For the last several years there was Central Washington in the Northwest Collegiate Rugby Conference and then there was everyone else. The Wildcats would routine get near or exceed 100 points as they were rarely challenged in the conference. They also didn't participate in the post-season due to their Varsity Cup commitments. That's why Central has elected to pursue an independent schedule this upcoming season and won't play a regular season schedule in the NCRC.
"CWU moving to an independent schedule in an amicable move for both parties," said conference commissioner Matt Hudson. "CWU is still an associate member of the conference, Tony Pacheco is serving on the disciplinary committee and CWU is hosting NCRC 7s. All parties very much supportive of the move, it just made sense."
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That's not the only move the NCRC will see this year. With the institution of the NW Cup last year the winner of the Cup would have the chance to gain promotion to the NCRC. Puget Sound won the NW Cup but elected not to make the move up. However, NW Cup runners-up Gonzaga have been invited to take the place of Central Washington in the conference. Gonzaga have been a good side over the last couple of years and will give Washington State, Boise State, and Eastern Washington a good travel partner.
The NCRC is also taking over the fall SCM NSCRO pathway which will be separate from the NW Cup. The Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Conference won't be dealing with college rugby anymore.
The NCRC season will begin in just over a month with four 7s tournaments. First up is the Western Washington 7s, followed by the Boise State 7s, Washington State 7s, and then the NCRC 7s on October 17th. A couple of teams will also be participating in the Pac 12 7s in early November. The NW Cup will have a play in tournament for a team to play in the NCRC 7s.
The 15s season begins with a couple of matches in November with Eastern Washington and Gonzaga visiting Washington. The season begins in earnest in January with the semi-finals April 2nd and the championship April 9th.