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.
Competitive Balance Rises as NIRA Season Looms
The National Intercollegiate Rugby Association has some warmup work to do but the D1 season gets going in earnest in a little over a week.
With the addition of Navy and Queens into D1 the top level of the competition is as competitive as ever.
Longtime Bowdoin Coach MaryBeth Mathews to Retire
Bowdoin College women's rugby Head Coach MaryBeth Mathews has announced that she will retire at the conclusion of this academic year. Mathews has enjoyed a 29-year tenure at the helm of the program, guiding the women's rugby team at Bowdoin from club to varsity status during her distinguished career.
Newberry Women's Rugby Seeks New Head Coach
Newberry College Women's Rugby is hiring a new Head Coach.
Located in Newberry, SC and is an NCAA Varsity program playing in D2.
Newberry College is a private, liberal arts college located in the midlands of South Carolina. The College is highly ranked as one of the best small colleges in the South in terms of both value and social mobility.
Sacred Heart Survives Shark Attack 7s
Sacred Heart put together all the pieces of the puzzle to win the Shawk Attack 7s Sunday in Long Island.
Hosted by LIU, the Shark Attack 7s was the opening salvo in what is expected to be an annual showcase for NIRA rugby 7s.
Mount St. Mary's Women Seeks Head Coach
Mount St. Mary's is seeking a new Head Coach for its women's NCAA Varsity rugby program.
With Farrah Douglas moving on, MSM is seeking a replacement for this full-time position.
The successful candidate will need to be knowledgeable of NCAA, MAAC, NIRA, USARugby, and University rules and regulations, including recruiting compliance.
