Regis University looks to be one of the top small college teams in the West as they have capped off a 7-0 fall.

Playing in a hugely difficult league that included Denver, New Mexico Highlands, and Northern Colorado, Regis started the season ranked last among those teams.

But soon they put the rest of the league on notice. Regis beat UNC 72-7 in the season opener, and then beat Denver (who had just beaten NMHU) 34-27. Regis then upended Northern Colorado a second time, and then Regis took down New Mexico Highlands in a tough on 35-24.

Long a well-respected rugby program in Colorado, Regis was, two years ago, in trouble. They were losing games by triple-digit scores. But they turned it around, getting some new coaching and some support from the school. The players who were with the team two years ago are, for the most part, still there. it wasn't the players so much, as everything else.

Senior outside center Andrew Hoy, senior fullback Beau Vrbas, and freshman scrumhalf Donovan Ronan have settled what is now a dangerous backline. Up front, locks Timmy Lynch and Brendan Niland, and flankers Jared Clements and Alex Yniguez have helped turn the team around. 

Head Coach Anthony Ford told Goff Rugby Report that Ronan, who joined the team this year, has been a spark. "He is a very special play," enthused Ford. "He has commanded each game for Regis with vision and playmaking. He is an incredible offensive weapon and and fierce defensive player. It seems like he is the gel that has helped bring this team to the level of playing we see today. Donovan will be a player to watch for many years yet in college rugby, and is someone to watch in the adult ranks in the upcoming years thereafter."

With Ford and assistants Craig McCoy (Forwards Coach) and Jamin Harvey (Backs Coach), the physically small team has beaten teams on skill, unity, and fitness.

"After coaching rugby for many years here and in Australia I've never coached a team like this," said Ford. "The courage and commitment [they] have shown is an inspiration to me and will be for many years to come."