GRR: College Men
New England College dominated their regional playoffs in the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) with a 72-5 defeat of the University of Rochester, and a 38-12 defeat of Eastern Connecticut State.
That put NEC in the national semifinals, joining Central region winners St. John’s. Two more spots remain to be claimed for the April 25-26 finals.
The team’s 7s coach, Andy Doukas, said the Mustangs wanted to provide they could play 7s rugby and wanted to use the fall as a jumping off point for their 15s season.
Old Dominion rugby captain and No. 8 Michael Rigual is now back at home after surgery and a stint in intensive care following a vicious beating incurred Nov. 2 in which two of his teammates were also hurt.
Longtime St. Mary’s College of California volunteer coach Tony Samaniego is leaving the program after almost ten years with the team.
Samaniego, who helped run the Gaels 7s team, partnering with John Tyler and Mark Bass to lead the team to the USA Rugby Plate in 2011, 4th in 2012, and a runner-up position in 2013.