RUGBY NORTHEAST IS FOCUSED ON GROWING WOMEN’s rugby
in New england and building community
Our mission & VALUES
Rugby Northeast is committed to supporting and growing the game of rugby in New England by providing competition and development opportunities to athletes and coaches of college rugby programs at any stage in their journey.
Colby College (Maine) | 2018
Bentley University (Mass.) | Spring 2019
diversity & Inclusion
RNE believes that diversity adds value in many ways and that rugby is for all. We stand to provide equitable opportunities to anyone interested in joining the rugby community.
support to each TEAM
RNE is honored to be chosen as a home for many collegiate teams and we are committed to giving each member a seat at the table and a voice in the discussion. We recognize that teams are in unique situations and strive to provide them with the support and guidance needed to succeed.
forward-thinking
Rugby is a sport that is ever-evolving, as is the landscape in which we play. RNE is committed to looking ahead towards the future of the sport and providing our athletes and coaches with the tools necessary to stay on top of their game and prepare to win tomorrow.
INterested in learning more?
our leadership
Learn more about our executive board and consider giving your time to grow the game.
devin digiovanni
commissioner
Commisioner since Spring 2020
Treasurer 2012-2018
olivia benzan-Daniel
vice commissioner
VC since 2018
Secretary 2017
Women’s Division Coordinator 2015-2018
RNE is governed by a set of bylaws
our history
Rugby Northeast, a 501(c)(3) non-profit org, was established in 2011 by Chip Auscavitch as the first Division II collegiate conference in America. Initially established to mirror the NCAA’s NE-10, RNE was home to over 20 men’s and women’s college teams. Since founding, RNE has always supported competition and pathways in both XVs and Sevens Rugby, offering a Fall XVs Championship, and annual Rugby Northeast 7s Tournament.
Although the men’s teams within RNE saw success at a National level, the evolution of collegiate rugby in America presented the opportunity to focus on women’s programming in 2020. RNE currently focuses on supporting twenty-one women’s rugby clubs across DI, DII, and Small College rugby across New England.