(Press Release) BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby has determined the Regional Playoff and Championship dates for the 2015-16 academic school year.

The postseason calendar resembles the structure of the 2014-15 season, however, the biggest change to the calendar is the formation of a competition and National Championship for the premier women’s rugby programs in the country – Women’s Division I Elite.

While the teams that will make up Women’s DI Elite are still to be determined, the competition will consist of the nation’s strongest programs, including historically strong club teams, as well as NCAA and varsity programs. Competing teams will enter a series of single elimination matches following the completion of their regular seasons. These postseason matches will determine the two teams that will play for the first-ever Women’s DI Elite National Championship.

“The timing is right for a Women’s Division I Elite competition,” said USA Rugby Associate Collegiate Director Tam Breckenridge. “Members will be held to a ‘varsity’ set of on– and off-field guidelines. In recognition of these programs’ commitment to perform at an elite level, USA Rugby will provide additional promotional support and resources to these teams.”

The competitive 15s season for the Men’s DII ranks will once again be completed in the fall, culminating in a Dec. 6 National Championship Final. Whereas, May 7 will be the USA Rugby College 15s National Championships – when champions will be crowned in the Men’s D1A competition, Men’s D1AA, as well as the Women’s DI Elite, DI, and DII ranks.

“The Men’s and Women’s Competition Committees have again done a fantastic job of outlining a postseason schedule that gives each competitive division and geographic location an opportunity to play for a National Championship,” stated USA Rugby Collegiate Director Rich Cortez.

“Coming off the heels of an extremely competitive college Championship season, we’re confident this Regional Playoff structure will produce teams capable of creating another thrilling year of Championship events, and increase the exposure of the sport at the collegiate level.”

Another exciting modification from last season’s Championship calendar is the expansion of the USA Rugby College 7s National Championships. After being played over two days since its inception in 2011, College 7s’ addition of a field comprised of Women’s DII and DIII teams will push the event to three days. In addition, a competitive spring 15s season will determine the first-ever Regional Championship field amongst Women’s DIII teams to be played April 23-24.