The Father Ryan High School Fighting Irish capped off their 2025 rugby season with one of the most memorable runs in recent Tennessee high school rugby history.
Coming into the year, the program faced heavy skepticism after graduating 19 seniors from last season’s roster. Observers questioned whether the Irish could continue to be competitive with so much turnover, but the father Ryan squad persevered with a healthy dose of self belief and some strong team leadership.
Led by captains Riley McClain and Andrew “Ziggy” Zagorski, Father Ryan found its rhythm at just the right time. The Irish opened the state tournament with a strong win over 901 Rugby out of Memphis, then followed it up with another impressive performance against a second Memphis-based side, PCA.
In the semifinals, Father Ryan took down Knoxville Youth Rugby in a gritty, physical battle that showcased the team’s growing chemistry and how relentlessly they defend.




















































