USA Rugby has determined the Regional Playoff and Championship dates for 2015-2016. The format is almost identical to last year with a Fall and Spring Regional Playoff. The largest change is the creation of a competition and National Championship for the premier women’s rugby programs in the country – Women’s Division I Elite.
We don’t know for sure what teams will make up the new Women’s DI Elite but can assume most of the NCAA/Varsity programs will make the cut. Competing teams will enter a series of single elimination matches following the completion of their regular seasons. These postseason matches will determine the two teams that will play for the first-ever Women’s DI Elite National Championship.
“The timing is right for a Women’s Division I Elite competition,” said USA Rugby Associate Collegiate Director Tam Breckenridge. “Members will be held to a ‘varsity’ set of on– and off-field guidelines. In recognition of these programs’ commitment to preform at an elite level, USA Rugby will provide additional promotional support and resources to these teams.”
Another exciting modification from last season’s Championship calendar is the expansion of the USA Rugby College 7s National Championships. After being played over two days since its inception in 2011, College 7s’ addition of a field comprised of Women’s DII and DIII teams will push the event to three days. In addition, a competitive spring 15s season will determine the first-ever Regional Championship field amongst Women’s DIII teams to be played April 23-24.
2015-16 USA Rugby Regional Playoff and Championship Dates
DATE | EVENT | DIVISION |
---|---|---|
Nov. 14-15 | Play-in Round (if necessary) | Men’s DII Women’s DI Elite Women’s DI Women’s DII |
Nov. 21-22 | Regional Playoffs | Men’s DII Women’s DI Elite Women’s DI Women’s DII |
Dec. 5-6 | Fall Championships | Women’s DI Elite Women’s DI Women’s DII |
Dec. 5-6 | Men’s DII National Championship | Men’s DII |
April 1-3 & 8-10 | Regional Playoffs | Women’s DI Elite Women’s DI Women’s DII |
April 16 | Playoffs – Round 1 | Men’s D1A |
April 22-24 | Spring Championships | Women’s DI Elite Women’s DI Women’s DII |
April 23-24 | Regional Championship | Women’s DIII |
April 23 | Playoffs – Quarterfinals | Men’s D1A |
April 23-24 | Regional Playoffs | Men’s D1AA |
April 30 | Playoffs – Semifinals | Men’s D1A |
May 7 | USA Rugby College 15s National Championships | Men’s D1A Men’s D1AA Women’s DI Elite Women’s DI Women’s DII |
May 27-29 | USA Rugby College 7s National Championships | Men’s DI Men’s DII Women’s DI Women’s DII/DIII |