In partnership with USA Rugby, the Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is pleased to announce the official 2026–27 playoff and National Championship Series schedule, highlighted by the return of premier championship events and expanded national competition opportunities.
Following a massive year for men’s and women’s CRAA championship events in 2025-26, where broadcast viewership, social media impact and competitive rugby reached new highs; CRAA and USA Rugby are proud to further partner on momentum into the next year. The 2026-27 season is positioned to be a turning point for college rugby as added resource and investment is projected to elevate competitions, development, marketing and the overall student-athlete experience across all CRAA clubs and programs.
CRAA President, Paul Keeler said of the upcoming season, “We’re pleased to confirm the postseason and championship calendar early this year; allowing administrators, coaches and players the proper amount of preview to organize and compete in another exciting year of college rugby. The 2025-26 season set new benchmarks for CRAA, so we’re excited to finalize this competition framework and continue momentum towards high performing teams and improved experiences for student-athletes.”
USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren added, “College rugby will come into focus in 2026-27, where this finalized competition calendar is a key step towards USA Rugby partnering with CRAA to elevate the college game. We are excited to inject further resources with CRAA this upcoming season, geared towards establishing the necessary foundations to drive the best standards in college rugby and provide value to the hard working individuals in the community.”
The CRAA Fall Classic will return to the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on December 4–6, 2026. This annual showcase will once again serve as a key milestone in the collegiate rugby calendar, featuring top-level competition and national exposure. An exciting slate of Men’s and Women’s bowl games are again expected for the 2026 edition, opening the door for elite cross-conference and international collegiate matchups student athletes don’t traditionally get to experience.
Regular and postseason competition will all lead to April 10, 2027 as the CRAA’s Women’s XVs National Championships return to showcase programs competing for national titles in Division 1 and Division 2. Following the 2026 Championship that was paired with the Pacific Four Series, CRAA and USA Rugby will again explore opportunities to create ties between the collegiate championship and USA Eagles. These championship fixtures represent a key milestone in the women’s collegiate calendar and continue CRAA’s commitment towards elevating the women’s fifteens championship pathway.
Returning in 2027 will be the Women’s D1 Challenger Cup, pairing the two semifinal runner-up teams on championship weekend. The Challenger Cup acts as a third place playoff and creates another opportunity for teams to compete in a championship arena, gaining further meaningful match play against top teams.
Location for the April 10 National Championship is to be confirmed.
Regional Quarterfinals and Semifinals: March 25-28, 2027
Division 1 Challenger Cup: April 10, 2027
National Championship: April 10, 2027
Conference Play and Championships: Completes March 25-28, 2027
National Championship: April 10, 2027
For the first time since 2023, the Men’s and Women’s USA College 7s National Championships will again compete together for a premier event and festival, April 22-25 at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis. By recombining both championships into one weekend, CRAA expands the festival nature of a sevens championship and delivers an improved experience for student-athletes, fans, and partners alike.
Qualification for the 2027 National Championships will follow a conference championship structure and at-large applications for both Men’s and Women’s brackets. At-large applications are expected to open in Fall of 2026.
Spring and Fall competitions will again compete for their spot in the CRAA Men’s XVs National Championships, slated for a return to Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis, April 30 - May 2, 2027. Trophies will be handed out to National Champions in three categories including Men’s D1A, D1AA and D2. CRAA is also excited to continue the Men’s D1A Challenger Cup as part of the premier weekend, providing additional competitive opportunities for programs outside the 16-seed playoff bracket.
The return of the Men’s D1AA and D2 Championships to Indianapolis reinforces CRAA’s commitment to providing a unified championship platform while delivering a premier postseason experience for student-athletes in each division.
Men’s D1A postseason will follow a 16-seed rankings format where higher-seeded teams will host playoff rounds, all leading to the National Championship.
Round of 16: April 3, 2027
Quarterfinals: April 10, 2027
Semifinals: April 17, 2027
National Championship: May 1, 2027
Challenger bracket teams are selected from #16 - #24 of regular season rankings, based on interest and availability.
First Round: April 3, 2027
Second Round: April 17, 2027
Challenger Cup Final: May 1, 2027
Regional Qualifiers and Conference Champions: Completed by April 10, 2027
Semifinals: April 30, 2027
National Championships: May 2, 2027
Kuntz Stadium will again host the CRAA National Championship Series for the third consecutive year, further establishing Indianapolis as a premier destination for collegiate rugby. The venue continues to provide a first-class championship environment for student-athletes, fans, and partners alike.
The College Rugby Association of America is the nationally recognized governance home for premier collegiate rugby competition in the United States. CRAA oversees D1A, D1AA, Women’s Premier, and Women’s D1 competition structures, providing member institutions with nationally aligned eligibility standards, medical protocols, disciplinary processes, and championship pathways. CRAA’s model emphasizes institutional alignment, athlete welfare, competitive integrity, and long‑term program development, ensuring a stable and trusted environment for collegiate rugby.
