Clubs to form dynamic new conference alignment starting in the Fall 2026 season
National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) is proud to announce an expansion of its men’s competition for the upcoming Fall 2026 season. Seven high profile universities from the Heart of America (HOA) Conference will join NCR and establish a new, competitive athletic conference.
The seven institutions making the transition are:
This structural alignment bridges historic regional rivalries with the extensive postseason pathways offered by NCR. With the addition of these elite programs, NCR's Division I-AA competition now exceeds 60 clubs across the country, firmly establishing it as the largest and most competitive landscape for name-brand, non-varsity rugby programs in the United States. The new, yet-to-be-named competition will maintain the teams' traditional regular-season schedules, preserving fierce rivalries on the rugby pitch. The competitive structure will culminate in early November, with the victors earning placement into the DI-AA postseason.
"Adding these seven Heartland programs creates a new milestone for NCR," said Brad Dufek, NCR Director of Men’s Rugby. "These schools bring passionate fans, fierce rivalries, and a standard of on-field excellence that elevates our entire DI-AA competition. By launching this new competition, we're giving these teams a suite of new services and a stable, competitive regular season while opening up a direct, clear path to play for a national title."
Many of the departing programs already possess a history of national postseason appearances on the NCR stage. Notably, the University of Kansas featured in the 2024 Lone Star Bowl, while the University of Nebraska recently showcased its talent by qualifying for the 2026 National 7s Championship.
For the coaches and players, the transition represents a massive step forward in expanding the profile and stability of their respective programs.
"Arkansas has watched the growth of NCR over the past four years," said Lance Cummings, University of Arkansas Head Coach. "Maintaining our traditional regional competition is critical for our player development, and we are excited for the clear national pathways NCR provides. The opportunity to compete against the big-name schools our players grew up watching, combined with the structure and stability NCR brings to the collegiate game, makes this a tremendous step forward for our program."
Derek Pearson, University of Nebraska, echoed the excitement surrounding the move: "Moving to NCR opens the door to new levels of national competition and opportunity. Our students manage this team in all aspects, and NCR has proven to be an exceptional partner for them during our recent sevens runs. Their commitment to competitive excellence, integrity, and transparency perfectly reinforces the values we live every day. The jersey doesn’t change. The standard doesn’t change. The expectation doesn’t change. There’s no place like Nebraska."
Further details regarding the official name of the new conference, final schedule drops, and broadcast information for the Fall 2026 season will be released in the coming months.
