NEW ORLEANS, LA – The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is pleased to announce that Loyola University New Orleans has joined the organization and will compete as a D1AA independent beginning in the upcoming season.
Loyola will face a slate of regional opponents as they establish their competitive footprint, using the independent pathway to build depth, strengthen operations, and position the program for long‑term success. The Wolf Pack enter CRAA with a clear ambition: progressing toward D1A as performance, resources, and institutional alignment continue to grow.
“Loyola brings strong energy, ambition, and a commitment to high‑performance development,” said Scott Zavrel, D1A Commissioner. “We’re excited to support their trajectory and integrate them into the broader collegiate rugby ecosystem.”
CRAA looks forward to welcoming Loyola into competition and supporting their continued growth within the national structure.
More on Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans is a private Jesuit university founded in 1912, known for its strong liberal arts focus, commitment to social justice, and respected programs in areas like business, music, communications, and law. Located in New Orleans, it emphasizes academic rigor alongside community engagement and ethical leadership.
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.
