Central Washington Cuts Varsity Rugby Programs

Central Washington University has dropped its men's and women's rugby programs as varsity sports, marking the end of an era days after the recent playoff exit.

The decision will be effective after the current academic year, a move linked to budget constraints due to declining enrollment and anticipated state funding cuts.

With the discontinuation of both rugby programs, it is anticipated that 70-75 student-athletes and four coaches will be affected.

The university hinted that decreased enrollment, an increase in operational expenses, and a looming state budget were the main contributing factors to the change. These setbacks portray broader concerns within higher education institutions nationwide, the majority of which are preparing for the impact of the enrollment cliff.

In a statement, Athletic Director Dr. Dennis Francois acknowledged the coaches and the athletes’ efforts in helping to establish the men’s and women’s rugby programs.

"This was a very difficult decision, and this news is incredibly disappointing for our rugby student-athletes, coaches, and our department as a whole," said Francois. 

"I want to be clear that this decision is by no means a reflection on the student-athletes or coaching staffs who have helped these programs perform at an extremely high level year after year. Their success in competition and the classroom speaks for itself."

Both rugby programs have had good seasons, with the women’s team achieving a national award in 2023 and the men’s team priding itself on a Scholz Award finalist this year.

Despite the ending of the varsity support, all current rugby athletic scholarships through the 2025-2026 academic year will still be honored by CWU and receive transfer assistance.

CWU Athletics will now concentrate its resources on its 13 remaining NCAA championship sports.