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.
Dartmouth Pulls Off Upset in NIRA
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) women's varsity league got a shakeup this weekend as Dartmouth defeated two-time NIRA champs Quinnipiac 22-17 at Brophy Field in Hanover, NH.
Dartmouth was coming off an impressive scrimmage win over Penn State, and with a talented returned corps, felt they had a shot.
Quinnipiac Opens Season Victorious
The two-time defending national women's varsity champion Quinnipiac women's rugby team opened its 2017 season with a win, defeating Army 42-22 at home in its first ever game at its new field on Quinnipiac's Mount Carmel campus.
NIRA Nams All Americans
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association, the league of NCAA Varsity women's college rugby teams, has named its All American list for the 2016-17 season.
Thirty-one athletes were chosen from the 14 college teams competing in NIRA, with another 12 making honorable mention. Here is the list:
2016-17 NIRA RUGBY ALL-AMERICANS
Quinnipiac Win Women's NIRA Title
Quinnipiac exacted revenge for an earlier loss, and, more importantly, won the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) championship Sunday with a 46-24 defeat of Central Washington.
CWU, Quinnipiac Reach Women's Varsity Final
Quinnipiac and Central Washington will renew their acquaintanceship Sunday after both won NIRA semifinals on Friday.
