Heart of America (college rugby)

The Heart of America Collegiate Conference (HOAC) is a collegiate athletic conference affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). While primarily known for sports such as football, basketball, and baseball, the HOAC also sponsors men's and women's rugby programs. The status of rugby within the HOAC has varied over time, with some institutions fielding varsity programs and others participating at the club level. The conference does not consistently sponsor a formal, conference-wide rugby championship. Individual institutions typically compete in regional and national rugby competitions organized by governing bodies such as National Collegiate Rugby (NCR). Participation levels and the number of institutions fielding rugby teams within the HOAC fluctuate based on student interest and institutional support.