After almost a decade competing in D1 Elite, Lindenwood Women’s Rugby will join National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) in Fall 2024. The move follows Lindenwood University’s 2022 shift to NCAA Division I.
Lindenwood’s record within D1 Elite has been a successful one both in 15s and 7s. They were the reigning D1 Elite XVs Champions from 2016-17 to 2022-23; losing the 2024 title to Life University by just three points with a 44-41 final score. Lindenwood has taken home the 7s National Championship title four times. They left 2024 College Premier 7s Nationals with a 2nd place finish, falling to Harvard in the final after an exciting semifinal match against Dartmouth that was decided in overtime.
Lindenwood joins the ranks of Davenport and Navy as the third program to transition to NIRA from the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) since its expansion to women’s divisions.
“This is exciting news for women’s rugby,” said CRAA Director of Operations Olivia Benzan-Daniel in a statement. “Lindenwood will be missed as such a successful team within D1 Elite, but we’re happy to continue our support of Lindenwood and the efforts to have rugby as NCAA Championship sport.”
