NCR Release NCR is happy to announce Jessie Blitz as the Small College Commissioner for the NCR Women’s programs. Jessie began her career with rugby as a child being a part of the sideline support for her father’s team at Occidental College and the Denver Harlequins Old Boys team. She never really found her passion for the game until she started playing in College at Western Colorado University in Gunnison. Jessie played and served as the team president her senior year and was selected as an NSCRO All-American in 2018. In college, Jessie needed an internship so she cold-called the…

NCR Release National Collegiate Rugby has tabbed Pat Clifton as 7s Commissioner. He will be charged with overseeing NCR’s various 7s championships. Clifton comes to NCR having spent a decade with United World Sports, the owner, and operator of the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship. He also brings more than a dozen years of administrative experience in grassroots rugby, including founding the Gateway Collegiate Rugby Conference, and running numerous 7s events and competitions, such as the Heart of America Classic, Fountain City 7s, and Midnight Madness Indoor 7s. “College rugby, and in particular 7s, is very near and dear to…

Adrian College Release shared by National Collegiate Rugby ADRIAN, Mich.—Adrian College director of athletics Michael Duffy has announced that men’s rugby will be a varsity program that will be added next fall to the Bulldogs’ intercollegiate lineup, which is nearing the 50 sports. “We are extremely excited to bring another great opportunity to our students in the sport of rugby,” stated Duffy. “Rugby has such great tradition. This new program will be an outstanding addition to our lineup of sports here at Adrian College.” A national search is currently under way for a head coach to lead the new Bulldogs…

National Collegiate Rugby has appointed Gift Egbelu as the Men’s Growth & Development Coordinator effective October 1. In this new position, Gift will assist new and emerging clubs, build the profile of rugby with collegiate communities, and grow the number of men’s teams across all divisions. Gift reports to Men’s Director Steve Hiatt. Commenting on Gift’s appointment, CEO Jeremy Treece said “The sport of rugby has tremendous growth potential and we will be increasing our focus on development for both men and women. Gift will play an important role in accelerating the growth of men’s collegiate rugby and helping our teams reach…

NCR Release National Collegiate Rugby is pleased to announce new officers on the board of directors: President: Rafael Zahralddin Vice President: Jayme Pendergast Treasurer:  Kyle Smith Secretary: Brett Anker   With the exception of Kyle Smith, who will continue in the role of Treasurer, each of the appointees is a first-term officer on the NCR board.Full board bios are available on ncr.rugby.“I am honored to be appointed President of the NCR Board. Steve Cohen is a very tough act to follow, but I am surrounded by committed board members, officers, and a high-quality executive team. I am especially looking forward to…

National Collegiate Rugby Release The National Collegiate Rugby Organization has recently appointed four new members to its Board of Directors: Jenn Stratton, Bill Kelly, Kevin Houseknecht, and Anton Forbes-Roberts. A Nominating Committee reviewed multiple candidates from an open application process and these four were approved by the current Board of Directors. NCR Board President and CEO, Steve Cohen, remarked that “I am very pleased that these outstanding individuals with diverse backgrounds will be joining our Organization. They are all accomplished professionals bringing different skill sets with a strong desire to improve college rugby in this country.” Jenn StrattonJenn is a versatile and strategic…

National Collegiate Rugby Release National Collegiate Rugby is postponing the NCR 15s Championships for 2020 at this time with the hope for alternatives if conditions improve later in the year.  NCR will make adjustments based on any progress in this challenging environment. It is completely within the discretion of individual NCR conferences and institutions to decide how to pursue fall competition and training depending on their geographic footprint and collective best interest. NCR will be closely monitoring any applicable state and local Covid-19 restrictions that would impact any potential events. NCR will also be working with our member conferences and…

Steve Cohen has been a legend in promoting college rugby. Glad to see that he will continue his involvement in the NCR organization. Good luck Steve! Wish you well in the challenges ahead. National Collegiate Rugby Release National Collegiate Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of Vice President Steve Hiatt as its Interim Director of Men’s Rugby. NCR CEO Steve Cohen who has been the long term NSCRO/NCR Men’s Director will be stepping down from his role as Men’s Director to focus more of his time on strategic programming for the organization. Hiatt started serving NSCRO in 2014 as…