MIDLOTHIAN, Va. -- The Belmont Abbey Rugby program will have new home for 2024-25 and beyond as the Rugby East Conference announced its decision to invite the Crusaders this week. The move is effective August 1, 2024.

The Abbey is the 12th member of the league, joining Life, Mary Washington, Mount St. Mary's, Queens and Southern Virginia in the South Division. The North Division will continue to consist of Army-West Point, Kutztown, the U.S. Naval Academy, Notre Dame (OH), Penn State and St. Bonaventure. All 12 programs are structured within the athletic department.

"We are thrilled to announce that the Belmont Abbey College Rugby program is joining the prestigious Rugby East Conference," Head Coach Nick Whitrow said. "Our journey in the Southern Rugby Conference has been invaluable, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the SRC for the stiff competition that has fueled our growth with a special thanks to Jim Wiseman, the SRC commissioner, for his unwavering support. Moving forward, we are excited to be part of the Rugby East Conference, which, in my opinion, stands as the strongest collective Division One conference in the nation. I want to express my appreciation to Rugby East Commissioner Scott Zavrel for his exceptional work throughout the exploratory planning process. The votes from fellow programs in Rugby East affirm our place in this esteemed conference, and we are honored to be welcomed into such a competitive environment.

"Lastly, immense thanks to Belmont Abbey College AD and Vice President Stephen Miss, President Theirfelder, and Abbot Placid for their constant support in the growth and elevation of our rugby program," Whitrow continues. "Together, we look forward to achieving new heights and making a mark in the Rugby East Conference."

Belmont Abbey added rugby as a full varsity program in 2019, and they have continued to steadily develop over the past four years. The Crusaders captured both the 2022 and 2023 Southern Collegiate Rugby Conference Championships and advanced into National Collegiate Rugby's (NCR) Division 1 XVs playoffs. The Crusaders also experienced success playing 7's; including a 4th place finish in the Men's Premier bracket at 2023 NCR Collegiate Rugby 7's Championship.

"We are very excited to welcome Belmont Abbey to the Rugby East", said Scott Zavrel, Rugby East Conference Commissioner. "The Crusaders are an ascending program, who already exist within our geographic footprint, and are making great strides towards becoming a powerhouse in the region. We are looking forward to our new partnership and to seeing the Crusaders achieve great things on and off the fields of play."