For Immediate Release
Collegiate Rugby – Men
Thursday October 23, 2025
Tri-State Men’s Division II Goes Down to the Wire
Poughkeepsie, NY – The final weekend of regular season play sees a number of teams still in contention for the 4 semi-final postseason spots. However, the waters are muddied on account of a game that was not played earlier this fall and the fact that the Fairfield University Men’s Developmental team does not advance to Conference postseason competition. The Stags have acquitted themselves admirably and look likely to finish either first or second but because the Fairfield program has a team in the Liberty Conference these players have a postseason pathway already in place.
If it is possible, the Stags might be able to play against the Tri-State Champion if and when they are knocked out of the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) postseason. This is not a certainty but the option will be entertained.
So, here is the picture for the 4 semifinal slots – USMMA, Kings Point will finish first or second and are assured of a home semifinal. The Academy plays Hofstra University this weekend, 10/26/25, and even a loss doesn’t hurt their semifinal slot. Kings Point has 27 points from 6 games. Fairfield also has 27 points from 6 games.
Hofstra University and SUNY-Maritime had to postpone their regular season game on account of bad weather. It is hoped that the game can be played next week but that may not be necessary if the mathematics dictate that it won’t change the standings. The game should be set up so that in the event that it needs to be played it can be.
If Hofstra lose to USMMA this Sunday and do not earn any bonus points then they will finish the season with 15 points and if they were to defeat Maritime and score a bonus point the maximum number of points the school could earn would be 20 points.
Maritime has 16 points after 5 games and this weekend plays SUNY-New Paltz. If the Privateers win and get maximum points they will have 21 points. A win over Hofstra could mean earning 4 or 5 more points to give them a total of 26 or 27 points. This would elevate them to second place in the Conference and a semifinal slot. (Remember Fairfield does not advance.)
Vassar College has 17 points after 6 games and the Brewers face Seton Hall who have 16 points. If the Vassar Men win and collect a bonus point then they will finish the season with 22 points. If Seton Hall wins with a bonus point they will finish with 21 points. Of course, either team could win and not earn a bonus point giving Vassar 21 points or Seton Hall 20 points.
Confused? Don’t be because there is more to consider!
If Hofstra was to beat USMMA and earn either 4 or 5 points then the game against Maritime becomes a major factor. Hofstra would have 19 or 20 points and a win over Maritime would give them 23 or 24 points.
If Maritime slips up against New Paltz and either lose or tie, the Privateers would have 16, 17 or 18 points with just the Hofstra game to play. A win over Hofstra would give them 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23 points.
Just to spice matters up a tad more there is the home field issue as the top 2 are scheduled to be at home as long as their field is championship standard.
All pretty clear huh? I guess that’s why we play sports!
Sunday night will see USMMA, Fairfield, Vassar, Seton Hall, New Paltz and Montclair State with final regular season totals. The question that will then be asked is, does the Hofstra v Maritime game even need to be played?
Sincerely,
Tony Brown
(845) 380-9052