Update: This was updated to include a statement from head coach Becky Carlson.

Quinnipiac Athletics announced Tuesday morning that women’s rugby will move from  varsity to club level after 15 years as a Division I program.

“Following a comprehensive review of varsity participation, conference affiliation, department resources, and gender equity considerations, Quinnipiac will add a men’s indoor and outdoor distance program enhancing participation opportunities within the existing track and field structure and will transition women’s rugby from varsity to club status at the conclusion of the current competitive cycle,” Quinnipiac Athletics wrote in a press release.

With 15 years of history, the program was one of the first of its kind in the nation for women’s rugby and won three consecutive Division I National Championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

“We built something from scratch, won three national championships, brought the university an Olympic medal,” head coach Becky Carlson told NBC Connecticut, “Forward-thinking leaders see the power of women’s sport and support the space for it.  Today, I’m afraid Quinnipiac is lacking those leaders and it is truly crushing.”

Additionally, the university will add a men’s indoor and outdoor distance program. This is the first time this program will return to Hamden since they folded after the 2008-09 season.

Both changes will take place after the current competition cycle.

“These decisions are never easy, but they are essential to ensuring that Quinnipiac Athletics remains equitable, competitive, and sustainable for the long term,” wrote Director of Athletics Greg Amodio.

Women’s rugby will remain a “well-resourced” and “organized” club, per the university’s press release.