MEN'S RUGBY

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Recent developments in men's collegiate rugby in the Northeast have prompted Norwich University to move from New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU) Collegiate Division I to NERFU Division II.

In February, the Ivy League schools decided to form their own rugby conference. Their decision effectively removed three teams (Dartmouth, Harvard and Yale) out of NERFU's Division I, leaving just Connecticut, Army, Northeastern, Boston College and Norwich. In addition, one NERFU Division II team, Brown, moved into the Ivy League, creating an opening in Division II.

"The opportunity to compete at the Division II level was attractive because it allows us to play conference games against Middlebury, St. Michael's, Vermont and Williams," said Norwich head coach Bob Weggler. "We no longer have to drive three, four or five hours to play quality rugby. Middlebury won the 2009 Division II National Championship, and its campus is just 90 minutes away. For a school of our size, this will allow Norwich rugby more opportunity for success. Our women's program already competes at the Division II level and has been very successful."

This past spring Norwich had 19 freshman gain competitive experience. 

"The boys are excited about the move to Division II," added Weggler.

The Cadets' league opener will be at Williams College on Sept 19.