In a move that could harbinger another stirring stick in the pot of college rugby, the New England Wide Collegiate Rugby Conference (NEWCRC) is excited to announce the commitment of their Women's competition to the American Collegiate Rugby Association (ACRA).

This is a bit of a surprise move as ACRA had been essentially dormant for the last few years, but talks among conferences, especially women D2 conferences, in the Northeast has re-energized the organization. It looks as if at least a few conferences in the region will opt for ACRA.

This puts ACRA in as another player in the college rugby arena, with CRAA, NCR, and a DIAA group also vying for their positions while USA Rugby reorganizes. All seem to have their constituencies, and ACRA will certainly have one, as well.

Founded in 2011, NEWCRC has seen membership grow significantly in recent years and currently serves 24 women's clubs from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and Maine.

NEWCRC Women Teams
Babson College
Brandeis University
Central Connecticut State University
Champlain College
Coast Guard Academy
Connecticut College
Eastern Connecticut State University
Framingham State University
Holy Cross
Lasell University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Mount Holyoke College
Smith College
Springfield College
Tufts University
University of Hartford
University of Maine - Orono
University of New Hampshire (UNH)
University of Vermont (UVM)
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
Westfield State University
Williams College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

"Maintaining a strong competition within the northeast was a priority for our members," said a statement released by the NEWCRC. "And with NEWCRC joining other top northeast conferences within ACRA, we feel that this is the best path forward for our membership.

"NEWCRC and its clubs are looking forward to the opportunities that ACRA will present, and are excited to maintain ties to USA Rugby as they rebuild their organization."