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.
D1AA Bracket and D1A Teams in Expanded CRAA Men's 7s
The Collegiate season officially ends this weekend with the CRAA Men’s 7s in Iowa City, Iowa.
For the first time in several years, CRAA will host a D1A-level tournament as well as their more regular D1AA event. The D1A bracket is small, and in a way a small step back into this realm, but it’s there, which wasn’t the case over the last two seasons.
Western Washington Climbs the Mountain
Western Washington defeated Iowa State in an excellent and well-played CRAA D1AA final on Sunday, claiming the second major rugby championship for the Vikings, following their 2024 D1AA 7s title.
For both WWU and Iowa State, this playoff run was one about unfinished business. Both had come so close only to fall short, usually at the hands of University of San Diego.
Western Washington Wins Chippy D1AA Semi
Western Washington battled in a chippy CRAA D1AA semifinal to beat Millennia Atlantic
This game saw MAU play a very effective game at getting under Western Washington’s skin, while the Vikings probably had the better of the kicking game and field position, but struggled to be consistent.
Territory, Possession, and Defense Sees Iowa State to CRAA D1AA Final
Iowa State will take on Western Washington in the CRAA D1AA final after both teams won their semifinals Friday at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, and for Iowa State, this was one of their most clinical performances in the last few years.
Go See the Rugby at CRAA Finals Weekend
Rugby fans in the Midwest will hav quite a treat this weekend with nine championship-level college games to be held at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis.
We at GRR don’t often just flat-out tell you to go to an event, but you should go to this one. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday there will be hugely entertaining and high-stakes games all at one venue.
