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.
Rasmus Out as Head Coach at Long Island University
Long Island University Women's Head Coach Joe Rasmus is no longer Head Coach of the program.
While Rasmus replied "no comment" to confirming he was out at the college, that wasn't exactly a denial when GRR attempted to confirm reports that he was out at LIU. This week LIU posted the Head Coach job as vacant and is seeking a replacement.
NIRA Finals: Bowdoin Unity, Davenport Speed, Harvard Drama
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association crowned their champions Saturday at Harvard's Mignone Field, with DI, DII, and DIII winners celebrated.
Harvard Takes Sparkling NIRA DI Final Over Dartmouth
In a game that lived up to the hype, Harvard defeated Dartmouth to win the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association DI varsity championship.
Paced by two tries from wing Lennox London and one from flyhalf and game MVP Brogan Mior, the Crimson won thanks to an adventurous attacking style and a determined goalline defense that made Dartmouth work enormously hard for their points.
Three NIRA Champions
Harvard, Davenport, and Bowdoin won NIRA Championships Saturday in Cambridge, Mass.
Paced by an MVP performance from No. 8 Rebecca Valarau and a superb team approach, Bowdoin beat Adrian 51-17 in the DIII final. This was Bowdoin's fourth-straight NIRA title, and Vakarau's second MVP nod in three years.
Big Scores and Close Ones in NIRA Semifinals
This coming Saturday's NIRA Finals Day matchups are now set after this weekend's semifinals.
Here's what happened:
Harvard and Dartmouth
Harvard defeated Sacred Heart in impressive fashion 60-5. Sophomore Lennox London scored three tries to lead the Crimson.
