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 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.
Harvard, Quinnipiac Win in NIRA
The Quinnipiac Bobcats defeated Sacred Heart and Harvard slammed Mount St. Mary's as both teams opened their NIRA account with victories.
NIRA Fires Up This Weekend
This week's NIRA and D1 women's collegiate action got underway early with Dartmouth handing Long Island a convincing loss.
Dartmouth Opens NIRA Account with Big Win
Dartmouth opened up their NIRA season with a comprehensive dismissal of Long Island University, beating the Sharks 92-5 Wednesday at Brophy Field in Hanover, NH.
