Wabash fell to Springfield College in the semifinal, awarded third place by NCR
- Wabash finished in third place, despite rain forcing day three of the tournament to be canceled
- Wabash entered the knockout round as the #1 seed and progressed directly into the semifinal
- Wabash won both of its pool play games and will play a semifinal match on Saturday, April 29
- Torrential rain caused chaos on the first day, with some matches being postponed due to flooding
- Tournament held at the University of Maryland
Sunday, April 30. 10:37 a.m.
BREAKING NEWS: WABASH FINISHES THIRD AT NATIONALS
National Collegiate Rugby has confirmed that Wabash has finished in third place at the national 7s tournament. The Little Giants should have played a 3rd/4th place playoff game today, but it was canceled due to the inclement weather. As a result, Wabash, as the higher seeded team, will take home the third place trophy.
Sunday, April 30. 9:55 a.m.
Good morning, and apologies for the lack of updates. Here’s what you need to know this morning:
- Wabash’s schedule game today is CANCELED due to rain
- Wabash should have played in a 3rd/4th place playoff, but rain has forced the event organizers to cancel all but the championship games
- It is unclear whether Wabash will be placed
Saturday, April 29. 6:04 p.m.
It’s a somber mood in the Wabash camp after that defeat, but these Little Giants have a lot to be proud of.
Saturday, April 29. 5:40 p.m.
FULL TIME.
WABASH 20, SPRINGFIELD 26.
A crazy game, one that could very easily have swung in Wabash’s favor. A couple of injuries to key players certainly did not help matters.
The Little Giants will compete again tomorrow in the 3rd/4th place playoff.
WABASH 20, SPRINGFIELD 26
Full time
Saturday, April 29. 5:38 p.m.
Now Hunter Wray has to go off injured as the clock hits 14:00.
Saturday, April 29. 5:37 p.m.
Scrum for Wabash in a good position. They need to make the most of this…
Ball out to Gastineau who is tackled at the line… but then the official gets in the way of Proctor. Scrum for Wabash in a good position again…
TRY for WABASH. Goodnight gets his second of the match!
Conversion is no good.
WABASH 20, SPRINGFIELD 26.
Saturday, April 29. 5:34 p.m.
TRY for WABASH. Hunter Wray, who came on to replacer Villeda, scores.
Conversion is no good.
WABASH 15, SPRINGFIELD 24.
Still three minutes left in this one.
Saturday, April 29. 5:33 p.m.
Carnage here, as both Budler and Villeda are down injured…
TRY for SPRINGFIELD.
Conversion is GOOD.
WABASH 10, SPRINGFIELD 24.
Villeda is taken off the field with an injury.
Saturday, April 29. 5:32 p.m.
Second half underway. Restart doesn’t go 10 meters, so Wabash gets the ball.
Saturday, April 29. 5:31 p.m.
Big second half needed from the Little Giants.
HALF TIME HERE IN MARYLAND:
WABASH 10, SPRINGFIELD 19.
Halftime score.
Saturday, April 29. 5:30 p.m.
TRY for SPRINGFIELD.
#5 gets his second try of the match. Wabash is really struggling to contain him.
Conversion is GOOD.
WABASH 10, SPRINGFIELD 19.
Saturday, April 29. 5:28 p.m.
TRY for SPRINGFIELD.
Wabash fumble the kick-off and Springfield break away down the Wabash right flank.
Conversion is no good.
WABASH 10, SPRINGFIELD 12.
Saturday, April 29. 5:27 p.m.
TRY for SPRINGFIELD.
Brayden Goodnight tried his hardest, but he couldn’t stop the #5 of Springfield from breaking away.
Conversion is GOOD.
WABASH 10, SPRINGFIELD 7.
Saturday, April 29. 5:25 p.m.
Lineout for Wabash on the far side. Won by Springfield, but Wabash has the ball back now…
TRY for WABASH. Brayden Goodnight gets his first on the board, and he’ll be hoping for more!
Conversion is no good.
WABASH 10, SPRINGFIELD 0.
Saturday, April 29. 5:24 p.m.
TRY for WABASH! Thomas Gastineau opens the scoring for the Little Giants with just 40 seconds on the clock!
Conversion is no good.
WABASH 5, SPRINGFIELD 0.
Saturday, April 29. 5:23 p.m.
Wabash to kick off right to left. Game underway.
Saturday, April 29. 5:22 p.m.
WABASH IS ON THE FIELD!
This is not a drill. Kick-off is just seconds away. A place on the finals is on the line.
Saturday, April 29. 5:21 p.m.
The IU game is over, which can mean only one thing…
Wabash is up next!
Saturday, April 29. 5:15 p.m.
Shoutout to Elijah Greene ’25 down on the sideline taking photos. We’ll post those on this feed as soon as possible after the game.
Saturday, April 29. 5:14 p.m.
Wabash is in the tunnel! The game is just a few moments away, and I’ll be honest, I can’t quite contain my excitement. “Sweet Caroline” is blasting over the PA system right now, and nothing could be quite as fitting.
Saturday, April 29. 5:03 p.m.
The IU-Queens game has just kicked off, five minutes later than scheduled. Expect a slight delay to the Wabash game, too.
Saturday, April 29. 5:00 p.m.
The Wabash team are out on the sidelines warming up.
Saturday, April 29. 4:53 p.m.
For the Hoosier fans among you, Indiana University is up the game immediately before Wabash. At 4:58 p.m., IU takes on Queens College in the men’s premier division quarterfinal.
Saturday, April 29. 4:42 p.m.
Two more games at the stadium before Wabash takes to the field. The atmosphere here is electric.
Saturday, April 29. 4:33 p.m.
TEAM NEWS. Starting lineup for Wabash:
#2 Matthew Brooks ’24
#6 Isaac Salinas ’23
#7 Thomas Gastineau ’23
#9 Brayden Goodnight ’23
#11 Filippo DeFrenza ’23
#12 Adan Villeda ’23
#13 Lucas Budler ’24
Saturday, April 29. 4:11 p.m.
Just over an hour to go before Wabash takes center stage here in Maryland. The Little Giants play at the Stadium, and the livestream can be found here:
Saturday, April 29. 3:35 p.m.
The Wabash rugby team will take on #4 Springfield College in the semifinal of the National Collegiate Rugby national 7s tournament. If Wabash wins, they will progress to the final on Sunday, April 30. If Wabash loses, they will play in the third/fourth place play-off, also tomorrow.
Springfield beat the #4 seeded Cal Poly in the quarterfinal to progress to the semifinal.
Saturday, April 29. 3:33 p.m.
CONFIRMED:
WABASH vs. SPRINGFIELD
Semifinal. Stadium. 5:19 p.m.
Saturday, April 29. 2:48 p.m.
The Little Giants will play their semifinal game either 5:10 p.m. or 5:40 p.m. We won’t know which until the completion of the quarterfinal games in around 20 minutes time.
Saturday, April 29. 2:30 p.m.
Much to my ire, the tournament organizers have stopped updating the website for men’s small college. So, you will just have to take my word for it that Wabash is through to the semifinals of the national tournament after obtaining a bye through the quarterfinals.
The weather here today could not be more different from yesterday. The sun is shining and it is getting quite warm pitchside.
Saturday, April 29. 12:40 p.m.
Here is my projected seeding as I see it. This is not the official seeding, but my unofficial estimate:
#1 – Wabash (2W, +57 diff) [bye to semifinal]
#2 – Babson (2W, +56 diff) [bye to semifinal]
#3 – Coastal Carolina (2W, +52 diff)
#4 – Cal Poly (2W, +12 diff)
#5 – Springfield (2W, +4 diff)
#6 – Endicott (1W, +27 diff)
#7 – Susquehanna (1W, +12 diff)
#8 – Wayne State (1W, +12 diff)
Saturday, April 29. 12:36 p.m.
We are still waiting on final confirmation of the seeding. It’s unclear what exactly the delay is, but just to confirm:
- Wabash should be the #1 seed. The Little Giants won both of their pool games and have the best point differential in the small college division.
- If Wabash is seeded #1 or #2, they will not play until around 5 p.m.
- The semifinals will be held in the Stadium, center stage here in Maryland
Saturday, April 29.11:32 a.m.
BREAKING NEWS:
Though unconfirmed for now, it appears as though Wabash will receive a bye through the quarterfinals and progress directly to the semifinals. Originally, the quarterfinals were meant to have a pool of eight teams. However, due to the conditions, the CRU has reduced the quarterfinal pool to just six teams, with the top two teams getting byes.
Also, due to the weather, the semifinals have been moved up to this afternoon. So, Wabash will still get a game today.
Wabash vs. TBD
Semifinal, time TBD
Saturday, April 29. 11:01 a.m.
A quick look at the groups, and it’s not exactly clear who Wabash’s opponent will be yet. We will update when we have that information confirmed.
Saturday, April 29. 10:56 a.m.
A thriller between Susquehanna and Springfield ends 12-14 to Springfield. Susquehanna had the chance to tie the scores with the final kick of the game, but the conversion was no good.
With that, the bracket should be set. The Little Giants progress as the #1 seed.
Saturday, April 29. 10:42 a.m.
The game between Susquehanna and Springfield is taking place right now. That game will determine when and who Wabash plays this afternoon.
The team is currently still at the hotel awaiting the announcement of the bracket.
Saturday, April 29. 8:46 a.m.
We’ll continue to provide live updates today as we get them. In the meantime, you can catch up on yesterday’s matches as they happened by scrolling through this thread.
Saturday, April 29. 7:53 a.m.
Morning everyone, and welcome back to Maryland for another day at the National Collegiate Rugby 7s tournament. I wish I could bring you some more concrete plans, but here is the situation as things currently stand:
- Because of the bad weather, two games in the men’s small college division did not take place yesterday. Those two matches will be played this morning starting at 10:40 a.m.
- The game to watch our for will be Susquehanna vs. Springfield at 10:40 a.m., which will finalize the seeding for the quarterfinals
- Wabash is almost guaranteed to be the #1 seed, unless something crazy happens in the Susquehanna-Springfield match
We do not know when Wabash will play its first game, but it will be no earlier than 1:00 p.m.
Friday, April 28. 10:18 p.m.
That’s my final update for the night. We’ll be back bright and early tomorrow morning to bring you all the latest.
Friday, April 28. 10:16 p.m.
Because of the inclement weather, several of the later games today had to be canceled. As a result, the opponent for tomorrow’s quarterfinal game has yet to be decided.
There is also a distinct possibility that there will be some delays to action. The first quarterfinal is scheduled to take place at 10:28 a.m., but we expect that to be pushed back.
Wabash vs. TBD
Quarterfinal, time TBD
Friday, April 28. 9:10 p.m.
What a crazy first day at the national tournament! Here is a brief recap of everything that’s happened:
- It rained all day here in Maryland, making the pitches very slippery
- Wabash kicked off its national tournament debut by beating Maine 40-7
- Wabash capped the day off with a 24-0 shutout victory over Loyola (MD)
- The Little Giants progress to the quarterfinals and are just three wins away from taking the national title
Friday, April 28. 8:40 p.m.
Photos from the game against Loyola by Elijah Greene ’25:
Friday, April 28. 1:17 p.m.
FINAL SCORE! WABASH WINS!
Wabash 24, Loyola 0.
The Little Giants complete a shutout victory and win the group. We’ll see later today where they will be seeded ahead of knockout play tomorrow.
Friday, April 28. 1:15 p.m.
TRY for WABASH.
The scoring just keeps coming! This time it’s Thomas Gastineau, who runs from inside his own half for a great individual try!
Conversion is GOOD.
Wabash 24, Loyola 0.
Friday, April 28. 1:12 p.m.
A really clever lineout from Brooks to DeFrenza sets Wabash up into a good position. Scrum on the 5…
TRY for WABASH. It’s Goodnight again!
Conversion is NO GOOD.
Wabash 17, Loyola 0.
Friday, April 28. 1:10 p.m.
Wabash gets the second half underway.
Friday, April 28. 1:08 p.m.
HALF TIME: Wabash 12, Loyola 0.
The conditions are worsening here in Maryland. The wind is picking up, and my laptop is very, very wet.
Friday, April 28. 1:04 p.m.
TRY for WABASH!
Adan Villeda gets the ball in the try zone after a scramble on the line.
Conversion is NO GOOD.
Wabash 12, Loyola 0.
Friday, April 28. 1:02 p.m.
Goodnight runs the length of the field but is fouled on the try line.
PENALTY TRY awarded.
Wabash 7, Loyola 0.
Friday, April 28. 1:01 p.m.
Kick off! We’re underway!
Friday, April 28. 12:58 p.m.
Wabash takes to the field!
Friday, April 28. 12:50 p.m.
Wabash is preparing to make its entrance! Kick off is ten minutes away.
Friday, April 28. 12:46 p.m.
One more game on field #9 to finish up before the Little Giants take to the field for their second game of the day.
Wabash vs. Loyola (MD)
1:02 p.m. kick-off
Friday, April 28. 11:58 a.m.
Another photo from Wabash’s emphatic victory over Maine. Thomas Gastineau ’23 celebrates the third try from Brayden Goodnight ’23. Photo by Elijah Greene ’25.
Friday, April 28. 10:55 a.m.
Well, safe to say the whole Wabash camp is still ecstatic after that enthralling victory over Maine. The rain keeps getting heavier, which should continue to help the Little Giants.
It’s hard to underestimate just how important the weather conditions were in that first win. Wabash adjusted really quickly and played their game. Maine, on the other hand, struggled to keep hold of the ball and were sliding all over the place. Maine finished fifth in last year’s tournament, but it didn’t show—Wabash were dominant.
“The other team definitely either wasn’t used to it or it doesn’t rain much in May in Maine!” said Filippo DeFrenza ’23.”We have a running curse that, whenever we enter the pitch, the rain comes. So honestly, it didn’t bother us at all.”
Friday, April 28. 10:23 a.m.
“We sent them back to the hills of Maine,” said Matthew Brooks ’24.
Friday, April 28. 10:03 a.m.
FULL TIME: Maine 7, Wabash 40.
What an incredible way to start the tournament!
Friday, April 28. 10:01 a.m.
ANOTHER TRY for WABASH! Matthew Brooks now gets on the scoresheet.
Conversion is GOOD.
Maine 7, Wabash 40.
Friday, April 28. 9:59 a.m.
ANOTHER TRY for WABASH. This time it’s Adan Villeda!
And the conversion is GOOD.
Maine 7, Wabash 33.
Friday, April 28. 9:57 a.m.
ANOTHER TRY for WABASH. Brayden Goodnight completes the hat-trick!
Conversion is NO GOOD.
Maine 7, Wabash 26.
Friday, April 28. 9:56 a.m.
TRY for WABASH, Brayden Goodnight again! Wabash is having a great second period!
Conversion is GOOD.
Maine 7, Wabash 21.
Friday, April 28. 9:55 a.m.
TRY for WABASH, Brayden Goodnight! Another amazing individual effort.
The conversion is GOOD.
Maine 7, Wabash 14.
Friday, April 28. 9:52 a.m.
Kick off for the second half.
Friday, April 28. 9:51 a.m.
HALF TIME: Maine 7, Wabash 7.
A good first half for Wabash. The slippery conditions definitely favor Wabash.
Friday, April 28. 9:49 a.m.
TRY FOR WABASH.
Isaac Salinas with a huge tackle and steal runs the ball into the tryzone. A real individual effort from Salinas.
Maine 7, Wabash 5.
Conversion was GOOD.
Maine 7, Wabash 7.
Friday, April 28. 9:46 a.m.
TRY for MAINE.
A breakaway try for Maine, and despite the great start Wabash find themselves behind.
Conversion is GOOD.
Maine 7, Wabash 0.
Friday, April 28. 9:45 a.m.
Electric start to this game as Matt Brooks charges his way down field for a big gain. Maine have the ball back, though.
Friday, April 28. 9:44 a.m.
Kick off! Maine to kick.
Friday, April 28. 9:42 a.m.
Wabash is on the field, and kick off is just moments away!
Friday, April 28. 9:38 a.m.
“There’s obviously some jitters,” said Andrew Hollingsworth ’23 at the hotel this morning. “This is something we’ve worked for the entire season. This has been our goal for years now as a program, and we’re finally here.”
Friday, April 28. 9:35 a.m.
Full time on the game between Wayne State and UW-Stevens Point, which means only one thing:
Wabash is up next!
Friday, April 28. 9:33 a.m.
Photos from warm-ups, by Elijah Greene ’25:
Friday, April 28. 9:23 a.m.
A quick note about the livestream: it seems that the Youtube video is on a heavy delay. The stream is about five minutes behind live time.
Friday, April 28. 9:20 a.m.
As well as following our live coverage here, there is a livestream of all the games on the National Collegiate Rugby Youtube channel. Wabash will play on field #9.
Friday, April 28. 9:16 a.m.
The Wabash team has emerged from the locker room.
The players are walking down toward field #9 for their warm-ups.
Friday, April 28. 9:12 a.m.
It’s the perfect day for rugby—by which I, of course, mean it’s raining. It’s also quite cold out here in Bethesda, but that won’t dampen the spirits of these Little Giants. Rain is forecast for the entire day, and field #9 is already looking quite slippery.
Friday, April 28. 9:00 a.m.
We’ve arrived here at the University of Maryland’s soccerplex for the first day of the NCR national championships! Wabash is in the locker room and ready for their match, which begins in under an hour’s time.
Thursday, April 27. 8:12 p.m.
How did Wabash reach the national tournament?
The Little Giants secured an automatic berth to the NCR National 7s Tournament by winning the Allegheny Rugby Union conference title back at the beginning of the month. It was the first time the team has ever won conference, and giving them a chance to compete for their first ever national title. Read The Bachelor‘s full report from the ARU conference victory:
Thursday, April 27. 7:58 p.m.
The team is checked in and through security—next stop, Washington D.C.!
Wabash plays two games tomorrow. First up against Maine at 9:44 a.m., and then against Loyola (MD) at 1:04 p.m. We will be reporting live from the University of Maryland bright and early.
Thursday, April 27. 4:23 p.m.
Hello Wabash rugby fans, and welcome to our live coverage of the 2023 rugby national championships. Wabash kicks off at 9:44 a.m. on Friday, April 28 against favorites Maine. Stay tuned for more updates as they come in.