National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA)

The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) governs women’s varsity collegiate rugby in the United States under the NCAA emerging sport framework. NIRA organizes competition across Division I, a combined Division II/III, and a Developmental Division that supports new or growing varsity programs. Division I features established powerhouses such as Dartmouth, Harvard, and Army, while the combined DII/III tier brings together competitive mid-sized and small colleges for meaningful postseason play. The Developmental Division provides a pathway for schools transitioning to varsity status, helping expand and strengthen women’s collegiate rugby nationwide.

07.01.2026College Women

Quinnipiac Moving Women's Rugby to Club Can Continue But Players' Court Challenge Still In Effect

Federal Judge Kari A. Dooley has denied a restraining order to halt Quinnipiac University moving the women's rugby team to club status.

This, however, is not the end of the litigation. It merely means that while a suit brought by several Quinnipiac players continues on, the University doesn't have to backtrack to varsity status after they removed varsity status in April.

04.28.2026College Women

Op-Ed: Quinnipiac Eliminating Rugby as Varsity Brings Up Previous Title IX Issues

Op-Ed: This Op-Ed is authored by Tyler Kania, author of The Maniac with No Knees,Tyler has been monitoring and covering Quinnipiac University's decision to eliminate rugby as a varsity sport for women.

Quinnipiac’s Termination of Women’s Rugby Reminds Some of the Title IX Case that Reinstated Quinnipiac Women’s Volleyball.

11.22.2025College Women

Harvard Takes Three-Fer Over Tenacious Lindenwood

In a thriller of a final, Harvard three-peated as National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) champions, holding off NIRA debutantes Lindenwood 22-19.

The game was played at a furious pace and had its fair share of pivotal moments and players.

Dartmouth looks to get a rematch with Harvard in the postseason.

10.17.2025College Women

What's the Playoff Picture in NIRA?

Going into the middle of October it's definitely time to think about playoff scenarios in NIRA's DI and the combined DII/DIII postseason.

For DI, Harvard remains on top thanks to a very convincing victory over Sacred Heart. It was Senior Day at Harvard but the young players, including first-years Maddie Hubbell, Gemma Ogoke, and Sana'a Lunon all impressed.