The Men’s Division I semifinals are an all-Atlantic Rugby Conference affair, with St. Bonaventure (8-1-1) meeting Walsh (7-3-1) in Butler, PA, and Queens (7-2-1) hosting Belmont Abbey (8-3) in Charlotte, NC. Both are rematches from the regular season. 

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When Walsh hosted St. Bonaventure in October, the first-ever match between the programs, they played to a 25-25 draw. The Bonnies scored four tries to Walsh’s one, with Cavalier flyhalf Jake Tolhoek slotting six penalty kicks to put Walsh up 25-18 late. Bonnies hooker Mehdi Merah dotted down in the final three minutes and Noah Edwards converted to force the draw. 

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St. Bonaventure is seeking its first national championship since 2021, having fallen in the semifinal twice and final once since then. Walsh, in just its second year as a program, is seeking its first-ever national championship, though there are remnants from Notre Dame College’s 2023 title on the roster. 

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Belmont Abbey made the 16-mile trek to Queens for some Friday night footy under the lights in October, and the Royals ran away in the second half, 47-19. It was a must-win game for Queens, who started conference play 0-1-1 with a loss to Bonnies and a draw against Wheeling. 

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The Crusaders took an early lead with a pair of tries in the opening 10 minutes, and the Royals rallied to secure a narrow halftime lead, 21-19. The second stanza was all Queens, the Royals running in four tries and holding Belmont scoreless.

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Making it to Saturday already constitutes the deepest playoff run in Belmont Abbey’s five-year history. Queens, 2019 DII champs, are seeking their first DI title, having lost to Brown in the final in 2022 and 2024. Belmont Abbey is 0-3 all-time against Queens, the closest contest being a 20-point loss in 2024.

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St. Bonaventure and Walsh kick off at 3 p.m. ET in Butler, and crosstown rivals Belmont Abbey and Queens kickoff at 5 p.m. in Charlotte. Both matches will be streamed live on tv.ncr.rugby.