More than 20 Quinnipiac women’s rugby current and incoming athletes have filed a lawsuit against the university for violating Title IX, according to NBC Connecticut.
The university announced the demotion of the varsity women’s rugby program at the conclusion of the 2025-26 competitive cycle to club status in a press release April 14, while further noting the addition of a men’s distance program.
According to ESPN, the lawsuit filed against the university alleged that women’s rugby and other women’s programs on campus do not receive the same support as the university’s men’s teams. The lawsuit cites a lack of support in areas such as facilities, equipment, travel and medical services.
Additionally, the lawsuit cites that head coach Becky Carlson, who founded the program, repeatedly raised concerns about unequal treatment to Quinnipiac administration.
