The Full Story
The Merger
The recent merger of the Colonial Coast Rugby Conference (CCRC) and the New England Wide Collegiate Rugby Conference (NEWCRC) marks a significant step forward in balancing competition and fostering growth in the North Atlantic rugby scene. This strategic move combines the strengths of both conferences, aiming to create a more competitive and inclusive environment for collegiate rugby. The merger is designed to leverage the geographical and organizational synergies between the two conferences, ensuring that rugby in the region continues to develop and thrive. This unification is not just about pooling resources but also about sharing best practices, enhancing the quality of competition, and providing better opportunities for players and teams across the North Atlantic region.
Colonial Coast Rugby Conference
Since its establishment in 2012, the Colonial Coast Rugby Conference has been a powerhouse in Division III collegiate rugby, both for men’s and women’s teams throughout New England. The conference has consistently demonstrated excellence, with numerous teams reaching the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) National Championships. Notable achievements include multiple championship victories by Endicott College and Salve Regina University. Additionally, the Colonial Coast Women's 7s All-Stars have captured three NCR 7s All-Stars Championships, showcasing the depth of talent within the conference. The CCRC has been dedicated to the growth and development of rugby as a collegiate sport, continuously adding new teams and enhancing the competitive landscape. Their focus on skilled competition and community engagement has made them a cornerstone of college rugby in the region (Colonial Coast Rugby) (Rugby Breakdown) (Colonial Coast Rugby).
New England Wide Collegiate Rugby Conference
The New England Wide Collegiate Rugby Conference (NEWCRC) has been pivotal in the development of college rugby since its inception in 2011. As a USA Rugby Division 2 collegiate league, it supports both men's and women's clubs across multiple competitive tiers. The conference has produced several national champions, including the Springfield College Men's Rugby team, which has won the conference championship in 15s rugby in 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2023, as well as in 7s rugby in 2023 (NE Collegiate Rugby) (Springfield College Men's Rugby). NEWCRC is known for its robust competition, commitment to player development, and providing a structured pathway for teams to compete at higher levels. This dedication to excellence has made NEWCRC a significant contributor to the advancement of rugby in New England.
