D1A Rugby will be holding an open 7s qualifier in Las Vegas as part of the MLR Weekend in February.

Major League Rugby teams will be playing a special series of league games at the Las Vegas Ballpark February 9, 15, and 16—tickets here>> —and around those games there will several other rugby events, including the D1A Rugby Open Qualifier.

D1A held its first national 7s championship last year as part of USA Rugby's college 7s championships. But this year D1A is separating it out. There will be conference qualifiers around the country, but in addition, there's a tournament open to all D1A college teams in February.

We know that teams such as Air Force, Colorado, Kutztown, New Mexico, Fordham, Life University, and Utah Valley University will be there, as well as others.

The tournament will last three days. There will be pool play on Thursday, February 13, and then knockout rounds on February 14. The final will be played at the Last Vegas Ballpark in between the MLR games.

To register for the D1A Qualifier, go to www.emersionsports.com.

"We're really excited that rugby is still has a special place in Las Vegas," said D1A Commissioner Kevin Battle. "This is a great opportunity for any D1A team to qualify for the national championship."

This could be a national championship precursor, and will certainly be a hotly-contested tournament.