Evidently Central Washington University is leaving the varsity league, National Intercollegiate Rugby Association. CWU was the only west coast program, by far – the closest being Ohio’s Notre Dame College – and will be realigning with USA Rugby. One would assume that the Pacific Mountain Rugby Conference would be the competition, but that’s to be confirmed. That said, Central Washington will still count toward the NCAA emerging sports list and continue to follow NCAA guidelines. Once another two west coast programs add women’s rugby to their athletic departments, then it would make more sense to rejoin NIRA.
Also, NIRA commissioner Katie Boldvich has accepted a new position and her replacement is currently being vetted.