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.
Dartmouth Wins NIRA Clash in Barnburner Over Harvard
It was a runaway and then it wasn’t, but Dartmouth held off Harvard 45-31 in the clash of two undefeated NIRA teams, setting up a potentially thrillling clash in the final in a few weeks’ time.
Dartmouth Combines Experience and New Faces in 5-0 Run
The biggest women's college game so far this fall has to be Harvard at Dartmouth Saturday in Hanover, NH.
Harvard is the defending National Intercollegiate Rugby Association champion, having won the title in 2019 (and it wasn't contested in 2020).
American Rugby Legend Kathy Flores Has Died
Legendary American rugby player and coach Kathy Flores has died.
The Head Coach of the Brown University women coached all over the country, including her national chamion Florida State University women's club, multiple national champion Berkeley All Blues, and, of course, the USA National Team.
Bowdoin Tops Vassar in Top NIRA v ACRA Crossover Clash
Poughkeepsie, NY—In a clash of two of the top lower-division women's college teams from two different competitions, Bowdoin College defeated Vassar College 26-17.
Brown Women Win in Tense, Emotional Game
In dramatic and emotional fashion Brown University held off a determined Quinnipiac 26-20 in women’s NIRA action Saturday.
The victory put Brown at 3-1-1 in the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association DI, good for 3rd behind Harvard and Dartmouth.
