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The following is a message from National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) CEO Jeremy Treece to the membership …
Dear NCR Membership,
I hope you are having a productive offseason and preparing for another outstanding year of competition. In the spirit of transparency, I want to share an important update regarding our regulatory engagement with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and our recent outreach to USA Rugby.
USOPC Background & Recent Discussions
Following a ruling from a Federal Judge, NCR was directed to the USOPC under the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. In October 2025, NCR filed a formal complaint with the USOPC alleging that USA Rugby interfered with collegiate championships and officials. Over the past nine months, NCR has engaged in productive discussions with a senior USOPC official. (See College Rugby Facts for more detail.)
At the USOPC’s advice, NCR agreed to participate in formal mediation, utilizing a mediator chosen by the USOPC to help resolve our outstanding differences in a constructive manner. However, USA Rugby declined to participate in the proposed mediation on two separate occasions. Following these rejections, the USOPC encouraged NCR to make a good faith direct outreach to USA Rugby leadership to propose a cooperative framework.
The Partnership Proposal to USA Rugby
In response to the USOPC’s guidance and in true good faith, NCR submitted a formal partnership proposal to USA Rugby on July 9, 2026. This proposal, which we believe would drive over $300,000 in value, outlined a comprehensive collaborative model—spanning cross-marketing, talent identification, coaching and referee development, senior club transition, and streamlined membership—that respected the distinct legal and operational roles of both organizations. Our goal was to work in partnership with USA Rugby in a way that would support mutual growth and strengthen collegiate rugby as a whole.
USA Rugby’s Response
As of this date, USA Rugby has not engaged in substantive discussion of the proposal since they were presented it on July 9. We are very disappointed they have yet to engage on the proposal, however our commitment to transparently serve our members remains unchanged. We are sharing this proposal publicly so that our coaches, student-athletes, and university leaders can see the genuine, collaborative offer that was extended.
Strong, Independent Collegiate Leadership
NCR continues to stand as the primary collegiate rugby association in America, representing over 80% of all college programs, serving more than 20,000 student-athletes across 680+ men’s and women’s teams.
Like other national collegiate athletic associations (such as the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA), NCR operates a financially independent, member-driven model designed specifically for the unique needs of higher education and collegiate athletics. This independence allows us to invest directly back into our competition structures, national championship pathways, referee development, comprehensive insurance coverage, technology, athlete development programs, and growing the game of rugby as a whole.
Looking Ahead
NCR remains fully committed to leading and growing college rugby across the United States. We will continue to invest heavily in our competitions, support our member institutions, and provide world-class experiences for our student-athletes.
Our focus remains exactly where it belongs: on supporting the student-athletes, coaches, and universities that make collegiate rugby thrive.
Thank you for your leadership and continued dedication to our rugby community.