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HOUSTON, TX – National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) today confirmed the final pairing for the Women’s Division I National Championship match scheduled for December 6 in Houston, following an unexpected team withdrawal. [lead photo: Griff Hastings @gth_images]
Wheeling University’s women’s rugby program notified NCR that, due to internal team disciplinary issues, the firing of head coach Ken Pape, and the subsequent suspension of several players, the program is unable to travel and must withdraw from the national championship match. This withdrawal imposes serious consequences and impacts the integrity of the event.
Following a thorough review, NCR is imposing a minimum two-year suspension on the Wheeling University women’s rugby program from all post-season play, effective immediately. The NCR discipline committee will investigate further and could impose greater sanctions after a full investigation has been completed. This decision reflects NCR’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a culture of accountability and integrity across its competitions.
NCR is pleased to announce that the University of Northern Iowa, a long-standing and perennially powerhouse rugby program, has accepted the invitation to compete in the national championship match. While NCR approached Division I semifinalists, we are pleased to secure a team of UNI’s calibre for the championship match. The Women’s Division I National Championship will proceed as scheduled on December 6 in Houston, featuring a highly competitive match between Southern Nazarene University and the University of Northern Iowa.
“Wheeling’s untimely departure created a profoundly difficult situation for everyone involved,” NCR Women’s Director Alycia Washington commented on the resolution. “Southern Nazarene worked incredibly hard to earn their championship spot, and we were committed to finding them a championship-caliber opponent. We’re extremely grateful for the quick response and commitment from the University of Northern Iowa, which ensures our athletes will still have their Championship moment and a highly competitive matchup.”
For more information on championship weekend, visit www.ncr.rugby/teams/nationals/2025/womens-nationals.