ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The Navy men's rugby team claimed the top seed in the East Region for the 2023 College Rugby Association of America's (CRAA) Division I-A Elite Playoffs.
The playoffs are comprised of 12 teams, with six in each of the two brackets.
Navy's #1 ranking earned it a first-round bye and a home playoff match Saturday, April 15 at 1 p.m. at the Prusmack Rugby Center. Navy's quarterfinals opponent will be the winner of the first-round match between #4 Army and #5 Davenport. Those teams will face eachother April 8 at West Point, N.Y.
All playoff matches will be available to watch for free on the Rugby Network through links provided on NavySports.com(.)
"It has been a fantastic season for our Midshipmen who have reached new heights in our inaugural varsity season. Our reward at the end of the regular season is the number one seed and a home playoff match," said director of rugby
Gavin Hickie. "We are very excited to welcome the winner of Davenport vs. Army to Annapolis on April 15th and our attention turns to preparation for the national championship. The team has earned the right to play for the national championship and we are extremely excited to be able to play at home in front of our phenomenal supporters."
The Mids earned the top seed in their half of the bracket after they finished the regular season with a 15-0 record. Navy completed the fall season with 11 victories and claimed its first Rugby East conference championship with a 9-0 record in league play. The Mids won an additional four matches during the spring season, which included wins over fourth-ranked California and eighth-ranked Army.
Navy will need three wins in the playoffs to secure its first national title. A victory by the Mids in their quarterfinal round match would allow Navy to host the semifinal match on April 22. That opponent would be either #2 Lindenwood, #3 Life or #6 Texas A&M.
The national championship game will be played at Avena Stadium in Houston, Texas Saturday, May 8.
Fans can view the playoff bracket below.
