Championship Glory: December 2025 NCR Rugby Title Winners and College Rugby Scholarship Pathways in the United States
December 2025 was a landmark month for collegiate rugby in the United States as the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) championships wrapped up in Houston, Texas, showcasing elite rugby talent and offering student-athletes prime exposure ahead of rugby scholarships in America and professional pathways. The NCR XVs National Championships are annually recognized as one of the premier college rugby competitions in the country, where standout players often attract attention for NCR Allstar selection and Major League Rugby franchise alike.
At SaberCats Stadium, the NCR Men’s and Women’s National Championship tournaments concluded with thrilling victories across multiple divisions, highlighting the depth of rugby talent in American colleges and the opportunity for aspiring players to perform at the next level in America through performance and visibility.
On the men’s side, St. Bonaventure University captured the Division I National Championship with a dominant 55–19 win over Queens University of Charlotte, earning their second NCR title and reinforcing the school as a top destination for those seeking rugby scholarships and athletic development in the U.S. collegiate system
In Division I-AA, the University of Tennessee won the championship, further showcasing the strength of rugby programs in the Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC) and creating increased scouting interest for athletes both domestically and internationally.
The battle in Men’s Division II saw the University of Vermont (UVM) crowned national champions in Houston, a milestone achievement that highlighted Vermont’s rise in college rugby and underscored how standout performances at national championships can enhance a player’s track record in America.
In Men’s Division III, Franciscan University of Steubenville claimed its first ever national title, defeating Slippery Rock University 29–17, showcasing how even smaller collegiate programs can make significant national impact and spotlight athletes for future rugby opportunities.
All in all a great display across 4 men's college rugby competitions. It was great to see the competition structure work well again this year and even more impressive is the commitment every program made to travel thousands of miles to Houston, Texas to make the finals a success.
On the women’s side, the pinnacle of NCR collegiate competition was marked by the Division I National Championship where Southern Nazarene University claimed the 2025 Women’s Division I title, defeating the University of Northern Iowa with a commanding scoreline and capturing the spotlight in Houston. This victory elevated Southern Nazarene’s program and bolstered the profiles of student-athletes seeking rugby scholarships in the U.S. collegiate system.
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy Women’s Rugby team captured the Division II National Championship, marking a historic first for their program and exemplifying how strong female rugby athletes compete at a high level while enhancing their profiles for female rugby programs in America.
Northeastern University secured the Women’s Division I-AA title, adding to the depth of competitive women’s collegiate rugby and creating increased opportunities for student-athletes to pursue both academic and rugby success.
The December 2025 NCR National Championships not only crowned national champions across all divisions but also underscored the growing collegiate rugby ecosystem in the United States. For players focused on rugby scholarships, collegiate athlete lifestyle, and academic support, performances at these national events are critical.
A big congratulations to our Elite Rugby Scholars and former clients who took part in the weekend!
Credit to National Collegiate Rugby for the images.
If you’re interested in taking the step up to playing college rugby in the US, feel free to contact us and book a free consultation.
info@eliterugbyscholars.com
