National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO)

NSCRO Release

The National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) NSCRO has officially awarded the South Cup Championship, Mid-Atlantic South Region Championship, Central Region Championship, and Northeast Region Championship events as part of its Fall men’s playoffs. These hosts are official ‘on-the-clock’ and have been handed host responsibilities for these NSCRO flagship events. The selection process for the Spring playoff and National Championship events is underway.

The Central Region Championships for the Challenge Cup National Championships and Champions Cup National Championships will be hosted by Madison Union Rugby on 10-11 November 2018 at the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex located at 4064 Vilas Road, Cottage Grove, WI.

The South Cup Championship (Champions Cup) will be hosted by Eckerd College on 17-18 November 2018 at South Athletic Field, located at 4200 South 54^th Avenue in St. Petersburg, FL.

The Northeast Region (Champions Cup) and East Coast Region (Challenge Cup) will be hosted by Siena College on 17-18 November 2018 located at 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY.

The Mid-Atlantic South Region (Champions Cup) will be hosted by the Raleigh Rugby Football Club on 01-02 December 2018 at the Poole Road Rugby Complex, 7417 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

NSCRO began a bidding process in July and concluded the process in late August. The process was managed by Matt Robinette, NSCRO Director of Events. Each of these hosts completed comprehensive bids that benefit both parties and offer world-class facilities for these high-profile events. NSCRO congratulates these organizations on winning the bid to host these events and we look forward to working with them through the planning process. NSCRO and our host partners are committed to delivering value to our members through well-run, professionally produced championship events.

Steve Cohen, NSCRO President, said “The NSCRO bid process is detailed and thorough. Communication is critical and understanding expectations paramount,” when asked what the bid process is meant to achieve. Cohen explained the importance of producing professional events at quality venues as a benefit to the members of NSCRO as well as to the host community.

“We’re all very excited that the bid process has concluded with the selection of four outstanding venues, and the event planning can begin,” said Cohen.

“As one of the Midwest’s top rugby destinations, we’re excited to showcase the high-quality rugby of the small colleges in NSCRO,” said Jake Winkler, Executive Director of Madison United Rugby and the Wisconsin Rugby Sports Complex. “Tournaments like these are special events here,” Winkler added. “They provide our community with an outstanding opportunity to watch high-quality competition and expand our rugby network, helping our local teams recruit.”

Eckerd College Men’s Rugby Club President, Andrew Hernandez said, “Partnering with NSCRO to host the 2018 South Cup Championship is a big step forward for Eckerd Rugby. We feel we play at a high level as a club and are prepared to showcase our abilities to a much larger number of fans than we’re used to.”

“A flourishing rugby culture in Florida has helped mold both our men’s and women’s clubs into playoff-caliber teams, as well as help our players grow into fine young men and women. Working with NSCRO will be a tremendous advantage for Eckerd Rugby as we continue to contribute to the growth of the sport in St. Petersburg, in Florida, as well as across the United States,” Mr. Hernandez continued.

Br. Ed Coughlin, OFM, Ph.D., Siena College President commented, “Siena College is thrilled to host the NSCRO’s Champions and Challenge Cup Championship events November 17-18. Our men’s and women’s rugby programs have storied traditions and deeply committed alumni invested in the future of the programs. It’s our hope and expectation that partnering with a renowned national organization like NSCRO will raise the profile of Siena Rugby in New York’s Capital Region and beyond while establishing the foundation for future success. We look forward to providing student-athletes and fans with a first-class championship experience at of the Northeast’s premier rugby facilities.”

Bill Attmore, Chairman of the Raleigh RFC, said, “The Raleigh RFC views hosting events as vital to its continued success and growth. It has always been the clubs mission to grow the game, provide the opportunity for people to play, and learn the game. This event falls in line with our club’s goals set forth in 1981.”

For those teams, schools and/or venues interested in submitting a bid to host the NSCRO National Championships, contact Matthew Robinette, NSCRO Director of Events, at events@nscro.org.

About National Small College Rugby Organization
Since 2007, the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) has been at the forefront of fostering and developing small college rugby programs in the United States. NSCRO is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to small college programs that raise the profile, image, and benefits of collegiate rugby in the eyes of school administrators.

Comprised of nearly 400 men’s and women’s college rugby clubs who participate in more than 30 leagues, NSCRO provides an opportunity for these programs to showcase their abilities to a broader audience with a chance at a national title and ranking. Along with recognizing club and player success on and off the field, the increased visibility NSCRO creates has led to improved school support, greater on-campus interest in rugby, and growth in financial support and alumni involvement.

For more information, visit www.nscro.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.