National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) introduced 7s and 15s high performance programs during the 2024-25 school year and during the summer took both the 7s Griffins and 15s All-Americans on their first overseas tours. In 2025-26, both women’s HP teams will take domestic tours and moving forward rotate between home and international fixtures with the men’s program. Additionally, NCR has expanded the competitive opportunities for its membership and this January 25-26 will debut an all-star 15s tournament in conjunction with the annual all-star 7s tournament. The four pitches at Atlanta’s Silverback Park will serve as backdrop for the games. [lead photo: NCR Griffin Kelly Greenleaf in Portugal / Jasun Blocher]
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The all-star 7s tournament is the known entity; however, it will alter in 2026 to accommodate the introduction of the simultaneously staged 15s event. There will be one 7s all-star division (i.e., no Rising Stars) with conference-based teams, but details on the competition structure have not been released. The shape of the 7s tournament could be influenced by the ratio of players who declare themselves for all-star 15s consideration. One hundred players will be selected and by mid-November named to one of four 15s teams: Stars, Stripes, Bison or Hawks. Those squads will play a 15s round robin across the two days in Atlanta.
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All players, regardless of 7s or 15s pathways, must funnel through the NCR HP nomination portal (link). Coaches can nominate players through Oct. 31, and in addition to providing bio info, must submit a nomination statement that addresses a player’s personality, standout attributes, accolades, etc.; as well as game film (no longer than two minutes in length).
As expected, these two tournaments will be major selection venues for the NCR 7s Griffins and 15s All-Americans teams that will compete in 2026. Questions? Reach out to NCR Women’s Director Alycia Washington at washington@ncr.rugby.