FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANTA CLARA, CA – May 27, 2025 – The Heart of America Rugby Conference (HoA), in partnership with Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA), is pleased to announce the addition of three programs for the 2025-2026 competition. University of Oklahoma, Wayne State College, and the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis will join for the upcoming season, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth and competitiveness of the strongest Men’s Division 1AA conference in the Midwest.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these three outstanding programs into the conference,” said Ant Frein, HoA’s Competition Manager. “Their inclusion not only strengthens our competitive landscape but also reflects the growing popularity and institutional support for collegiate rugby across the region. Each of these three schools immediately add imposing fixtures and strong marketability, further enriching the experience and resources available to all our student-athletes.”
This expansion brings the total number of teams in the Heart of America Conference to twelve, prompting a new divisional structure: North and South.
The North Division will include:
- University of Iowa
- Iowa State University
- University of Minnesota
- University of Nebraska
- Wayne State College (new addition)
- University of Missouri, which will transition from the South to the North to accommodate the expansion.
The South Division will consist of:
- University of Arkansas
- University of Kansas
- Kansas State University
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Oklahoma (new addition)
- University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis (new addition)
This realignment not only balances the conference geographically but also sets the stage for enhanced regional rivalries and a more dynamic competitive structure.
Competitive play will culminate in a conference playoff event, with the top two teams from each division advancing to compete for the Heart of America Championship. Higher-seeded teams will host the semifinal matchups, leading to the championship final in November 2025. Meanwhile, the remaining teams will participate in single crossover matches to determine final league standings and earn bragging rights across divisions.
“We are proud to support the Heart of America Conference.” Josh Sutcliffe, CRAA’s D1AA Commissioner. “This expansion reflects our commitment fostering a more competitive, high-performance environment, and we look forward to seeing these programs continue to raise the standard for collegiate rugby in the United States.”
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: pkeeler@craa.rugby
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