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“The men’s club rugby team may not represent the University in any organized competition, practice, or scrimmage.”
The University of Rhode Island’s men’s club rugby team is suspended for the academic year after an investigation into hazing allegations, the school said.
The allegation was initially reported to the university in June, and a month-long investigation was launched, said Dawn Bergantino, a spokesperson for URI. The process ended with an administrative hearing on Aug. 22.
“The University received and immediately investigated an allegation of hazing within the men’s club rugby team,” the university said in a statement. “The complaint was examined and adjudicated consistent with the University’s student conduct process.”
Information about individual student conduct proceedings can’t legally be shared, URI said, but the investigation led to the suspension of the team, which competes year-round against other club programs across the Northeast.
“The University has determined that the men’s club rugby team may not represent the University in any organized competition, practice, or scrimmage during the 2025-26 academic year,” the statement said.
The team should return to normal operation next September for the 2026-27 school year, according to the club’s webpage.
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