Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Schedule

Siena University Athletics

Rugby Pitch
Stockton Photo

Rugby

Saints Primed for National Championship

Siena to Play in Houston,TX, from Dec. 6-7

The nation's top collegiate rugby programs will converge on Houston this December as SaberCats Stadium hosts the 2025 National Collegiate Rugby Championship, bringing two action-packed weekends of elite competition to one of America's fastest-growing rugby communities.

Siena (8-1) defeated Wisconsin-Platteville 29-17 in the Round of 16 and Northern Michigan 67-43 in the Regional 3rd to set up a National Semifinal appearance on Dec. 6. 

Houston-area fans will have the first opportunity to witness the country's best women's teams compete for four divisional National Championships on December 6–7. One week later, the men's Division I, I-AA, II, and III National Championships will take place December 12–14, turning the city into the focal point of U.S. collegiate rugby.

Nearly 600 teams returned to campuses in August with eyes on a national title. The road to Houston started with 104 programs battling through regional championships to secure their place on the championship stage.

"Coming out of my first regional weekend, I was blown away by the caliber of rugby on display. This year's playoffs featured some of the most competitive and high-quality rugby our divisions have ever produced," said Women's Director, Alycia Washington. "Full credit to the players and coaches of the 12 teams advancing to Houston. Each one has earned its place through disciplined preparation, exceptional execution, and an unwavering competitive drive. The level of play throughout the postseason has been outstanding, and fans can expect nothing less when these teams take the field to compete for a national championship."

Following regional playoffs in mid-November, the women's championship field is set for Houston. Several teams are making a run at back-to-back championships including Endicott College (DIII), and Vassar College (DII). The women's DI-AA final features two storied programs with the University of Colorado taking on Northeastern.

The University of Colorado women chase a national title for the first time since the program's inception in 1972 when they made history playing the first known women's rugby match in the U.S. against Colorado State University. 

For 2025, Women's Division I will expand into Division I and Division I-AA, aligning the women's structure with the men's and increasing the slate of championship opportunities to eight divisions.

"This is the fifth year our National Championships will be at SaberCats Stadium," said Men's Director Brad Dufek. "Between the professional rugby-specific focused stadium and adjacent supporting fields, it provides a fantastic platform to showcase our best teams from across the country."

Fans can expect high-intensity matchups featuring many of the most skilled collegiate rugby athletes in the United States, as Houston prepares to host a cornerstone event in the national rugby calendar. 

The College Rugby Show will be live on site the Saturday of each championship providing match analysis, player and coach interviews, and unveiling the 2025 Player of the Year nominees. 

For schedules, team information, and ticket details, visit ncr.rugby.

Print Friendly Version