Men's DIII Preview

As the largest division in college rugby, Men’s DIII is one of the most hotly contested brackets at the Collegiate Rugby Championship. The last five titles have been won by five different programs. 

Defending champion Slippery Rock played the role of underdog last season, winning it all as a five-seed. The Rock won’t sneak up on anyone this time around as the No. 1 seed in the East, and 2024 MVP Zach Herrington returning for another run at hardware.

Great Midwest champion Wisconsin Eau Claire is the top dog in the West, having racked up four tournament titles in six outings this spring. The Bluegolds lost in the final and semifinal of the only tournaments they didn’t win, amassing a 26-2 record. Cal Schmitz is the heart of the team at scrumhalf, making magic in the shadows of towering props Luke Pugh and Andrew Boucher. 

Players to Watch

River Hanson started his intercollegiate athletic career as a safety on the Duke football team. He’s traded in the helmet for a scrumcap, though, helping the Blue Devils to a final four run in 15s in the fall. 

Duke flyhalf Aidan Gallagher led all DIII scorers at last year’s CRC, scoring five tries and eight conversions. He’s also back, as Duke looks loaded.

Denver’s Anthony Rice tied for the tournament high in tries last year, touching down five times for the Pioneers. His blistering speed is back for another go. 

Cinderella Candidate

Christendom has played as many or more competitive 7s this spring as anyone, racking up wins over journey teams Richmond and Susquehanna, and a one-score loss to top-seeded Eau Claire. Halfback Chris Santschi sets up a lot of scores, and forward Jude Burkett earns a lot of hard yards for the Crusaders.