CRAA Sets 2026 National Championship Brackets

The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2026 Men's D1A National Championship and Challenger Cup Playoff brackets, igniting the postseason for 22 elite collegiate teams. The intense D1A National Championship path begins with initial playoff rounds on April 11, progressing through Quarterfinals on April 18 and Semifinals on April 25, culminating in a marquee D1A National Championship showdown between the University of California - Berkeley and the US Naval Academy at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis on May 2. Further expanding the competitive landscape, the D1A Challenger Cup will feature Ohio State, St. Thomas, Santa Clara, and UC Santa Cruz in play-in games, vying to face top seeds Davenport and Utah during the championship weekend. This action-packed Indianapolis event, spanning May 1-3, also encompasses the D1AA National Semifinals with matchups like Arizona State versus Iowa State, the D2 National Championship featuring California Lutheran and North Florida, and U23 Bowl games, solidifying Indianapolis as a crucial hub for collegiate rugby development. For US rugby fans, this comprehensive championship weekend offers a vital look at the sport's future stars and showcases the pinnacle of collegiate competition, with all games available to watch live on the CRAA Rugby YouTube channel.