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.
NIRA Latest: Brown, AIC, Bowdoin Roll
Brown rolled to a 46-3 defeat of Sacred Heart to move to 1-0-1 in NIRA's DI.
Zy Thomas, Mahdia Parker, and Lexi Nelson all scored tries that, with Nelson's two conversions, staked Brown to an early first-half lead. By halftime it was 36-0 thanks to tries from Elizabeth Mahoney, Akilah Cathy, and Claudia Dyer. Things slowed down a little in the second half but Brown were in control.
All Three Military Academies in Action in Women DI College
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association is back this week, and so are women's DI games.
NIRA Latest: Dartmouth Impresses in Win
Dartmouth kept rolling in the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) DI, exploding for several late tries to defeated Quinnipiac 50-10 in Week 2 of action.
For Dartmouth, center Lilly Durbin was once again an offensive force, as the 5th-year senior and former Fallbrook HS product ran in three tries.
NIRA Marches On: Women DI College Games Kick Off
While the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) getting into its second week, we're also seeing several women's D1 collegiate teams get on the field as well.
OT Drama Caps NIRA Opening Weekend
Brown University, NIRA Tier II runners-up in 2019, made the move to DI this season and almost beat 2019 Tier I runners-up West Point.
Kate Molloy's try and Macy McKenzie's conversion brought Brown back from a 19-12 deficit to lock the game at 19-19 with 15 minutes to go. Neither team was able to score after that, and they went to overtime.
