West Haven, Conn. – University of New Haven Director of Athletics and Recreation Sheahon Zenger announced this week that the university will ad women's rugby as its 18th varsity program.

New Haven will be the 26th program to join the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) as an NCAA rugby university.

"Providing new opportunities for students in the classroom and on the field of play remains a priority for the University of New Haven," said Zenger. "Rugby is a welcome addition to our menu of women's athletics opportunities and continues to show the support the University has for athletics. With the success of our club rugby team in recent years we look forward to fielding a competitive team right from the start."

Since 2002, women's rugby has been considered an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women, and NIRA has been the competition for the NCAA programs, continually expanding and competing now in three divisions. 

A search will begin immediately with anticipation of hiring a coach in the coming months.

The university also has an athlete interest form >>