GRR: No name
Opening weekend in the Liberty D1 conference saw one postponement and some muted celebrations as it's early in the year.
Harvard at Iona was postponed. No news yet on a makeup date.
In a thrilling in-state rivalry clash, the University of Iowa edged out Iowa State 24–22 in a back-and-forth contest marked by tough defense, heavy collisions, gusty winds, and multiple lead changes in the final minutes.
This was a Heart of America Conference game and with Iowa State being the defending champs, it was expected to be tough sledding for the Hawkeyes.
The USA men put together an improved performance in their second pool game in the Pacific Nations Cup, and while Japan won the game, there were some steps forward for the Eagles.
Japan was expected to be fast and to offload well and to be difficult in the kicking game. Most of that came to pass, although the USA kicking game seemed much improved Saturday in Sacramento.
The University of Tennessee Rugby Program achieved another clean sweep in our weekend's matches with their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd sides securing victories against their Ohio State counterparts on Saturday in Knoxville.
The surprises keep coming in NIRA DI as a couple of teams made statements this weekend.
Lions Caught Crimson-HandedLindenwood made the trip to Massachusetts and were defeated by two-time defending champs Harvard 26-17.