The Allegheny Rugby Union has announced it will join to the NSCRO Open Division (D2) Competition beginning in Fall 2020.

A new conference, albeit with a name with some history behind it, the Allegheny features some teams in flux. Wheeling University used to be in D1A, but some changes on-campus and how the team was run has seen the program change its focus. IUP and West Virginia were both in DIAA's MARC Conference last year, but have shifted to D2. Kent State was playing in the MCRC, which is a hybrid conference with D2 and Small-College teams. Alderson Broaddus is a program out of West Virginia that has only recently added rugby into its athletic department.

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The ARU Men’s Conference was created this April as is aligned with the women's conference of the same name.

“Discussions for this new division started back in late fall," said Allegheny Conference Commissioner Seth Erwin. "Trying to find the right fit for our teams, NSCRO was a clear choice.  They have been very successful over many years in providing high quality competition, as well as a very well-run organization.  With NSCRO focusing on promoting the D2 Division, it was clear that we needed to make a move and land within the NSCRO umbrella. With growth as a priority for the ARU, we look forward in growing our division alongside the leadership of NSCRO.“

Allegheny Conference

Alderson Broaddus University, WV

Indiana University of PA, PA

Kent State University, OH

West Virginia University, WV

Wheeling University, WV

“Adding these successful organizations will give us the platform to grow," said Erwin. "We want to provide the best rugby possible in our region. This is a great starting point. The division will be competitive top down."