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.
Who Plays Where and How? Our College Rugby Update
The College Rugby scene isn't getting any less convoluted now that we've had a year or so to pull out of 2020's turmoil, and the question remains exactly how each college rugby team will address competition in the future.
Long Island U Varsity Rugby Seeks Women's Head Coach
Long Island University is looking for a Head Coach for their Women's Varsity rugby program.
Long Island is a NCAA Division I school and its Women's Rugby program competes in the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association division under NCAA policies, procedures, and regulations.
Princeton Women Going NCAA Varsity, to Join NIRA
Princeton University has announced that it is following some of its Ivy League peers in making women's rugby an NCAA varsity sport.
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.
