The move places Principia in a competitive and growing Midwest rugby landscape, creating more opportunities for high-level matches and regional rivalries.
The announcement follows the hiring of head coaches Peter Lang and Lucas Black, who will lead the program into its next phase. Lang joins at a pivotal time as the college continues to invest in rugby and build a high-performance environment focused on developing athletes, leaders, and competitors.
Competing in the Midwest Rugby Conference will provide a strong schedule while supporting the program’s long-term growth and national visibility.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build on Principia Rugby’s strong foundation,” said Head Coach Peter Lang. “Our goal is to challenge student-athletes to reach their full potential and continue establishing Principia as a destination program.”
Leadership expressed strong confidence in Lang and Black’s ability to guide the program’s continued growth through their experience and focus on player development.
“The addition of Peter Lang and Lucas Black represents a significant step forward for Principia Rugby and Principia Athletics as a whole,” said Athletics Director Ramiro Dominguez. “Together, they bring the leadership, experience, and vision needed to guide our student-athletes and position the program for long-term success.”
Looking Ahead
With a renewed focus on high performance, Principia Rugby is positioning itself for continued success in regional and national competition. Additional updates on the upcoming season will be announced in the coming months.
About Principia
Principia College is a small private liberal arts college in Elsah, Illinois, known for its scenic Mississippi River campus, strong academics, and focus on global perspectives and student development.
More on the College Rugby Association of America
The College Rugby Association of America is the nationally recognized governance home for premier collegiate rugby competition in the United States. CRAA oversees D1A, D1AA, Women’s Premier, and Women’s D1 competition structures, providing member institutions with nationally aligned eligibility standards, medical protocols, disciplinary processes, and championship pathways. CRAA’s model emphasizes institutional alignment, athlete welfare, competitive integrity, and long‑term program development, ensuring a stable and trusted environment for collegiate rugby.
