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.
New Haven Adds Varsity Women's Rugby, Joins NIRA
West Haven, Conn. – University of New Haven Director of Athletics and Recreation Sheahon Zenger announced this week that the university will ad women's rugby as its 18th varsity program.
New Haven will be the 26th program to join the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) as an NCAA rugby university.
Drama Throughout In NIRA Finals
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association crowned three champions Sunday in a day that showcased how much the women’s college game has come with the increase in the number of varsity teams.
NIRA Finals All Day Sunday-How To Watch
Six teams are set to go for three separate NIRA championships Sunday at Harvard University’s Robert A. Mignone Field.
The games will be shown LIVE on ESPN+
Goff Rugby Report editor Alex Goff will join John Broker in the booth.
Thrillers And Upsets In NIRA Semifinals
We've got our sx finalists for the three tiers in the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA), after some dramatic semifinals on Saturday.
NIRA Playoffs Ramp Up
It’s NIRA playoff time already with 12 teams looking for championship in three divisions.
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association pits varsity women’s programs against each other. The top tier features five teams, reduced from previous years as the balance of power and strength levels out.
That’s why we’ve seen Brown, West Chester, and AIC move into a 2nd tier.
