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.
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.
Army Gets Power Rankings Boost After Key NIRA Win
Army West Point have vaulted themselves into the semifinal conversation after this past weekend's 40-17 win over Sacred Heart.
Key Matchups in NIRA DI and DII
Well last week was interesting.
Harvard's close win over Dartmouth made sure that the Crimson were tops in the NCAA DI league at the moment. But everyone recognized that it was a close-run thing.
Harvard-vs-Dartmouth Delivers
In the big Clash of the Titans in NIRA, undefeated Harvard edged Dartmouth 36-33, scoring in the late moments to take the victory.
Harvard struck early as freshman Gemma Ogoke powered through two Dartmouth defenders with a stiff arm. Maya Hilger capped off a movement to score Harvard’s second, and with the Skylar Jordan conversion Harvard led 12-0.
Showcase Matches Live up to Billing in NIRA DI
The big matchups in NIRA did not disappoint.
Dartmouth remains undefeated after beating Sacred Heart 43-29. SHU came into the game 2-0 in conference play; they lost last week to AIC but with a younger-than-usual lineup.
So really this was a game of two teams with strong playoff aspirations and it had the feel of a playoff game in many ways.
