MEN'S RUGBY SUMS UP YEAR AFTER SPRING SEASON CANCELLATION

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- All club sports were canceled for the remainder of the 2020 Spring semester due to COVID-19 after Bryant University’s Spring break in March. We asked members of our club sports to sum up some of the best, worst, and cherished times together. Read below to learn more about Men’s Rugby and how they summed up their year. 

• What was the best competition/race/tournament you participated in and why? 

The Keene State Game was the best competition we participated in this Fall Season.  This was held towards the end of the season and we were able to put everything together from practice and prior games to come out on top in a big way.  We played the best rugby as a team this game and created the best offensive opportunities we’d have all season.  Lots of new guys were thrown into big spots in this particular matchup and they rose to the occasion and were a pivotal part of this win.  Bryant came out on top 69-14 and the large margin of victory and the way we played gave us the confidence to win out the rest of the season.   

• What was the worst competition/race/tournament you participated in and why? 

The worst game of the season had to be the game against Holy Cross.  This particular club is always a wild card, and we’re never really sure how they’ll stack up against us from season to season.  This year, they really took it to us, and we were unprepared for their impressive offensive attack.  This game served as a reality check for the club, but we were able to bounce back in the remaining matchups.    

• What was a good general memory or highlight from this year? 

One of the best highlights from the season was how the new guys came in and learned the game so quickly.  Many freshmen, as well as new players to the game, were tested in big moments during the season and they always met the opportunity with open arms and crushed it.  The coaching staff, as well as the upperclassmen alike, were thrilled with how the club's new members contributed to the team on and off the field, and we hope this continues to be the case in the years moving forward.   

• What was a fun bonding experience your team did? 

One of the best bonding experiences for the club every year is coming together to support the girl’s rugby club in all their games as well.  Since a lot of us have just recently started playing this game, were all in this together and have shown a lot of camaraderie between the two clubs.  Going to events like this together has strengthened the bond on and off the field for the team.   

• What will your team miss the most about this year? 

The team will be missing not only the comradery and team chemistry we’ve built up all season, but also our much-anticipated spring tournaments.  This includes the Beast of the East tournament in Portsmouth, RI which is always one of the biggest highlights of the season every single year, and the Rhode Island Cup.  We’ve come off some huge success in the Beast in the past few years and we were excited to keep that rolling for this year.  In addition, the Rhode Island Cup was a new tournament this year and we were excited to compete to be named the best club in the state.   

• Anything else you feel would sum up this year?

The seniors would love to shout out the great coaching staff and players whom we’ve shared this exciting sport with for the last 4 years.  We’re saddened to have it end this way but it's been an honor to be a part of the club and create the rugby memories we’ll cherish forever.   

• What the team looks forward to next year?

The Men’s Rugby Club is looking to get over the 500-record marker we’ve achieved for the past few seasons (3-3 this season).  We’re hungry for a true winning season and feel as though we’re skilled and confident enough to win extensively in the seasons to come after the way we played towards the end of this season.