NCR Press Release – Returning champion Lindenwood University and 2021 finalist Life University will return to New Orleans as two favorites to win the Women’s Premier Championship at the 2022 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) May Madness 7s. The event returns to New Orleans during Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-30.
The 2021 premier final ended with Lindenwood taking the championship 10-7 over Life. Lindenwood, arguably the best women’s program in the nation, has won the last three CRC titles. Two-time champion Life University will look to win one last trophy for departing coach Ros Chou.
Several other top rugby programs have accepted early at-large bids to the CRC:
• Grand Canyon University. GCU are an up-and-coming program out of the Southwest and led by coach Lindsey Mahoney, who played in Premier Rugby 7s for the Headliners.
• University of Northern Iowa. Following their recent championship appearance at the NCR Fall 15s National Championship, UNI returns to New Orleans led by All Americans Maggie Burns and Ciara Stanerson Edwards.
• Notre Dame College. This revamped program led by Coach Jack Nece brings three All-Americans from the third-place team in the fall 15s nationals.
• Clemson University. Coach Dana Schneider leads one of the top women’s teams in the Southeast, featuring All-American Diedre Rocha.
All six teams will compete for the Premier Cup.