Santa Barbara, CA—The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has announced that it is committed to partnering with USA Rugby (USAR) to help rebuild the National Governing Body (NGB) as it emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  

In conjunction with the recently formed College Council, CRAA will be members of USA Rugby with representation in new governance structure of USA Rugby. Currently the CRAA oversees the men’s D1A and is working with women’s D1 divisions, the women’s NCAA initiative, and are working with other divisions and competitions to provide an overarching support organization to advance the sport in the collegiate sector.

Eight Women D1 Conferences Move En Masse To CRAA

CRAA is partnering with USAR, working collectively on the services provided by the union to its members.  Members will be provided insurance, coach/referee certification & development, high performance program eligibility, cross conference and international play and other various member services.  CRAA will continue to manage and oversee their own competitions, eligibility and governance in conjunction with the other college divisions and competitions.   

“USA Rugby witnessed the perfect storm; a financial crisis coupled with the Covid-19 shutdown of the sport,” said D1A Commissioner Kevin Battle. “The challenges the union experienced brought on the opportunity to discuss mutual beneficial relationships to rebuild and create a better experience for our student athletes.”

"We, as a rugby community, need to do this together as stewards of the game,” added CRAA Chairman Paul Keeler. “We worked to create the CRAA to enhance the student athlete experience and ensure that we had an independent structure to return to play.  We believe that structure needs to be a part of USA Rugby to create greater opportunity for our athletes.”  

CRAA is making a public statement that it sees value in a strong and successful National Governing Body for all members. Strength in numbers provides better economies of scale, but it also provides great opportunity for student athletes. 

"We certainly have the ability to operate on our own, independent of USA Rugby, but it’s not about that. It’s about partnering with other areas of college, youth, high-school, senior club, and Major League Rugby to develop players and provide opportunities,” said Keeler.  

CRAA Statement of Purpose:

The Collegiate Rugby Association of America, widely regarded as collegiate rugby’s flagship, is the governing body administering to over 100+ Men’s and Women’s Division I programs.  The CRAA is a member of USA Rugby, World Rugby, and a Full Sport Member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).  Currently headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, the CRAA is centered around academic excellence and internationally recognized colleges and universities.