Ardmore, Pa. (ACRC 7s Report) —Old Dominion University does not need to travel far to attend the 2016 ACRC7s this weekend (April 30-May 1) at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. But for ODU, the tournament represents a big step forward in their journey to becoming a nationally recognized rugby program.

“This will be our third year playing in this Virginia Beach tourney, and it is what we aim for in the spring, to play the country’s best programs,” said Mike Herron, ODU Head Coach.

“We've had a number of big wins in the tournament, but we've also come up against some programs that for us are the measuring stick for our success. We're also getting a look at some new schools, which really helps.”

ODU has made sevens rugby—the faster-paced version of the game being played this year at the Summer Olympics in Rio—a priority, having played in three sevens tournaments already this spring. With teams like Kutztown, James Madison, Navy and Delaware, the ACRC7s offers the kind of high-level rugby competition ODU is looking for.

ODU has been playing well this spring, winning over half their matches against tough opponents including Ohio University, the University of Virginia and South Carolina. Standout players for the Monarchs are Nick Wagner, 15's and 7's captain, and Kevin Marley, consistently ranked one of the top players in the Cardinal Conference.

“Old Dominion has always had some speed to put on display, but this year we also have some size,” Herron said. “We have two players in our top 12 that are well over 250 pounds.”

URugby Live! Can be seen on www.URugby.Com.

Catch Coach Herron on Friday, April 29 from 7-9 p.m. at the Eagles Nest in Virginia Beach, where he will be interviewed on stage for URugby Live! is hosted by Goff Rugby Report's Alex Goff, Next Level Rugby's Ryan Ginty and ODU grad Matt Robinette. The show includes expert commentary on some of the biggest topics in collegiate sevens rugby, including coach interviews, spring 7s highlights, ACRC7s history, and much more.