Skip to main content

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.

msm women rugby 2022
College Women

Mount St. Mary's Women Seeks Head Coach

Mount St. Mary's is seeking a new Head Coach for its women's NCAA Varsity rugby program.

With Farrah Douglas moving on, MSM is seeking a replacement for this full-time position.

The successful candidate will need to be knowledgeable of NCAA, MAAC, NIRA, USARugby, and University rules and regulations, including recruiting compliance.

navy women 2022
College Women

Navy Officially Joins NIRA

ANNAPOLIS, Md.—The US Naval Academy women's team has officially joined the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) competition for NCAA Varsity programs.

Navy competed as an independent team in CRAA D1 during its first varsity season and now will be joining NIRA's D1 for the fall of 2024 2023.

army women 2022   west point athletics
College Women

Army West Point Seeks New Assistant Coach

Army West Point's women's rugby program is looking for an assistant coach.

lilly durbin dartmouth vs west point 2021 mark washburn 1
College Women

Back from Injury Lilly Durbin Makes Every Minute Count

After a meteoric rise which saw her capped by the Eagles 7s team before she'd graduated high school, Lilly Durbin's rugby life was ripped away from her.

A star as a freshman in high school ...

tennessee celebrates 2021 mark washburn

What's In a Championship?

The split of collegiate rugby has resulted in a long list of major championships, and while some of that isn't any different from the way it's always been, there are now some championships split upon split upon split.

Photo Galleries

Spotlight