Babson Rugby is doing something unprecedented this Fall by being the only Division 3 College in the Northeast to take the leap into Division 1AA for Fall XV’s. Moving from the NERFU Champions Division, Babson will now play in the Liberty Rugby Conference. This move to D1AA for XVs has been the goal since the Fall of 2021 and it is finally upon us.

To give some perspective on this move, as of November 2023, there were 70 colleges and universities in New England who had rugby teams. Organized by NCAA Divisions where their primary sports are determined, there were 22 D1 schools, 9 D2 schools and 39 D3 schools. Rugby, however, does not have to follow their NCAA school alignment. Of the 22 NCAA D1 schools in New England with rugby teams, only 10 play D1 Rugby (D1 and D1AA); 5 play in D2 and 7 play in D3, including Holy Cross, who Babson has historically played and was runner-up in the 2024 D3 National Championship. Additionally, of the 39 NCAA D3 schools with rugby in New England, only 3 play “UP”; Coast Guard and Norwich play D2 and BABSON will be the ONLY D3 school playing UP in D1 (D1AA).

This is a huge milestone for Babson and we couldn’t be more proud and excited for their move to the Liberty Conference. Congratulations Men and Best Wishes for a rewarding and successful Fall Season!!