Men’s Division 1AA (D1AA) represents a highly competitive tier of collegiate rugby in the United States, featuring programs governed by both National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) and the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA). It serves as a bridge between elite Division I play and developing Division II or Small College levels, offering strong regional competition and a pathway to national championships under each organization’s structure. While NCR and CRAA operate independently, both use the D1AA designation for schools with established programs that may not have the depth or resources of top-tier D1A teams.
Expectations High Throughout Empire
The Empire Conference may once again be Stony Brook’s to lose, but the other six teams are making a surge.
While Stony Brook plays a non-conference game against Rugby East power Kutztown, Colgate hosts Brockport, Syracuse welcomes Fordham, and the US Merchant Marina Academy plays at Binghamton.
Key Non-Conference Games This Weekend
While a variety of conferences kick off this weekend, several prominent college programs are finding a little extra competition outside of the conference structure.
Notre Dame College Moves Up, Goes Independent in DIAA
The Notre Dame College men’s rugby program has left DII after finishing in the top four in the nation last season, and moved into DIAA, pursuing an independent schedule with the goal of earning an at-larger DIAA playoff spot.
New Additions for ECRC Season
The East Coast Rugby Conference (ECRC) kicks off September 11 with the defending champion AIC Yellowjackets taking on 2014-15 Small-College champion New England College.
Ivy League - Who's Chasing Dartmouth?
The 2015 Men's Ivy League season starts on September 19 with the upstart Yale Bulldogs hosting Penn and Cornell hosting Columbia.
