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.
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 West Point Seeks New Assistant Coach
Army West Point's women's rugby program is looking for an assistant coach.
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 ...
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.
Making Sense of Women College Playoffs This Fall
As with the men's college rugby, women's college rugby has several postseason pathways this fall and we're coming to a head with all of them right now.
