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.
All Around NIRA: Another Win for Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart has backed up their opening salvo in NIRA with another big win, defeating Brown University 22-8 to move to 2-0.
The Pioneers have now beaten both Army and Brown, benefiting from a big second half to get their second victory.
Sophomore Ashley Torres-Brown scored two tries while Reese Torticill and Makena Wright also touched down.
Harvard Shuts Out Hard-Nosed AIC in NIRA
Harvard defeated AIC 65-0 in a NIRA clash between a top DI side and a top DII side, but no one was talking about this game being a walkover.
Chances to Back it Up in NIRA Week 2
The vagaries of NCAA-level rugby mean that you can get one big result, but what about backing that up week-to-week? Conversely, you can take it on the chin one week, but how do you rebound?
First-Ever NIRA DI Win May Be Just the Start for LIU
How big a deal was LIU’s defeat of Mount St. Mary’s in NIRA D1’s opening weekend?
Probably a very big deal. Long Island went into the game never having won a 15s game in the league, and came away with a shutout to the tune of 18-0.
Upstarts and Favorites Win in NIRA DI Opening Weekend
NIRA's DI promises to be a season of surprises with plenty of competition after this weekend's action.
