National Collegiate Rugby has announced that the CRC 7s tournament, which had been held in late May in New Orleans these past two years, will move to April and will be held in the DC area.

The tournament, which features seven brackets, four for men and three for women, with well over 100 teams attending, is now slated for April 28-30 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md., just about 20 miles outside the DC Beltway.

The move was made based on feedback from the teams involved, which indicated that waiting for Memorial Day Weekend, wich was often after classes were finished, was difficult for both school-supported and club teams.

The Work Behind Building CRC Fan Engagement

“After consultation with our members, we learned that a majority of teams prefer an earlier date that does not extend beyond the school term," said NCR CEO Jeremy Treece in a released statement. "While the tournament has always been in late spring, the CRC will be even stronger in April.”

NCR chose the Maryland SoccerPlex based on its high quality fields, proximity to a large number of collegiate rugby programs, and the fact that three large airports are nearby. Home to the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, the complex boasts 24 fields and a 5,000-seat stadium.

"We are extremely excited to host the Collegiate Rugby Championship 7s," said Matt Libber, Executive Director of the Maryland SoccerPlex. "The CRC is an opportunity to highlight our facility amongst the rugby community while showcasing talented rugby programs from across the country." 

“The Maryland sports complex offers an ideal environment for the CRC," added Treece. "And, given its location, it’s closer to more college rugby teams and their fans. We look forward to making this the best CRC yet.”