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 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.
Dartmouth, Harvard Win In NIRA
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association top tier is almost done with its regular season, with Harvard and Dartmouth winning big this past weekend.
NIRA All Divisions: Leaders Raising Hands
The playoffs may be different but right now all eyes in the NIRA are on Hanover, NH.
With Army having beaten Harvard, who beat Dartmouth, this week’s Army at Dartmouth clash will either confirm West Point as the top dog, or throw the league into a bit of confusion.
NIRA Kicks Off With Big Scores
Harvard opened up the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) season with a very convincing 57-10 defeat of Quinnipiac Saturday.
The Crimson was led by Sofie Fella, and Arianna Romero, who both scored two tries, while Cassidy Bargell, Delia Hellander, Robyn Beeseleading, Brogan Mior, and Sabrina Kim also touched down.
Ref, AR, TJ Program With NIRA Still Open For Aspiring Officials
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association, the league of varsity women's college rugby programs, is working with Major League Rugby to develop referees, and the program also needs assistant referees and touch judges.
The program is looking for young and up-and-coming rugby officials to work as ARs and Touch Judges to work the games officiated by MLR refs.
