Editor's Note: These rankings are for the teams that are estimated to participate. Until a team enrolls or participates, inclusion of teams is speculative.
Honorable Mentions (A-Z): 1823 Rugby, Boston Rugby, Chicago Griffins, Cincinnati Rugby, D.C. Furies, Kansas City Jazz, Legacy Rugby, Santa Barbara Rugby, Santa Monica Dolphins, San Francisco Golden Gate
It appears Seattle Atavus has rebranded as the women's edition of the Washington Athletic Club, and they're expected to remain strong in 2018. Behind them, the Surfers fall down to #6, as it's expected the 2018 RWC in San Francisco will affect the typical national team depth that provides some of the team's stars.
ORSU jumps into the rankings at #9 after the Pacific North was awarded a third seed. It would be surprising if the WPL outfit didn't make Nationals, but not impossible. Berkeley similarly joins at #12 and is expected to compete for the Pacific North's extra seed.
It's rumored that Minneapolis has rebranded as part of Metropolis, and that's how they show up here until we hear otherwise.
Charlotte jumps in at #17 after winning the D2 XVs National Championship and moving their program up to D1. They should be a formidable side in 7s accordingly.
Phoenix, out of Florida, should rebound into form in 2018 after a disappointing shortfall in 2017. The Southern women's group may not produce a national championship this year, but it has four strong teams capable of giving each other fits.
ORSU jumps into the rankings at #9 after the Pacific North was awarded a third seed. It would be surprising if the WPL outfit didn't make Nationals, but not impossible. Berkeley similarly joins at #12 and is expected to compete for the Pacific North's extra seed.
It's rumored that Minneapolis has rebranded as part of Metropolis, and that's how they show up here until we hear otherwise.
Charlotte jumps in at #17 after winning the D2 XVs National Championship and moving their program up to D1. They should be a formidable side in 7s accordingly.
Phoenix, out of Florida, should rebound into form in 2018 after a disappointing shortfall in 2017. The Southern women's group may not produce a national championship this year, but it has four strong teams capable of giving each other fits.