National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) opened ticket sales for the 2022 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) at the Shrine on Airline in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hosted by Major League Rugby’s NOLA Gold, the three-day tournament will be held over Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30.

As the largest college rugby tournament in North America, the CRC will include over 100 collegiate teams and 24 High School teams playing across five tournament fields.

The Shrine on Airline complex will feature the Premier men’s and women’s divisions, as well as semi-final and championship matches from other divisions. Nearby LaSalle Park will host Division I Club, Division II, and Small Colleges matches and include a Fan Festival that includes food trucks, a beer tent and fan entertainment.

Jeremy Treece, NCR CEO, commented, “There is already a lot of buzz about May Madness 7s, and this will only increase in the coming weeks as we start to announce our automatic qualifiers and early at-large clubs.”

NCR has partnered with the Golden Eagles in launching a CRC fundraising campaign for the men’s and women’s national 7s teams. The Golden Eagles are a non-profit organization that is the custodian for the USA National Sevens programs for both men and women.

During their ticket purchase, fans will be encouraged to make a contribution to the national teams. The tournament will also include in-stadium fundraising. The Golden Eagles will give 100% of all CRC donations to the national 7s teams, split equally between the men’s and women’s programs. NCR will present the donations to the Golden Eagles during the CBS Sports broadcasts on May 29 (women) and May 30 (men).

“The CRCs have produced many national 7s players, and we will likely see a few future Eagles this May as well. We want to do everything we can to help the national teams, and we are pleased that we can partner with the Golden Eagles to raise these important funds,” said Treece.

Jon Bobbett, Founder of the Golden Eagles, added: “The Golden Eagles are pleased to partner with NCR as so many USA seven players have originated from the collegiate ranks and this is a good way to recognize that pathway.” 

NCR will introduce free admission to the CRC for all active members. This offer extends to players and coaches who have full 2021-22 membership and book with an NCR partner hotel in New Orleans. Members must submit their ticket requests on the event website by May 20.

The ticket packages include General Admission, a VIP Party Lounge, and Private Suites. Fans can purchase weekend passes or single day tickets, all of which include in-and-out access to the five tournament fields.