Mount Vernon, NY – This past weekend, the Siena University men’s rugby team made a strong showing at the NCR National Qualifier hosted by Old Blue Rugby. Competing against some of the best teams, the Saints wrapped up pool play with a solid 2-1 record, reaffirming their skills in the 7s circuit.
Match 1: Siena vs. Columbia
The Saints kicked off the day with a close match against the Columbia Lions. Harry Ryder scored first, sprinting past the defense after a pass from Jack Burns. The teams entered halftime tied at 7-7 after Columbia managed to score just before the break. In the second half, Ryder struck again, making a remarkable 50-meter dash for another try. Despite a late score from Columbia, a missed conversion allowed Siena to win 14-12.
Match 2: Siena vs. Nazareth
In their next game, Siena showed their dominance with a 47-0 victory over Nazareth. Anthony Guarino set the pace early, passing to Luca Holloway for the first try within 90 seconds. The Saints kept the pressure on, with scores from Jack Burns and Ian Dobbins, leading 26-0 at halftime. The second half saw Harry Ryder score a fantastic 95-meter try, and Holloway added two more tries to secure the shutout.
Match 3: Siena vs. Southern Virginia
The stakes were high in their final pool match against Southern Virginia University, who had already achieved impressive wins. SVU took an early lead of 17-0 by halftime. But Siena didn’t back down. Luca Holloway scored quickly in the second half, followed by a try from Preston Frazier, bringing the game to 17-12. Siena pressed hard for another score but came up short. A late turnover allowed SVU to secure an insurance try, ending the match 22-12.
Looking Ahead
Even though the Saints didn’t make it to the semifinals, their performance was strong, especially against tough competition. Southern Virginia went on to win the tournament, defeating Kutztown and St. Bonaventure. Siena will look to bounce back on April 11 at the Fairfield 7s.
Insights and Context
Rugby has been growing in popularity in the U.S. In recent years, more colleges are forming teams, which increases competition. According to a 2021 survey, college rugby participation is up by over 20% compared to five years ago, reflecting the sport’s expanding appeal.
As the Saints continue their journey, they join a community of over 7,000 high school and college rugby players nationwide, illustrating the sport’s vibrant future. With increased support and visibility, teams like Siena are poised to make their mark.
The future looks promising for the Saints, and we’ll be watching their progress closely in the upcoming events.
