CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Harvard Women's Rugby cemented its dynasty status on Saturday, claiming the 2025 NIRA National Championship and completing a historic three-peat. With the victory, the Crimson also became the first program in NIRA history to win four national titles, solidifying their place as the standard of excellence in collegiate women's rugby.

How It Happened

Harvard opened the match with confidence and precision. Courtney Taylor powered across the try line for the first score of the game, and first-year Ava Ference calmly slotted the conversion to give the Crimson an early 7–0 lead. Lindenwood responded with a try and conversion of their own, leveling the match at 7–7.

The Crimson surged ahead again as Sophie Hayes broke through the Lions' defensive line for a momentum-shifting try. Just before halftime, Harvard added a critical cushion when Charlotte Gilmour capped a sustained attacking sequence with a try, sending the Crimson into the break up 17–7.

Lindenwood struck first in the second half, narrowing the gap with a converted try to make it 17–14. But Harvard delivered the highlight of the afternoon when Sanaa Lunon made a spectacular play—tracking a perfectly placed cross-field kick, securing it in stride, and touching down for a stunning try that reignited the Crimson sideline.

Lindenwood answered once more to tighten the score, but Harvard's defensive composure and late-game execution held strong. The final whistle blew on a 22–19 victory, securing the championship and etching the 2024–25 Crimson into the history books.

With a three-peat, a fourth title in program history, and a performance defined by grit and skill, Harvard Women's Rugby has once again proven why it sits atop the NIRA landscape.

Harvard Highlights

• This marks the fourth time the program has won the NIRA championship in its history; making Harvard the first NIRA team to ever accomplish this feat (2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025).

• The Crimson finished the season with an undefeated record of 9-0, marking a successful campaign under Mel Denham, who claimed her fourth championship in nine years.

• Tiahna Padilla was named the 2025 NIRA Championship Most Valuable Player, her third time winning the title. 

Up Next

The 2025 NIRA Division I Champion Harvard women's rugby team will return to the pitch in the spring semester for 7s action.