After winning the National Small College Rugby Organization championship, New England College is now in DI, and will open the fall 2015 ECRC conference schedule with a clash against defending conference champion AIC.

NEC's first foray into the East Coast Rugby Conference then has become an instant rivalry game as the two start the ECRC season Friday at 7pm. They've played each other in 7s, each winning one, and tying the third game. The presidents of the two universities - Michele Perkins at NEC and Vince Maniaci at American International, know each other well, and so the rivalry in rugby 15s seems natural. Friday's game, then, will be the inaugural Presidents Shield game between the two teams.

 “New England College is a natural rivary for us, we’re similar sizes, missions, and student profiles," said AIC Head Coach Josh Macy. "Jeremy Treece is building a great program up there, and this trophy will galvanize this weekends match as a fixture both teams will circle whether it be 15’s or 7s.”

AIC is coming off wins over Penn State and Yale, while NEC defeated the Boston Irish Wolfhounds men's club 18-15 in their pre-season game. 

“AIC is the preeminent rugby program in the northeast right now. Josh Macy is a fantastic coach with some very good players. We are really looking forward to testing ourselves against the reigning champion. It will be a battle for sure and the last team standing gets to bring the shield home to their President.” said Treece.

NEC is paced by the All American halfback combination of Ian Luciano - just back from camp with the USA 7s Eagles program - and James Tayson. They welcome HS All American Gavin Devine in the freshman class. He joins promising sophomore Evan Conway in the second row, and freshman flanker Matthew Novitzkas, who also shows potential. Along with the halfbacks, the backline features sophomore fullback Cathal Finneran.

The team, said Luciano, is "very excited for the new challenge of playing in Div I. It's going to be a great season."

AIC, meanwhile, is thinking repeat.

"With the bulk of our line up returning, it’s important that we add depth to our team and execute a more comprehensive plan to our season," said Macy. "Our ECRC opponents will ideally see different looks each week and we’ll work hard to find our best rugby as the season goes forward."

NEC isn't the only new addition to the ECRC playing this weekend. Fairfield, a year after winning their division in the DII Tri-State playoffs, moves up to DIAA and hosts Albany on Saturday.

"After blowout victories last fall, we will be getting the opportunity to compete against the Northeast most elite. The Fairfield Rugby Club could not be more energized about our transition to this top level conference," said Fairfield sophomore and No. 8 Hunter Boesch, who, along with fullback Tylr Bishop and flyhalf Justin Paton, will lead Ben Kelly's team into the world of DI rugby.

UMass, 4-2 in the conference last year, UConn Saturday. Massachusetts has a strong freshman class and Head Coach Phil Ciccarelli said he feels good about the upcoming season.