Marietta, Georgia – May 20, 2026 – Life University’s (Life U’s) Women’s Rugby program has solidified its place among the most dominant teams in collegiate rugby history, capturing an unprecedented trio of national championships across multiple formats during the 2025–26 season: the CRAA Division I 15s National Championship, the CRAA Premier Division 7s National Championship and the USA Rugby Division I Club 15s National Championship.
The historic national championship run began on April 11, 2026, when the Running Eagles claimed the CRAA Division I 15s National Championship with a commanding 40–14 victory over BYU in Sacramento, California. Life U built a decisive first-half lead with relentless pace and physicality, finishing an undefeated XVs season in dominant fashion.
Just two weeks later, Life U added to its championship resume on the national stage in Indianapolis. On April 26, 2026, the Running Eagles captured the CRAA Premier 7s National Championship, defeating Lindenwood 17–12 in overtime in a thrilling final. The victory highlighted the team’s resilience and depth, as the squad battled through injuries, lineup adjustments and a challenging tournament field to secure the title.
Completing the trifecta, Life U capped the season on May 17, 2026, by winning the USA Rugby Division I Club 15s National Championship in its very first season competing at the club level. The Running Eagles delivered a dominant performance, defeating the defending champion Utah Vipers by a 69–12 margin to secure the program’s third national title of the year.
The club championship run is particularly notable given the program’s immediate success in its inaugural season in Division I club competition, following a perfect 6–0 regular season that set the tone for postseason dominance.
Together, these achievements represent a rare and historic “triple crown” across collegiate and club competition formats, showcasing the program’s unparalleled depth, versatility and sustained excellence.
Life U finished the year with a perfect 23–0 record in 15s competition, underscoring the program’s consistency and control across formats. The season also featured widespread individual recognition, including championship MVP performances and multiple student-athletes earning opportunities within USA Rugby’s national development pathways.
“This season is a testament to the culture, commitment and unity of this program,” said Director of Women’s Rugby Ryszard Chadwick. “To succeed across multiple formats, against top collegiate and club competition, speaks to the work these student‑athletes have put in and the standard they continue to raise for themselves and for Life University.”
From traditional 15‑a‑side competition to the fast-paced 7s format – and extending into national-level club play – the Running Eagles demonstrated the ability to adapt, dominate and deliver in every arena they entered.
With three national championships secured in just over five weeks, Life University Women’s Rugby has not only defined its 2025-26 season as one of the most successful in program history but also set a new benchmark for excellence in collegiate rugby nationwide.
For more information about Life University, please visit life.edu.
For more information about Life University Athletics, please visit liferunningeagles.com.
To support Life University Women’s Rugby, visit alumni.life.edu/REC.
About Life University
Founded in 1974, Life University is a health sciences institution most known for its College of Chiropractic, the largest single-campus College of Chiropractic in the world. Undergraduates can pursue 12 undergraduate degrees; a pre-chiropractic, degree-seeking pathway; and three graduate degrees within the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. Some degree programs are offered to distance learners through the College of Online Education.
Life University strives to empower our students to succeed both professionally and personally. At Life U, we innovate our approach to higher education while also remaining true to our philosophical commitment to produce informed leaders who exemplify humanistic values in their professions. To achieve this goal, Life U recognizes and demonstrates its dedication through three official Life University Values: Lasting Purpose, Vitalism and Integrity.
Life U’s 110-acre campus in Marietta, Georgia, just northwest of Atlanta, is home to more than 2,400 undergraduate, graduate and professional students who come from all 50 United States and more than 60 countries.
Life University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, and also has programmatic accreditation through the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The mission of Life University is to empower students with the education, skills and values necessary for career success and life fulfillment, based on a vitalistic philosophy.
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