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In a major shift for men’s college rugby in the South, the Lonestar Rugby Conference will officially join National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) beginning in Fall of 2025. This move brings 20 men’s programs under the NCR umbrella, enhancing the reach and depth of one of the nation's fastest-growing rugby organizations. The incoming teams will compete across Division I-AA, Division II, and Division III.
The Lonestar Rugby Conference teams include:
Founded in 2012, the Lonestar Rugby Conference has developed a thriving league of college rugby in the South. The teams will be transitioning from a Spring XVs championship to a Fall XV’s championship schedule while continuing to play developmental Spring XVs and working toward a CRC 7s berth.
With Lonestar’s decision, the majority of DI-AA teams will be aligned around a Fall XVs championship in 2025.
Sam Houston State, the 2025 conference champion, is already familiar with NCR competition—having won the Lone Star Bowl in three straight seasons. Texas A&M will also be right at home, competing in NCR’s Southeastern Conference for Spring 7s.
NCR Men’s Director Brad Dufek shared his thoughts regarding the addition, “We are thrilled to welcome the Lonestar Conference men, bolstering our competitions across three divisions in the South Central part of the country. They are a collection of teams with unlocked potential and we look forward to supporting their journey moving forward.”
National Collegiate Rugby serves nearly 400 men’s rugby teams around the country representing the largest competitive leagues in Division I, Division I-AA, Division II and Division III. With many teams striving for a XVs title and a chance at the Spring National 7s, NCR provides numerous postseason opportunities across its four divisions.
With this new partnership, fans can expect a more competitive and unified rugby landscape in the South, setting the stage for thrilling matchups this fall.
