Santa Clara, CA — The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is pleased to announce the 2024-2025 Men’s Division 1A (D1A) National Championship playoff bracket. Championship matches will take place on May 3 at Kuntz Memorial Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
East Bracket
The Life University Running Eagles have earned the #1 seed in the East and will face the Davenport University Panthers in their first-round matchup. Meanwhile, the #2 seed and 2024 National Finalist Navy Midshipmen will host the Penn State Nittany Lions. The #3 seed Lindenwood University will welcome the Arkansas State University Red Wolves, and Mount St. Mary’s University will travel to West Point, NY, to face the Army Black Knights.
West Bracket
After a thrilling recent victory over their cross-town rival Saint Mary’s College, the Cal Golden Bears clinched the #1 seed in the West and will host the Colorado State Rams. Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s will face the University of California, Los Angeles Bruins in a highly anticipated rematch of their March 8 clash, where UCLA triumphed 22-12. Elsewhere, the surging Cal Poly Mustangs will host the #5 seed University of Arizona Wildcats. And finally, #6 seed Brigham Young University Cougars will head to Ellensburg, WA, to take on the #3 seed Central Washington University Wildcats.
Challenger Cup
New this year, the inaugural Challenger Cup competition will provide emerging programs an opportunity to showcase their skills for a chance to claim national recognition. Matches kick off on April 5 with the Ohio State Buckeyes hosting the Air Force Academy with the winner heading to University of Mary Washington on April 19. The Banana Slugs of University of California, Santa Cruz will try to best the Utah State University Aggies, with the winner traveling on to Phoenix, AZ to face Grand Canyon University.
The winners of the semifinal matches will meet in Indianapolis on May 3 for the D1A Challenger Cup Championship.
About CRAA
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is the governing body for elite collegiate rugby programs in the United States. CRAA oversees competition, development, and pathways for athletes aspiring to achieve at the highest levels of the sport. CRAA is dedicated to promoting and growing collegiate rugby across the United States. CRAA supports student-athletes by providing a high level of competition, fostering leadership, and helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: psantinelli@craa.rugby
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