As we head into the final round of the 2024 NERFU Men’s Division 2 season, the standings are heating up, with several teams vying for the top four playoff spots. While the women’s divisions and college divisions have already wrapped up their regular seasons and confirmed their playoff berths, the Men’s Division 2 race is still wide open, with one more crucial weekend of games to go.
The current standings, with six matches played by each team, show the Boston Irish Wolfhounds at the top, followed by Portland Rugby, Boston Rugby, Worcester Rugby, and Mystic River Rugby in the top five. With one week of regular-season play left, the race for the final playoff spots is on.
Current Standings Overview:
1st Place: Boston Irish Wolfhounds (28 points) – Undefeated, with six wins and zero losses, the Wolfhounds hold a commanding lead with a +211 points differential. They are guaranteed a playoff spot, and their upcoming match against Portland will determine if they remain the number one seed.
2nd Place: Portland Rugby (25 points) – Portland is just three points behind the Wolfhounds with a 5-1 record. Even if they lose in the final round, they have already secured a playoff berth.
3rd Place: Boston Rugby (22 points) – Boston has a 4-2 record, and their fate hangs on the final match against Mystic River. A win or tie guarantees them a playoff spot.
4th Place: Worcester Rugby (19 points) – Worcester currently holds fourth place due to a head-to-head victory over Mystic River. A win over Newport would likely secure their playoff spot.
5th Place: Mystic River Rugby (19 points) – Mystic has three wins and three losses. They face Boston in the final round and need a win to stay in playoff contention. A bonus point victory would be crucial if they aim to surpass Worcester in the standings.
Key Matchups in the Final Round:
Boston vs. Mystic River – Both teams need this win to secure their spot in the playoffs. Boston’s path is clear: win or tie, and they’re in. Mystic River will aim for a win, ideally with a bonus point, to leapfrog over Boston or Worcester.
Portland vs. Wolfhounds – Both teams are already through to the playoffs, but this match will decide the first seed. If Portland manages to upset the undefeated Wolfhounds, they could potentially secure the number one seed. A Wolfhounds victory will solidify their top position.
Newport vs. Worcester – Worcester needs a victory to maintain their position in the top four. A loss here would open the door for Mystic River to potentially overtake them, depending on the outcome of the other matches. Even if Worcester wins, bonus points for other teams could shift the final standings, creating a tense scenario.
As the final whistle approaches, Boston, Mystic River, and Worcester face a thrilling, all-or-nothing weekend. The current standings suggest that the Wolfhounds and Portland are safely through, while the remaining two playoff spots will come down to performance, bonus points, and potentially tiebreaker rules. Fans of NERFU Men’s Division 2 rugby are in for an exciting finish, with all eyes on the Boston-Mystic and Worcester-Newport matchups to determine the final playoff picture.
Who will rise, and who will fall short? Only time will tell as we head into the final round of what has been an incredible season. Stay tuned for the results!
