A federal judge ruled today against Quinnipiac women’s rugby players’ injunction to have the team reinstated immediately. 

23 current and former Quinnipiac women’s rugby players sued the university earlier this month, alleging discrimination and violation of Title IX, among other things.

“​​The Court concludes that Defendants have articulated legitimate, non-retaliatory reasons for the demotion of the women’s rugby team,” per court documents released Tuesday.

It appears that the court did not find sufficient evidence to support the plaintiffs’ claims that the team was demoted for retaliatory claims.

“Quinnipiac’s decision to challenge Coach [Becky] Carlson’s decision to resign and to not accept her tendered resignation letter in July 2024 substantially undermines any inference of a retaliatory motive for the demotion of the rugby program to club status,” per court documents. 

As stated in court documents, Quinnipiac Athletic Director Greg Amodio testified that Carlson was a fierce advocate for her program, but many of concerns that she brought to him regarding Title IX were addressed.

Notably, Amodio specifically testified that Carlson’s complaints had no effect on his decision to eliminate the team, opposite to what the players allege.

The case is likely to be brought to trial quickly, but a future court date is unclear at the moment.

Court documents also note that if the players prevail at trial, the expectation is that there will be time to reinstate the team before the 2027-2028 academic year.