FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2026
SANTA CLARA, CA – The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has announced the March D1A Rugby Power Rankings, as teams across the country enter the final stretch of the spring season with playoff qualification firmly in focus.
With conference races tightening and postseason implications mounting each week, the March rankings highlight programs that have demonstrated consistency, resilience, and the ability to perform against elite competition. As the road to the national playoffs becomes clearer, every result now carries increased significance.
Movement at the Top
California claims the No. 1 spot after a statement victory over then–No. 1 Navy on March 7, earning a 52–45 win in one of the season’s most impactful results to date. The outcome reshaped the top of the rankings as playoff positioning begins to sharpen.
Lindenwood remains steady at No. 3, continuing to assert itself as a national championship threat. Life University slides to No. 4 following its February 28 defeat to Lindenwood, though the Running Eagles remain firmly in the title conversation. Saint Mary’s rounds out the top five, maintaining its place among the nation’s elite ahead of a highly anticipated March 28 showdown with California.
Strong Spring Performances Shape the Middle of the Rankings
The heart of the Top 20 reflects the competitiveness of D1A rugby as playoff positioning comes into view:
- Army (6) and Arizona (7) remain firmly in the hunt following steady spring campaigns.
- Arkansas State (8) and BYU (9) continue to test top-ranked opposition.
- Mount St. Mary’s (10) stays strong remains in strong position heading into the playoff phase of the season.
Just outside the Top 10, Mary Washington (11), Cal Poly (12), and Grand Canyon (13) remain dangerous opponents capable of impacting the postseason picture. Penn State (14) and Colorado State (15) continue to build momentum as conference play intensifies.
Closing Out the Top 20
The final five teams in the March rankings reflect the depth of competition nationwide, with multiple programs still capable of late-season surges:
- 16. San Diego
- 17. UCLA
- 18. Davenport
- 19. St. Thomas
- 20. Utah
The full March Top 20 rankings are as follows:
Looking Ahead
With conference championships approaching and national playoff berths on the line, the March rankings set the stage for a decisive final phase of the D1A season. Upcoming matchups will continue to shape the national landscape as teams battle to secure their place in the postseason. Playoff brackets are scheduled to be released by April 1, with results throughout the remainder of the spring season determining final positioning.
For more information on D1A rugby, including schedules, rankings, and championship updates, visit craa.rugby.
About CRAA
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is a USA Rugby-sanctioned competition that includes premier divisions within Men’s and Women’s Collegiate rugby. The competition consists of Men’s D1A, Men’s D1AA, Men’s D2 and Women’s D1 and Women’s D2. CRAA is committed to creating the best possible experience for student-athletes, keeping commercial resources in the collegiate game, and creating experiences for our members to engage their academic institutions and alumni.
For media inquiries, please contact: psantinelli@craa.rugby
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