CRAA's Midwest Conference Expands, Expects More to Come

05.26.2026College Men

Iowa State during their D1AA semifinal win vs Arizona State. Matthew Dalton photo.

Author: GRR Staff

The Midwest Rugby Conference (CRAA) is adding three more programs ahead of the 2026–27 season, with additional regional programs expected to join in the near future.

Iowa State University, the University of Minnesota, and Wayne State College will transition from the Heart of America Conference, seeking a competitive schedule that better aligns with their regional ties and long-term program ambitions.

While their time in the Heart of America Conference was valuable, these programs are now pursuing a higher and more consistent level of week-to-week competition that reflects their continued growth and performance.

More teams are expected to announce similar moves soon.

The Golden Gophers, Cyclones, and Wildcats join returning program Arkansas State, Davenport, Lindenwood, and McKendree, along with anither newcomer for 2026-27, The Ohio State University.

The expanded Midwest will operate as a hybrid conference, blending D1A and D1AA programs while preserving regional rivalries and introducing high-level cross-divisional matchups. The structure is designed to increase meaningful match opportunities, reduce travel demands, and raise the bar across the league.

“Bringing these programs together reflects a shared commitment to elevate their standard of play and increase the quality of the competition,” said Josh Macy, Head Coach of Lindenwood University. “This is a significant step forward for our conference and for collegiate rugby in the region.”

“This is exactly the kind of alignment the college game needs,” said Scott Zavrel, D1A Commissioner. “These programs are committed to elevating their standard of play and driving a higher level of competition week in and week out.”

One of the key elements in this move is a commitment from some of the teams to put out appropriate lineups for the appropriate opposition. Macy, for example, has long been known to tailor the experience level of his gameday roster to the needs to the opposition. When Iowa State needed a pre-playoff warmup game in April, Lindenwood accommodated in a game that ISU won 31-29.

Teams concerned about being hit with a lopsided score have seen year after year that Lindenwood doesn't play that way. That attitude has opened the door for expansion in the Midwest Conference.

Meanwhile, being in the Midwest Conference opens the door to wider to integration with USA Rugby development pathways, while regular, challenging matches through the fall and also the spring helps with recruiting.

“CRAA’s commitment to high-performance rugby and athlete development is central to our vision,” said Macy. “Our continued partnership ensures student-athletes are supported both on and off the field, while providing the structure, governance, and pathway needed to compete at the highest level. This growth reflects programs that value strong competition and positions the Midwest for long-term success nationally.”