Eight teams coming to Palm Coast for National Women’s Rugby Championship

We’re hosting the best women’s rugby players in the United States, and we encourage everyone in our community to come out and support these outstanding players.

Palm Coast, FL – November 24, 2014 – The teams have been announced for the American Collegiate Rugby Association’s national women’s rugby championship tournament being played Dec. 6 and 7 at Indian Trails Sports Complex:

• Penn State University, Pennsylvania
• Quinnipiac University, Connecticut
• Indiana University, Indiana
• Norwich University, Vermont
• Notre Dame College, Ohio
• Kutztown University, Pennsylvania
• Winona State University, Minnesota
• Bowdoin College, Maine

“This is Palm Coast’s first collegiate tournament and our first national championship, and we are very excited to welcome ACRA here,” said Luanne Santangelo, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Palm Coast. “We’re hosting the best women’s rugby players in the United States, and we encourage everyone in our community to come out and see their favorite teams and support these outstanding players.”

The national championship tournament will be played in two divisions. Tickets will be sold at the gate, with daily prices of $10 adults; $5 students; $5 seniors (62 and older); and free for children 6 and under. The Girls Weightlifting team at Matanzas High School will be selling the tickets and also will have a full concession stand throughout the tournament as a team fundraiser. The game schedule is as follows:

Saturday, Dec. 6 – 9 a.m.: Notre Dame vs. Kutztown; 11 a.m.: Winona vs. Bowdoin; 1 p.m.: Penn State vs. Quinnipiac; and 3 p.m.: Norwich vs. Indiana.

Sunday, Dec. 7 – 10 a.m.: consolation matches for Division One and Two; Noon: Division Two Fall Championship Game; and 2 p.m. Division One Fall Championship Game.

Updates can be found at www.acra-rugby.com.

Rugby will be added to the Olympic Games in 2016, for the first time in many decades, and it’s growing in popularity on college campuses and among spectators.

“We’d like to encourage the public to come out and watch the games,” said Jeff Ward, Executive Director of ACRA. “It’s really great rugby. It’s the only sport for women that not only allows contact, but encourages it. It’s very athletic and fun to watch. Sports fans will truly love it.”

The American Collegiate Rugby Association includes more than 150 colleges, representing the largest group of rugby teams in the country.

Websites of Interest for Rugby Fans

For more information, contact Cindi Lane, Palm Coast communications & marketing manager, at 386-986-3708.