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.
Women College Action This Weekend
Perhaps the biggest game in women's D1 and NIRA college rugby was Thursday night's Life University vs Penn State clash.
Life won 27-19, but that was a pretty good showing from Penn State.
Army Shuts Out Quinnipiac in NIRA DI Action
WEST POINT, NY — Army West Point women shut out Quinnipiac 39-0 on Friday night to improve to 1-1-1 in NIRA DI.
Women NIRA and D1 College Games This Weekend
Among Women's DI and NIRA games the Big Ten ramps up with three games, all worth a look.
Gamebreakers, Women's College Rugby Sept. 17-19
We’re here with a look at the players in women’s DI college rugby who stood out.
Here are our Gamebreakers for the weekend of September 18:
Maddie Hughes, Queens University Charlotte
A freshman out of Myers Park HS in North Carolina, Hughes scored four tries as Queens shut out Navy.
Momentum Shifts in Dartmouth vs Army See Big Green Go 3-0 in NIRA
Dartmouth moved to 3-0 in the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association DI with a 34-28 defeat of Army at West Point on Sunday.
