WHEELING — The Wheeling University women’s rugby team – due to multiple player suspensions and the firing of the team’s head coach Ken Pape due to internal discipline issues – has withdrawn from the National Collegiate Rugby Division I championship match scheduled for this weekend.

That withdrawal has also led to NCR suspending Wheeling University’s women from the postseason for at least two years.

NCR made the announcement in a Wednesday release. The organization did not specify the discipline issues that led to the withdrawal.

NCR approached the other semifinalists to fill the finals spot opposite Southern Nazarene University, but ended up inviting Northern Iowa to take Wheeling’s place.

“Wheeling’s untimely departure created a profoundly difficult situation for everyone involved,” said NCR Women’s Director Alycia Washington. “Southern Nazarene worked incredibly hard to earn their championship spot, and we were committed to finding them a championship-caliber opponent. We’re extremely grateful for the quick response and commitment from the University of Northern Iowa, which ensures our athletes will still have their Championship moment and a highly competitive matchup.”

The NCR discipline committee will investigate further and could impose greater sanctions after a full investigation has been completed. This decision, according to an NCR release, reflects the organization’s “unwavering commitment to maintaining a culture of accountability and integrity across its competitions.”

The Cardinals, who won the NCR Division I national title last season, were 11-0 this season and defeated Penn State in the national semis. Wheeling University officials could not be reached for comment as of Wednesday evening.