The Rugby East fall 2016 schedule has been finalized, with nine teams playing each other once through a busy regular season.

Delaware has joined the conference after coming back from suspension and then showing that the Blue Hens can compete at this level once more. It's a tough league, with the top two teams in 2015 finishing with equal 6-1 records. Kutztown lost to Penn State, but took the conference thanks to better bonus points. Right behind them was Army at 5-2, and then Wheeling Jesuit and Iona at 5-3.

In addition, the Rugby East teams have several non-conference games lined up, with three members playing independent DIAA team Notre Dame College, Penn State playing Queens College of Kingston, Ontario, and Army hosting Air Force in a Commander-in-Chief Trophy match.

There are plenty of matchups to look out for here, with the opening weekend of Iona against West Point (a game Iona won last year) the first. Kutztown's four-week run through St. Bonaventure (expected to be much improved), Delaware, Army, and Penn State will be hugely influential.

At least a couple of the programs in the Rugby East will finish the fall with an ACRC Bowl Series game November 19. Iona will have its own ALS Bowl Game at St. Joseph's.