improved experiences for student-athletes.”
“College rugby will come into focus in 2026-27, where this finalized competition calendar is a key step towards USA Rugby partnering with CRAA to elevate the college game," added USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren. "We are excited to inject further resources with CRAA this upcoming season, geared towards establishing the necessary foundations to drive the best standards in college rugby and provide value to the hard working individuals in the community.”
Fall Classic Returns to Spartanburg
December 4-6, 2026 • Spartanburg, SC
The CRAA Fall Classic will return to the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on December 4–6, 2026. This annual showcase will once again serve as a key milestone in the collegiate rugby calendar, featuring top-level competition with challenge matches between high-level teams from different conferences.
Women’s XVs Postseason and Championships
Regular and postseason competition will all lead to April 10, 2027 as the CRAA’s Women’s 15s National Championships return to showcase programs competing for national titles in Division 1 and Division 2.
Following the 2026 Championship that was paired with the Pacific Four Series, CRAA and USA Rugby will again explore opportunities to create ties between the collegiate championship and USA Eagles. These championship fixtures represent a key milestone in the women’s collegiate calendar and continue CRAA’s commitment towards elevating the women’s fifteens championship pathway.
Returning in 2027 will be the Women’s D1 Challenger Cup, pairing the two semifinal runner-up teams on championship weekend. The Challenger Cup acts as a third place playoff and creates another opportunity for teams to compete in a championship arena, gaining further meaningful match play against top teams.
The location for the April 10 National Championship is to be confirmed.
Women’s D1 Postseason Schedule
Regional Quarterfinals and Semifinals: March 25-28, 2027
Division 1 Challenger Cup: April 10, 2027
Championship: April 10, 2027
Women’s D2 Postseason Schedule
Conference Play and Championships: Completes March 25-28, 2027
Championship: April 10, 2027
USA Rugby College 7s National Championships
April 22-25, 2027 • Indianapolis, IN
For the first time since 2023, the Men’s and Women’s USA College 7s National Championships will again compete together for a premier event and festival, April 22-25 at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis. By recombining both championships into one weekend, CRAA expands the festival nature of a sevens championship and delivers an improved experience for student-athletes, fans, and partners alike.
Qualification for the 2027 National Championships will follow a conference championship structure and at-large applications for both Men’s and Women’s brackets. At-large applications are expected to open in Fall of 2026.
What this does is essentially acknowledge that teams that won't advance to the men's 15s championship games will play here, while the teams in the final a week later almost certainly will not play in this.
