0
0
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) is almost one week out (Nov. 13-15) from its regional 15s playoffs, and Division I, DI-AA and Division II have nice shape to them. Division III has been harder to discern in terms of which teams have postseason viability, especially concerning a few conferences that have automatic berths (according to NCR’s championship page) but no or little 15s activity. The following is TRB’s best estimate of who is moving forward but obviously stay tuned for NCR’s official announcement, which will play 16 teams at four regional locations (Canton, Mass.; Rock Hill, S.C.; Springfield, Mo.; and Indianapolis). [lead photo: Jackie Finlan / TRB]
RELATED: Rugby Scores – Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Allegheny … Has an automatic berth but teams aren’t reflected on the NCR app or on the Coaches Poll Top 20. Denison beat Ohio Wesleyan 35-0. Baldwin Wallace is playing 7s.
Eastern Pennsylvania … Conference held its championship last weekend, and East Stroudsburg prevailed 64-19 over Lafayette for the title and regionals berth.
Great Lakes … Has an automatic berth but not sure if any of the DIII teams played 15s. No Great Lakes teams are in the Coaches Poll Top 20.
Great Waters (2) … The conference is slated for two spots at regionals, and two teams committed to a conference championship match, which was held in conjunction with the DII playoffs in Clearwater, Minn., last weekend. UW Platteville beat Northern Michigan 51-10 for the title and both move on.
View this post on Instagram
High Peaks … Colorado School of Mines is the only DIII teams playing full 15s but it has proven its prowess at nationals. Regionals berth warranted.
Mid-Atlantic … Won’t have a rep this year. Christopher Newport was an option but injuries and low numbers made regionals travel unfeasible.
Mid-America … There’s no automatic berth for this conference. Teams like Pittsburg State and Missouri S&T, which will show well in spring 7s, are still building to playoff-strength 15s.
North Atlantic … Endicott faces Smith for the conference championship this Saturday at Foley Stadium in Worcester, Mass. Conference has an automatic berth but deserves two.
Northern Lights … Conference held its championship last weekend and North Dakota beat St. Benedict 38-17 for the title and regionals berth. The Sweet Demons know they’re heading to Springfield, Mo.
View this post on Instagram
Rugby Northeast … Colby College is the best team in this league, which named its champ on standings. Wouldn’t be surprised to see another team like Middlebury in the mix.
Prairie States … Conference doesn’t have an automatic berth but Wayne State College got the at-large bid to regionals.
South Atlantic … The conference has an automatic berth but did not hold a playoff of any sort. There are no teams in the Coaches Poll Top 20 either. Eckerd College would be an option is terms of being 15s able, but its DI-AA counterparts in Florida opted out of the postseason this year.
Tri-State … RPI and Siena will contest the conference championship this weekend. Both are keen to compete at regionals.
Upstate New York (2) … The conference has two berths, so both champion Niagara and runner-up SUNY Potsdam both advance. The teams contested the final last weekend and the Foxes triumphed 57-40. The league could easily add more teams to regionals.