BYU Rugby Forever

Dear BYUtv ... It's Time

2012-04-13T11:18:00.000-04:00

BYU Rugby needs BYUtv ... just like BYUtv needs BYU Rugby!

If you've been paying attention to recent BYU Rugby news and commentary, you'll know that a plethora of BYU fans the nation over have been clamoring for quality live coverage of BYU Rugby games to be provided by BYUtv. To spur on this effort, the BYU Rugby team just recently started a campaign wherein anyone can submit their contact information and comments to be sent directly to BYUtv for this purpose.

I urge everyone and anyone to join in the campaign. It's not just for the benefit of a few BYU Rugby Fans in Utah; rather, it improves the whole of the Rugby community, nationally and even internationally, in so many ways. By getting BYU Rugby back on BYUtv, the bar will be raised while BYUtv will be recognized as the primary pioneering support thereof. The time is now for BYUtv to fully embrace and support BYU's most successful sport, Rugby!

If you haven't yet submitted your thoughts, do so now on the BYU Rugby website!!!

Finally, to add a little more fuel, allow me to share my thoughts that I sent to BYUtv:

Dear BYUtv Management:

While it must be obvious by now that the BYU Men's Rugby team is one of the most successful BYU Sports teams, perhaps the resultant popularity and fan support thereof has not similarly been appreciated. This past Saturday, the annual rivalry match between BYU and Utah, the 'Wasatch Cup', brought 3,833 paid spectators in the first half alone. A conservative estimate of increased attendance in the second half would easily push this number above 4,500, if not to 5,000 ... certainly not a far cry from South Field's attendance record for Women's Soccer (listed as 4,742 for BYU vs. Colorado on 09/08/06).

Perhaps even more important than this swelling of local support for BYU Rugby is the increasing support of and attention to the sport of Rugby in the United States, not to mention the popularity of the sport that is already deeply entrenched around the World. Fans everywhere, foreign and domestic, unified by LDS Church membership, love to see 'their team' win in one of the most dynamic and demanding sports known to mankind. And again more importantly, fans everywhere, foreign and domestic, not members of the LDS Church but nonetheless unified by love of the sport, enjoy seeing solid competition and sportsmanship, especially given BYU's elite status in American Rugby.

This situation presents a two-fold opportunity for BYUtv. First, it's a chance to claim a pioneering position in the realm of college rugby media where there is presently little to no professional competition. By establishing BYUtv as the portal for the display of college rugby, fans throughout the US will quickly know where they can go to see college rugby presented in the best quality way. Call it a golden opportunity to 'get in on the ground floor' while Rugby is still young in the United States.

Second, compound this opportunity to be a pioneer for Rugby in America by considering the impact of humanitarian and missionary messages shared with viewers in conjunction with the sport. Throughout the past century, Rugby has proven to be a great ambassador for good throughout the world, even recently enjoying inclusion for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Just imagine the synergy created by joining this force for good with what we members of the LDS Church know to be the greatest force for good in existence, the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Suffice it to say that the effects, especially on an international level, have the potential to far outweigh that of any BYU sport, even Football. The Gospel is universal. Rugby is universal. Present them together, and two universal worlds are united and magnified for the better.

According to the BYUtv.org main page, "BYU Broadcasting is an integrated media organization that inspires people to see, do, and be the good in the world by providing uplifting content, magnifying the university, engaging like-minded communities, and elevating ideals into action." If there exists a BYU sport most closely aligned with this mission, it is BYU Rugby. The setting at this very moment in time and place is ideal. Before it's too late, before BYU Rugby grows even bigger in popularity and recognition, BYUtv has the singular opportunity, even now, to be the universal ambassador for BYU's greatest sport.

With all my hope and might, I urge you to regularly incorporate BYU Rugby games and spots into your seasonal broadcast schedule. We, the BYU Rugby Fan community, aren't just anxious for your support; we're willing to offer our support as well to see it happen. If there is anything that we can do to advance and enable the process, please don't hesitate to advise us.

Best regards and BYU Rugby Forever!

A New Holy War: BYU Rugby vs. St. Mary's

2012-03-14T14:17:00.000-04:00

The St. Mary's College Gaels meet BYU in the 2012 Holy War.

It's happening this Saturday at high noon ... an inevitably epic clash of two saintly schools: our LDS-Church-owned Brigham Young University with it's #1-ranked team faces the Roman-Catholic-Church-affiliated Saint Mary's College of California with it's #2-ranked team. As both programs look to claim the national spotlight of college rugby, it's interesting to compare both schools and note that both share similarities that one may not immediately expect ... which makes the potential potency of this match that much greater than other rugby matches to date.

Read on, skeptics ... read on.

Founded in 1863 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, St. Mary's College "holds that the mystery which inspires wonder about the nature of existence is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ giving a transcendent meaning to creation and human existence. Nourished by its Christian faith, the College understands the intellectual and spiritual journeys of the human person to be inextricably connected. It promotes the dialogue of faith and reason: it builds community among its members through the celebration of the church's sacramental life; it defends the goodness, dignity and freedom of each person, and fosters sensitivity to social and ethical concerns."

Brigham Young University, founded in 1875, maintains that "any education is inadequate which does not emphasize that [Jesus Christ] is the only name given under heaven whereby mankind can be saved. Certainly all relationships within the BYU community should reflect devout love of God and a loving, genuine concern for the welfare of our neighbor. Because the gospel encourages the pursuit of all truth, students at BYU should receive a broad university education. The arts, letters, and sciences provide the core of such an education, which will help students think clearly, communicate effectively, understand important ideas in their own cultural tradition as well as that of others, and establish clear standards of intellectual integrity."

Perhaps more compelling in relative similarity than these excerpts from both schools' mission statements are the unofficial but nearly identical mottoes each espouses: "Enter to learn, go forth to serve" (BYU), and "Enter to Learn, leave to Serve" (St. Mary's).

Uncanny enough for you??? Go figure ... but hey, I didn't make this stuff up; it's real, folks.

Now, I never thought I'd stop talking up Cal as the biggest threat to the establishment of the BYU Rugby Kingdom ... but, given that the Bears are done and gone from the top spot, perhaps it is only appropriate that a similarly-founded religious school rise up to present the clearest challenge to BYU ... and fittingly, they're still from California!

Thus it is, my friends. The new Holy War is here. Saints versus Saints. Mormons versus Catholics. Blue & White against Blue & Red. The Best pitted against the Best to determine who is truly the Best of the Best. :)

Think it sounds crazy and far-fetched? Think I'm just stirring the pot here and really straining for something substantive to share?? Think that each school's religious background has absolutely nothing to do with rugby???

Hey, that's fine ... just go and confront either one of these teams with that position, and let me know how it goes for you!!!

But if you're still dubious and demanding to see the stats, then here's some more surprise for you: they're nearly equal!

First off, BYU's roster lists 8 freshmen, 18 sophomores, 10 juniors, and 16 seniors for a total of 52 players. St. Mary's roster lists 13 freshmen, 19 sophomores, 15 juniors, and 19 seniors for a total of 66 players. And while the latter of these two rosters obviously counts with an additional depth of 14 players, nevertheless one could argue that what the former lacks in total numbers is made up for in experience. The vast majority of the St. Mary's squad is from California with only two players claiming international origins while BYU's less numerous squad boasts at least ten to fifteen players of direct or indirect international origins. Not much different than the Cal-BYU lineups of old ... and (sadly) we all know who came out on top in those meetings! Ahhh!!! ... Still trying to forget Cal ... so, let's move on.

To date, St. Mary's has put up 506 points to opponents' 112 points in nine matches. BYU has put up 476 points to opponents' 97 points in eight matches. That's an average of 56.2 points scored per game with 12.4 allowed by St. Mary's, and 59.5 points per game and 12.1 allowed by BYU. For every point scored by an opponent, BYU scores 4.9 points while St. Mary's scores 4.5. Pretty dang close!

Granted, BYU has overcome tough opponents in Rugby Super League men's teams, Old Puget Sound Beach and the Denver Barbarians ... But also take into account that St. Mary's hasn't had some cushy schedule this year either; rather, they have bested premier D-I men's team Olympic Club and the near-Cal-equal University of Utah. Their only loss has come to Cal's oldest rival, the University of British Columbia (whom Cal only beat by one point this year).

No question about it ... this is War, my beloved BYU Rugby fans ... and we might as well call it 'Holy', since I have no doubt that both sides are going to be praying their hearts out to see the final tally come out in their favor! Whichever side wins, they might be tempted to claim it as a manifestation of God's will ... but, of course, any true rugby fan knows that such cannot be the case, for He doesn't take sides when it comes to His favorite sport! ... We can still hope for some divine support though, right? :D

That said, no official prediction here, but I'll share some quick thoughts. On the one hand, the numbers make it look uber-close with a 5- or even 3-point margin of victory a real possibility. If St. Mary's truly puts up a formidable defensive and offensive effort, and if it's a rainy day, then I wouldn't be surprised to see this one being ground out in the forwards, with an above-average amount of the pick-and-go from the breakdown and more frequent attempts to maul down the field. Who gets the advantage? I say, "BYU", you say, "St. Mary's ... ceteris paribus, and it's the same as "puh-tay-toe", "puh-tah-toe". Unfortunately, there's no recent history of (any?) previous match-ups between the two schools from which to even postulate the outcome. So ... maybe your guess is just as good as mine.

Then again, my gut tells me that BYU might just pull away and rack up a number of tries over St. Mary's for a more convincing W. If given solid opportunities to receive clean ball-in-hand, surely our stacked back-line will eventually make mincemeat of any opposing defenders! And if BYU's numbers I through XV are firing on all cylinders, then forget about it, folks ... heck, if that's the case, I'll start saying a few Hail Mary's to petition for the Gaels' cause as well! :D Let's hope this latter scenario is the case ...

In conclusion, let me set aside any potential sacrilege or offense here expressed and sincerely state that I (and hopefully all my fellow BYU Rugby fanatics) have the utmost respect for St. Mary's College, especially as a fellow academic institution of faith based in Our Lord and Savior and as a fellow elite-level college rugby team striving for ultimate success. What more can I say? Good luck to the Gaels this Saturday.

Finally, to Our Boys, even our Ironclad Cougars, allow me to offer a selection of simple lines from the hymn:

"And now the foe advancing,
That valiant host assails,
And yet they never falter;
Their courage never fails.
Their Leader calls, “Be faithful!”
They pass the word along;
They see his signal flashing
And shout their joyful song:

"Victory, victory,
Thru him that redeemed us!
Victory, victory,
Thru Jesus Christ, our Lord!
Victory, victory, victory,
Thru Jesus Christ, our Lord!"

Push onward to victory, My Brothers, united in faith and courage!

Let the BYU Rugby standard never wilt in defeat but ever wave proud and victorious to usher in The Kingdom!!

BYU Rugby Forever!!!

BYU RUGBY 2012: THE KINGDOM

2012-01-27T15:17:00.001-05:00

Flyhalf Dylan Lubbe in preseason action (Photo courtesy of Paul Meyers)

It's here ... there's no escaping it ...

The 2012 season of BYU Rugby is upon us ... and though Our Boys, our beloved Cougars, are already administering justice upon the opposition (defeating Central Washington yesterday, 76-7), nevertheless this season represents the beginning of an era, even a new reign of dominance not to be ignored. With the ever-lauded Golden Bears of Cal-Berkeley voluntarily stepping down and out of D-1A college rugby, and inevitably relinquishing the throne to BYU, the Kingdom is come ... the Reign of BYU Rugby is at hand!!!

Okay mates, all sacrilege aside and whatever Cal's reasons for leaving, you've got to admit that we're witnessing the advent of a new BYU Rugby dynasty. In the immediate short term, the Golden Bears dodge the bullet of having to attempt to win another National Title in BYU's backyard against an obviously-loaded Cougar squad. But in the longer term, where do they go? Fifteen players-a-side is Cal's bread and butter, so ... what's next for the grizzly long hairs from the Bay Area??

Here's a hint: No more designation as 'National Champions' or as the 'Premier College Rugby Team of America'. That title now belongs to BYU by default, and I would submit that it will remain there for a good, long time. Never mind that Cal didn't put up a fight ... shoot, they didn't even raise up the white flag! It's like they snuck off with the kids and the car in the dead of night without so much as leaving a note!!

Uhhh ... well ... okay then ... good riddance!! I guess we'll be forced to inherit the mansion and family fortune!!!

Don't get me wrong, Cal-Berkeley's separation from the college rugby spotlight will come at a cost. There will be some whining and posturing for a continued monopoly on the sparse media coverage available to rugby in the U.S. Even still, what will be Cal's saving grace? Their "World Cup" series with the University of British Columbia? No, I highly doubt it. No one cares much about it besides their constituents, just the same as how no one outside of BYU and Utah cares about the Wasatch Cup. And even if Cal is still perceived to be the best team in the nation, it won't matter and it won't last. There are a number of university teams up north in Canada that are better than either Cal or BYU ... but guess what, folks? No one here in the U.S. knows or cares about them! Why? Because they don't belong to the same collective of teams here and thus cannot be deemed champion thereof!! They fall outside the realm of our immediate consideration ... so they don't matter!!!

Cal could go on a tour of Japan, beating all of the premier college teams in the land, and it wouldn't earn them much more than a pat on the back as far as the American rugby community at large is concerned. To be the best among your peers and be recognized as such, you've got to beat your best peers ... period. Not some foreigners that no one can relate to, let alone name. Suffice it to say that the Golden Age of Cal-Berkeley is fast going the way of the dodo ... and they have only themselves to blame.

To our most great and worthy opponents, let us graciously bid them a heartfelt 'adieu'.

Now, fast-forward to this year's coming National Title match in Rio Tinto Stadium ... a Cal-less, Bear-en final? Really?? It's almost unthinkable, I know, but that's about the size of it ... so, let's move on and accept the fact.

And what of those BYU Cougars with their 25- and 30-year-old, professional foreign players the size of Texas?!? (*cough*) Surely they won't be there again, will they?!?!? ... Oh yes, my beloved rugby community, they'll be there, crazy Superfans and all in tow ... you can count on it!!! They won't be quitting the highest-level competition anytime soon, if ever ...

Remember that 2009 squad? Yeah, the National-Champion one?? Well, we've got a number of those guys that were freshmen at the time who are now back from serving LDS missions and are ready to steamroll the competition. Most notably, the formidable Paul Lasike is back, as a back, to once again instruct opposing teams in the art of rugby dominance, Kiwi-style. Additionally, my favorite freshmen phenoms of 2009, the speedy back Jordan Lowry and the tenacious lock/flanker Kyle Sumsion, are back to do it again in 2012.

Also returning from missions and deserving of mention are the fast and dependable backs Austin Allred and Will Taylor, as well as reserve forwards Dave Rowley, Dan Selman and Collin Bush who didn't actually see much playing time in '09 but will be looking to step up and break out of the woodwork to challenge for a starting position.

Add to the pot a plethora of other new and old players with a wealth of potential, and we're looking at the 2012 National Champions, folks!!! Behold, the Kingdom ...

8-man Ryan Roundy on yet another breakaway run (Paul Meyers Photo)

Alright, before jumping the gun completely, allow me to make especial mention of three Cougars who, despite playing for BYU at different times in the last five years, have never hoisted the gold medal: Lock TJ Allred started in 2007 as well as in 2010, experiencing firsthand the taste of defeat to Cal on both occasions; Lock Brett Clark similarly experienced falling to the Bears in 2008 as a freshman; and even our great all-star No. 8 Ryan Roundy has never felt the exhilaration of National-Championship victory, most recently coming up short against Cal-Berkeley in 2010 and 2011. Look for these forwards to be the unrelenting work horses of the season ... because for them, the deeply-imbued embers of desire have not yet enjoyed full ignition into roaring flames of National-Title glory ... the time is at hand ... the day has arrived for this fire to be loosed upon the pitch!

My friends, enough of this mucking about! Let's get to the heart of it ... forget the Cal mystique; it's over!! The BYU Men's Rugby team is not only here to stay, but the claim they staked at the top long ago has now come due. This year, even 2012, the fabled 'end of the world', in fact only represents a new beginning, the ushering in of a new age of college rugby in America ... and not surprisingly, there stands BYU, fast at the helm!!!

For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
BYU Rugby Forever!!!

Amen.

Know Thy Enemy ... Know Thyself

2011-12-13T16:28:00.001-05:00

For those of us who are serious BYU Rugby fans, even BYU Rugby Superfans, there's really only one opponent out there who means anything to us. No, sorry folks, I'm not talking about that pack of Redskins up north ... Competitive though they are in rugby, the Utes haven't really shown that they are fit for a National Title bid in recent years and hence don't quite register as Public Enemy Number One as far as BYU is concerned.

No, my friends, I'm referring to that great Gold and Blue Beast that somehow snatches away the coveted National Championship trophy, year in and year out. What's their secret? Why are they so good? How do they do it? Who are they? Where can I get some of their magic potion??? The questions are endless, yet anyone even semi-familiar with the Golden Bears of Cal-Berkeley knows the general answer ... It's a conspiracy!!!

Take a look at a recent article on their team website, and you'll see what I mean:

Bears Welcome 17 Freshmen: New Players for 130th Year of Team

You don't have to read between the lines to see the writing on the wall here ... heck, even the title says it all! 17 Freshmen recruits? Most teams are lucky to get 3 with any experience ... 130 years since the team's founding?? I don't even know many teams that have existed for more than 30 or 40 years ... Seriously??? There's got to be something fishy going on here ... Or is it all just Cal Rugby as usual? Hmmm ...

If I were to paint a picture of the typical American college rugby team's organization, it would probably look like a drab and murky blob of indistinguishable color, shape, perspective, and even purpose. Harsh as that may sound, it's the truth. On the other hand, here's what the Cal picture looks like:

Read through the above-linked article ... See how many of the player profiles say "son of Cal alum" or something similar. You can just feel how there is obviously more going on behind the scenes with alumni relationships, recruiting, and most importantly, the establishment of a standard. Cal Rugby means doing and being the best in everything. There is no conspiracy, no fuzzy math, no question about it. The expectations are high ... always ... period.

So ... what about the BYU Cougars? Who are we? Where are our alumni? What are we doing? How are we so successful* in rugby? (*excluding National Championship Finals) What is our standard? How high are our expectations? How clear and crisp is our program's picture?

Again, there are many questions ... but I would submit, my fellow BYU Rugby friends, that we all know the answers ... collectively, at least ... but what are we doing about it?

Are we merely a team of Mormons from Utah or are we a mix of players and fans all over the Nation and the World? Are the BYU Cougars merely the American-college-knockoff version of the New Zealand All Blacks or are they something unique unto themselves? Do we have an alumni organization, and if so, where is it? What does it do? Do we want to see BYU win a National Title without paying for a ticket or are we encouraging our kids to go to the next BYU Rugby Summer Camp? Do we really want BYU Rugby to achieve victory or to just participate for the "experience"? How high do we want to climb? How long do we want to be there when we make it? Why? Why does it matter?

Brothers and sisters, ladies and gentleman, BYU Rugby Fans, we are a Family; we are proud of each other; we personally and collectively care about one another's successes and failures.

On a personal note, two years stand out in my mind ... two final games that hold significant meaning for me: 2006 and 2009. I wish the former occasion would have been the setting for as much pride and joy as was experienced on the latter occasion, but it was not.

In 2006, BYU had one of the best, most-talented teams ever seen before in college rugby. Even critics and coaches alike affirmed the fact. For the first time in the BYU Rugby program's history, the team made it to the National Title match against none other than UC Berkeley.

I badly wanted to attend the match but did not think I was able to afford the trip. My older brother, Craig, was starting at lock for the team, and I wanted nothing more than to see him succeed and be rewarded for his hard work over the years. He was the pioneer of rugby in our family. The two of us helped start the first rugby club in our town; we knew what it was like to lose in a championship final, and we didn't want to experience that bad taste in our mouths ever again.

The match was incredibly close. BYU made a strong second-half comeback to put the score within 3 points of victory. BYU's final drive came so close to success. There was no shortage of close calls, no lack of guts or unfailing hope for the win. Yet, win they did not ...

That was a tough day for me, because I knew how tough it was for my brother. We never had much outside of each other, and so each other's success meant that much more to us. To get so close to victory and then be deprived of it almost seemed unfair; it was such a sickening feeling.

Turn the page to 2009 ...

The BYU Rugby team was having a great season, looking more strong and dynamic than they had in previous years. Though it was the first time in a long while that I did not have a brother on the team, nevertheless I had made a commitment to myself to support the team more so than I had done in the past. I made it personal.

Again, BYU succeeded in making it to the Final Match against Cal. Again, the match was incredibly close with seemingly numerous setbacks. Yet, Our Boys displayed an incredible resilience, staying in the game to the very end, putting up an unbelievable wall of defense, and maintaining an ever-attacking offense. The result was again a 3-point margin ... however, this time in BYU's favor.

Unforgettable ... in every sense of the word. I was happy; I was emotional; I was overcome by the miracle. I was proud of the team, the coaches, the fans. I was proud of myself, my contributions and efforts, my sacrifices and hopes. I was so glad to have brought my friends to the game, to have them witness what to me was an incredible victory, years in the making. My family couldn't believe it; my brother and other former players who weren't even there struggled to sleep at all that night. The feeling was so validating.

I've wondered at times if my volunteered involvement with and support of the BYU Rugby team is right ... if I should instead be spending my time and means on other pursuits ... But I'm always reminded of those days in 2006 and 2009 when the BYU Men's Rugby team experienced a great loss and a great win. The emotions there were real. And that's when I see how BYU Rugby isn't just some commercial sport that wants my money without seeing my face or knowing my name. Rather, it's directly tied to my family, my friends, my university, my sport ... and even indirectly, to my religion. It's part of my identity, perhaps the most unique part of who I am.

My friends and fellow fans of the BYU Rugby Family, let us join together to make something more than ourselves. We've already got a great thing going here ... the BYU Rugby team and community are the Best of the Best! Let's make sure that we know it, that our friends and family know it, and that even our opposition knows it.

Then, and only then, will we have a clear picture of who we are, what we want to achieve, and how we can achieve it. And if, after everything else, you're still asking yourself, "Why?", then all I can say is, "Come to a game, and you'll see!"

Merry Christmas and BYU Rugby Forever!!!

BYU Rugby 2012 Match Schedule

2011-11-29T13:10:00.001-05:00

BYU Rugby Fans, mark your calendars now! The BYU Men's Rugby 2012 Schedule has been released on the team's website in anticipation of another season of success ... Take a look and plan NOW to be there at South Field cheering Our Boys on to yet another BYU victory! BYU Rugby Forever!!!

(Home games in BOLD text)

JAN 21 Blue & White Scrimmage
JAN 26 @ Univ. of Central Washington
JAN 27 @ Univ. of Washington
JAN 28 @ Old Puget Sound
FEB 4 BYE
FEB 9 @ Penn State (Las Vegas Invitational)
FEB 18 Cougar Invitational (TBD)
FEB 25 @ Denver Barbarians (Grand Junction, CO)
MAR 3 @ Arizona State Univ.
MAR 10 Air Force Academy
MAR 14 Utah Valley Univ.
MAR 17 St. Mary's College
MAR 22 @ Colorado State Univ.
MAR 24 @ Wyoming
MAR 30 Univ. of Arizona
APR 7 University of Utah
APR 14 BYE
APR 21 Colorado University
APR 28 BYE
MAY 5 Quarterfinals
MAY 12 Semifinals
MAY 19 Championship

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011

2011-10-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

Hey BYU Rugby fans, the 2011 Rugby World Cup is nearly done and decided with no less than a total of 48 test matches between September 9th and October 23rd to determine the next World Champion!!! It's been a veritable smorgasbord of the highest-level rugby you and I have ever seen, and it's now into the semifinals this weekend!!!

Of course, you may not have been willing or able to go to New Zealand to see any of the matches in person (though I personally recommend the trip!) ... And you probably haven't been keen to stay up til the wee hours of the morning just to watch a match live as it unfolds halfway around the world ...

Whatever the case may be, not to worry mates! We've got you covered!!! Here in the US you might think you have to go to UniversalSports.com and pay some premium amount just to watch your favorite match-up, but in fact, you can simply go to the Rugby World Cup 2011 Video page and find match highlights and FULL match replays (only 72 hours delayed for the US) for the price of FREE. Thank you, IRB!

To avoid making this sound too much like an advertisement, here's the real message: This is a great opportunity for Rugby Players, Coaches, Fans, and Everyone everywhere (especially throughout the US) to elevate our Rugby Education to the next level.

As an avid fan and follower of rugby, I've often heard different critiques, concerns, and excuses with regard to the development of the sport here in the United States over the last decade. All it really amounts to is a lack of commitment and willingness to pay the ultimate price for success on the highest level. In other words, whining and complaining does not even weigh in the balance in comparison to the offering of real time, money, service and support requisite for advancement. And even more importantly, none of these efforts amount to anything unless an elevated level of rugby expertise and education are in place.

Whoever you are, whatever your means or circumstances, here's the perfect opportunity to advance your rugby knowledge. Pick a match to watch, listen to the commentators' and the referees' observations, and of course, take a moment to analyze and make your own observations. If you're going to learn Rugby in any detail, why not learn it from the Pros who continue to redefine the sport with every passing day???

WATCH: Rugby World Cup 2011 Videos

Enjoy!

CPD National Final Replay: Cal edges BYU

2011-07-08T19:28:00.000-04:00

2011 CPD Final: Cal vs BYU from BYU Rugby on Vimeo.

Well, my beloved BYU Rugby besties, the season may not have ended on a 100-percent-perfect note, but Our Boys sure gave it a great run! What a treat to experience the first-ever National Title match at home in Utah in front of more than 11,000 fans!!!

Congratulations to Cal for surviving the BYU onslaught to win their 26th title in 31 years, and congratulations to Our Boys for bringing it the entire 80 minutes! Here's looking forward to success in 2012 ... the End of the World!!!

Enjoy the video replay!

(Click here to watch the Semifinal: BYU slides past ASU)

BYU vs. Cal Rugby: Learn from the Past ...

2011-05-18T23:12:00.000-04:00

Watch on YouTube HD: BYU vs Cal Rugby 2009 National Championship Highlight

While much can be said of the BYU Men's Rugby team during this 2011 season—much good, and most recently, some not the greatest—nevertheless the week leading up to yet another Cal-BYU rematch for the National Title tends to leave one without sage words readily at hand ...

Permit me to borrow a few in the interest of time:

"Learn from the past, prepare for the future, live in the present."

— Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Let these words sink in for a moment, then remember the glory of an unforgettable day gone by ... the kind of day we hope to relive in the very near future!

Cougars on three: one ... two ... three ... COU-GARS!!!

(Video courtesy of BYU Rugby Forever)

CougarBlue: BYU Rugby vs. Arizona State

2011-05-05T18:38:00.000-04:00

I snagged this video clip from CougarBlue.com, sponsored by The Daily Herald ... BYU disposes of the ASU Sun Devils, 80-0! (See the full video clip of the intense, Cougar Haka HERE!)

Yes folks, the time has come to get pumped for the Playoffs, starting with Navy this Saturday, 1 PM (MST) at South Field!

Fans far and abroad can watch online by clicking HERE!

Enjoy!!!

LDS Church News remembers BYU Rugby: The 2009 Miracle Moment

2011-02-23T18:39:00.000-05:00

Watch on YouTube

Recently, the LDS Church News posted this video on their website highlighting the final minutes of BYU Rugby's first-ever National Championship victory on 2 May, 2009. For all of us BYU Rugby fans and alumni, it was truly a miraculous and unforgettable night ...

So take a second and relive the moment ... see and feel the energy, the history made that day! And while you're at it, my friends, mark your calendars for the 2011 College Premier League Final to be held in the state-of-Utah's-own Rio Tinto Stadium on May the 21st!!! Time to visit Our House, Cal!!!

BYU Rugby Media Blitz - Vol. 2, No. 1

2011-02-10T21:36:00.001-05:00

Okay friends, I know we all need some more BYU Rugby in our lives, so if your New Year's resolutions have already taken a back seat, then click these links to get back on track for the 2011 season:

Wasatch Cup Tickets On Sale (BYURugby.com)

Become a fan of BYU Rugby on Facebook! (Facebook.com)

BYU RUGBY 2011 SCHEDULE (BYURugby.com)

BYU Rugby 2011 Roster (BYURugby.com)

And for us BYU Rugby junkies, here's the usual overdose of the most recent news and media mentions: (Enjoy!)

The Short List: Rugby Rivals (Magazine.BYU.edu)

Rugby star's long journey to BYU team (Universe.BYU.edu)

Cougars Prep for Las Vegas (BYURugby.com)

CPL Rankings Jan 31 2011 (RugbyMag.com)

Rugby men sweep weekend trip in southern California (Universe.BYU.edu)

SoCal Sweep for BYU (RugbyMag.com)

Cougars Rout Aztecs (BYURugby.com)

Speedy SDSU Hosts Burly BYU Saturday (RugbyMag.com)

BYU Gets Past USD (BYURugby.com)

USD Hangs Tough v BYU (RugbyMag.com)

BYU Tallies Big Win Over Claremont Colleges (BYURugby.com)

Cougars Crush Claremont Colleges (RugbyMag.com)

New faces, new season for BYU rugby (Universe.BYU.edu)

Cougar Corner: Ryan Roundy (BYURugby.com)

BYU Sets for SoCal & Start of 2011 Season (BYURugby.com)

Cougars Work With Youth At Propel Clinic (BYURugby.com)

2011 Preseason CPL Rankings (RugbyMag.com)

Dear BYU Rugby ...

2011-01-26T22:08:00.000-05:00

Dear BYU Rugby,

In celebration of your overly-successful, 'SoCal Weekend of Destruction', I couldn't help but watch some rugby to get the blood flowing! Sadly, since the east coast remains quite a distance from the west (and since I've seen every BYU Rugby video ever posted on the web), I had to go foraging to find something new to gnaw on ... And boy, oh boy, did I find a sweet one for you!

Watch on YouTube: Heineken Cup 2009 - Quarter-Final - Harlequins vs. Leinster

View this video (yes, it's a full, 80-minute match on YouTube!), and you will see top level rugby in full form, an offensive barrage equally held at bay by stellar defensive stands on both sides. It's all there: the tactical kicking game, the forwards' phase ball, the effective line-out, the end-goal defense, the backs' passing play, solid scrummaging, quality tackling, tight rucking, quick ball, and collective support all around. Are you there yet, BYU Rugby? I hope so ... because this season is yours for the taking!

After watching this video, even the first-time spectator would have a hard time denying the incredible and highly competitive nature of the game ... truly, an amazing test, representative of the high expectations held by true-blue rugby fans everywhere. Your ultimate goal, BYU Rugby, is to give all your efforts for that higher level of play, that extra intensity that defines you as champions.

We the fans will be there. We will support you. We will energize you. We will cheer you on to victory after victory. You are Our Hope, Our Pride, Our Team. We expect the best, for you, BYU Rugby, are the best.

Congratulations on a great start to the season, and we hope to see a whole lot more where that came from!!! Go Cougars!!!

Yours faithfully,

BYU RUGBY FOREVER

BYU Rugby Scrumhalf Shaun Davies on Rugby H2H

2010-12-11T11:10:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year, scrumhalf Shaun Davies dawned new colors for a spell at the USA Rugby College Championships, a sort of regional all-star romp to see who's the best at their position and prime for filling a spot on the Collegiate All-American squad.

Of course Our Boy stepped in good fashion and, no surprise, became a 2010 All-Star and All-American. Here's a video snippet (hosted by Rugby Head 2 Head) of some Shaun Davies highlights. You can see the video on youtube by clicking HERE.

Enjoy!

CRF President Aaron Webber: Interview of the Week, Part III

2010-11-27T17:19:00.000-05:00

(hi5.com photo)

BYU Rugby Forever: As far as looking a little more long term, just in terms of the goals that you have for the program and this vision that you've mentioned, do you have any specific dates or time ranges that you're shooting for accomplishing these specific goals?

Aaron Webber: One of the other challenges that we have is coming in basically at the beginning of a season: It doesn't give you much time to get traction before the season's now halfway through and then over. You know, we've only got another two months, slight less than two months, and then the season's done. And a lot of those things we want to do have a long tail, so you've got to work your way into them and those sort of things. So, we'll be able to add some value this year.

I'd like to think that there would be some demonstrable steps forward for next season, 'cause we get the whole off-season and preseason to get things in place. And I'd like to think that in the sort of three to five year plan, we get to the point where we're funded; the money's in the bank before the season starts; and we've got programs in place that communicate effectively. I mean, we're not going to keep everybody happy, but there are routines and structure in place to move ourselves forward and manage the business. I'd like to be involved in that for as long as Davy and the other guys want me to be. You know if they perceive I'm not pulling my weight, then they kick me out and get someone else in.

But you know, I just want to add value where I can, and I think the two to four year time frame is an appropriate one to get everything in place that needs to be in place, and there's always the tweaking and the fine-tuning that needs to take place from there. But yeah, years two and three, I think, will be the ones where as the giant leads forward in terms of structure and systems to support the team.

BYU Rugby Forever: As far as BYU Rugby alumni and fans, just off the top of your head, what specific activities or responsibilities or things could they do to help in this effort and help support the Cougar Rugby Foundation and the whole rugby program at BYU?

Aaron Webber: I think there's a number of things. First is just talk about the game. Talk about the team; talk about the game. I think there's a growing awareness of rugby in the United States. You know, it's one of the fast growing sports at the high school level. I mean, case in point in Utah here, when I first started coaching at the high school level there were seven teams I think in Utah and this year there's something like twenty-nine ... and that's just in four years. So it's some significant growth going on; see, the chatter is out there about the sport. So just talking the sport up.

If you're anywhere near a game that takes place, be at the game. Drag friends and family and kids and neighbors along. Spread the word in that regard, both from a BYU perspective as well as a rugby perspective; ideally, a BYU Rugby perspective. You know, general chatter, going to games, home or away.

Write a check, send us some money. I'm that blunt about it. If you don't have the time, then you know send us your ten dollars, a hundred dollars, a thousand dollars, or ten thousand dollars. Or, chat with your employer, and say, "Hey look, as part of our community engagement spending, can you sponsor the BYU Rugby team?" and those sorts of things.

There's all sorts of ways people can be engaged in it: go to the websites, go to the blogs, just keep yourself in sync with what's going on and sooner or later something will spark an interest or there'll be the area where you can say, "Well, I could help there," and so you can step in and add some value.

BYU Rugby Forever: Well, thanks for your time. Any final thoughts or anything else you would share with the BYU Rugby Community out there?

Aaron Webber: Yes, thank you for your support thus far. And I don't want to seem ungrateful, but we've got to notch it up, myself included, in terms of our level of support for the team. So, don't yell at me or chase me away if I come to you and ask you to do something or contribute. Just continue to love the game, continue to be involved where you can.

I think we're at the cusp of some outstanding things for BYU. Will we forever be at the level where we're at? No, we'll have some good years and some bad years. But I think we're operating at a level now where the expectations are realistic enough to assume we're going to be in the Final Four and compete at the Final Game and win it more often than not. And so I think that's a successful program, that's a program that you can feel proud to be a part of.

For you and I, it was back in the old days; we helped lay the foundation. And that alone should be a sense of pride. But then to be able to come back, you know, circle back around, and provide some degree of value, add to that. Once you've learned at BYU, gone out, and earned something in the marketplace, come back and return that to the team.

You see some players out there you think would be great for BYU, let's hear about them. You think there's some things we could do better and faster and stronger, let's hear about it. And more often than not, we'll come back to you and say, "Great idea; help us do it!" So, just being involved, being aware. We have the beginnings of a great family here, and I just want to build on that where I can and augment that where possible.

BYU Rugby Forever: Thanks for all your support; we look forward to doing what we can to help you out!

Aaron Webber: You're welcome.

Editor's note: This piece is the third part of a three-part, extended interview originally audio-recorded by BYU Rugby Forever on 3 March, 2010, in Provo, Utah.

Due to the seventeen-and-a-half-minute length of the recording, it has been transcribed and separated into three sections for readability and presentation purposes.

CRF President Aaron Webber: Interview of the Week, Part II

2010-11-08T00:26:00.000-05:00

(hi5.com photo)

BYU Rugby Forever: Along those lines, since you already mentioned what you need to do with the Cougar Rugby Foundation, kind of 'taking that load off the coaches' backs', what are your duties going to be, or what have you already been doing, to fill that role and get the ball rolling to take care of those responsibilities?

Aaron Webber: I see the role basically in three facets. Number one is and will always be fundraising. It's an unfortunate reality, but it takes money to do what needs to be done. And if the team's going to make an annual event of going to the National Championship game, we're going to have to find some way to pay for that and get themselves there and not have to sleep on the floor and all those sorts of things. You know, back in our day it was minivans driving for a day and a half, and then sleep with members, and blah blah blah. So, we have notched it up in terms of our sophistication, and that's appropriate. The team has notched up in terms of its playing level, too, which means you've got to notch up in terms of the funds required to do that. So number one's fundraising.

Number two would be alumni relations: keeping the alumni informed; having the appropriate forum such as this and others. And that doesn't mean that I do it or the Cougar Rugby Foundation does it. We can do some but we can also be facilitators; have these sort of conversations; just get the message out there; maintain contact ... which also feeds fundraising, obviously, but also helps build that team spirit.

I mean, rugby is a great team sport. You know, I love American football; it's an outstanding sport. It is a team sport, but you don't necessarily play as a team. I mean, it's a collection of teams. You've got offense; you've got defense; you've got special teams. And very rarely do those teams intersect or be on the field at the same time. You've got specialist positions where you play quarterback and you do certain things; and that's what you do, and you get very good at them. In rugby, you have to be more of a generalist: you're offense, you're defense, you're special teams, you're tackling, you're running, you're scoring ...

So, to me, that's the approach I want to take in terms of some of these back-office support mechanisms is this Cougar Rugby Foundation can facilitate that team play on the alumni. We have significant expertise in our alumni base. We have guys that are great marketers, great bloggers, great communicators, great fundraisers, guys with plenty of money that can write checks, people that can bring crowds to games ... you name the skill sets that we need; they're in the alumni base. And so, worst case scenario, all we've got to do is just have that alumni base informed as to how they can help, how they can be involved, 'cause I think most want to be, and then the benefits will flow from that.

So, fundraising, alumni liaison, and then whatever we can in terms of off-field support. You know, negotiating with airlines, hotels, just making the process of running the team more efficient in terms of sponsorships, gear supply, field preparation, gameday dramas, etc., etc.; just again, take the burden off the coaches so that those guys can focus on what they're very, very good at ... which is coaching a great team, recruiting great talent, building a great program.

BYU Rugby Forever: As far as that whole undertaking is concerned, what are some of the roadblocks or potential obstacles you see to making that all happen? As you said, the resources are there ... what obstacles are in the way as you try to facilitate that whole process?

Aaron Webber: I don't think there are obstacles; obstacles are just opportunities, right? I mean, it's just a question of how you approach them. I think the biggest obstacle we have is just some inertia ... you know, there are good people out there that have lost contact. And in their water, they want to help; they just don't know how, and so they haven't done anything. And so just getting them off the dial there, you know, doing something, being involved ... that, I think, is the biggest issue.

But, that's not a big issue, but that's the biggest one we've got, I think. Writing a check, spreading the word, getting bums in seats at games home and away. It doesn't have to be a hard or time-intensive thing, but just if everyone makes that contribution just like the team, you know ... with all due respect to wingers, I mean, they're not involved in the game all the time, but good wingers go looking for work, right? They don't just hang out on the wing and say, "Well, the ball's on that side; I'll just hang out here and do nothing." They go looking for it, they get engaged, they scrounge the ball.

Same sort of thing: we don't want a bunch of alumni that are just wingers waiting for the ball to come to them and then they go to work. Some guys that can put their hand up and say, "I'll go looking for work." And, you know, the game, the institution ... to me, and I'm off track here, but the institution is outstanding. BYU is ... you know, I'm a diehard BYU fan, so ... check that box. The game is outstanding, I'm a diehard rugby fan. Our rugby team is outstanding, I'm a diehard BYU Rugby fan; so you bring those three together, and I think that there is an attraction in all three of those or one of those three, whatever the case may be, for people to want to be involved and add some value and do some stuff.

You know, BYU is a world-class institution, and we have now got the beginnings of a world-class team and a world-class program, and I just want to do what I can to help move that along. And I think others do too; but they just need to know where to 'stand where you lift' type thing ... "Ok, I'm standing, so what am I lifting, and what am I going to do?"

Editor's note: This piece is the second part of a three-part, extended interview originally audio-recorded by BYU Rugby Forever on 3 March, 2010, in Provo, Utah.

Due to the seventeen-and-a-half-minute length of the recording, it has been transcribed and separated into three sections for readability and presentation purposes.

CRF President Aaron Webber: Interview of the Week, Part I

2010-10-11T15:50:00.000-04:00

Yes folks, it's time for another BYU Rugby Forever 'Interview of the Week' ... however, this go 'round presents a special treat: an extended look into the future of the BYU Rugby Program as dictated by Cougar Rugby Foundation President Aaron Webber. (hi5.com photo)

Enjoy!

BYU Rugby Forever: If you could, tell us BYU Rugby fans about your history and involvement, your connection to the team in the past and how that figures into your current role as the Cougar Rugby Foundation President.

Aaron Webber: My history as relates to BYU Rugby, I mean, it's history and it's history that's relevant ... I played for BYU in '89-'90 ... I think those were the years, back in the days when Vern Heperi was coach. Very different program from what it is now but just as fun, just as good a sport, just as engaging in terms of the nature of the sport ... and then lose track as you get into life and move away and do other things. But I was from New Zealand and was living in New Zealand for the last portion of the intervening period, and so rugby's a passion down there; it's a religion. So you always keep track of the sport, always try to keep track of BYU and BYU Rugby during that same time period.

Then we moved back here to the US about thirteen years ago, just began to get more involved from a spectator perspective in the sport, watched its progress. Then probably about four or five years ago, began to get a lot more involved on an alumni basis, on a 'writing-a-check' basis ... going to the games. My boys were getting older, and they wanted to start to look at playing rugby. They were junior-high/high-school age, and so we got involved at that level. And then obviously you want to introduce them to the next level along which was BYU.

And so we went to the games and became passionate supporters as a family of BYU Rugby. And then I was just asked two months ago or so to take the role as president; I must confess I didn't immediately jump at it ... not that I wasn't prepared to do it or didn't want to help. But I just wanted to make sure that I was qualified to do what needed to be done and that I had the time and energy to do what was required of me in doing that role. They twisted my arm and so here I am.

BYU Rugby Forever: Great, great; glad to hear it. As far as your professional background, how has that all factored in? I mean, obviously that was a factor in having them ask you to help out the team; could you describe a little bit of your professional background and what that means for the Cougar Rugby Foundation?

Aaron Webber: By way of professional background, most of it's been in business. My undergraduate degree from BYU was in finance and economics. I've just completed, actually, a graduate master's level degree from the University of Chicago in business, in behavioral economics. Most of my life has been in sort of a corporate world, working my way up through the food chain there, culminating in the corporate side in doing a management buyout. We bought the company I was working for from its European parent, sought to turn it around, get it going, did so, and then managed to reduce my investment in that. And now I basically run my own private equity fund looking to invest in companies doing startups, turnarounds, growth-stage investments, those sorts of things.

So, you know, it's been an interesting marketplace the last couple of years ... but ambiguity and interestingness speaks to opportunity in my opinion. And same thing for BYU Rugby, I mean, we have a great opportunity ahead of us. We've made that national-championship leap; we've achieved it. Now we've got to turn the team and a national-championship team into a national-championship-caliber program; and that isn't a coaching thing, that isn't a player thing ... that's a behind-the-scenes, Cougar-Rugby-Foundation thing. We've got to give the coaches the time and the attention, or allow them to have the time and the attention, they need to have to do what they need to do.

I look at what Justin, and David, and Kimball, and Wayne, and these guys have been doing ... I mean, they're husbands, fathers, church members, running a business, and coaching a team, all of which are full-time jobs. And as well as coaching, doing all the off-the-field stuff: the fundraising, the logistics, the marketing ... it boggles my mind how much workload they've had, even as relates just to BYU Rugby, let alone business and family and personal and church.

So I see our role in helping build that national-championship-level program as taking a lot of that off-the-field drama and distraction away from them. And that's where I think my background can be helpful. There is bringing some systems, some process, some money to bear where the coaches have to worry about, "Okay, if we make the playoffs, how do we afford to get there?" ... you just have to worry about making the playoffs and then doing the best possible job at the playoffs, knowing that other people who are semi-qualified or qualified are working on the challenge of the logistics, the funding, and those sorts of things.

Editor's note: This piece is the first part of a three-part, extended interview originally audio-recorded by BYU Rugby Forever on 3 March, 2010, in Provo, Utah.

Due to the seventeen-and-a-half-minute length of the recording, it has been transcribed and separated into three sections for readability and presentation purposes.

How about a Haka ... BYU Rugby style?

2010-09-28T18:58:00.000-04:00

Being a BYU Rugby Superfan, you know one can't resist checking here and there on the information super-highway for the latest bit of BYU Rugby media. So here it is with another take of the BYU Rugby 2010 Haka:

BYU Rugby 2010: Heads Held High

2010-06-02T21:40:00.000-04:00

(Paul Meyers Photo)

The dust has quickly settled on yet another College Rugby National Tournament ... but why? Our defending 2009 National Champs BYU Cougars lost in a hard-fought match to the Cal Berkeley Machine, en route to a 25th National Title for the latter in only 31 years of tournament play.

You would think, my friends, that there would be another deluge of screaming, crying, and frustration from BYU fans (or at least from me!) over another tough loss to Cal in the final (our fourth in the last five years) ... And you would think that there would be an overabundance of cheering, lauding, and general embellishment coming from the Cal side in praise of their marvelous, undefeated season topped by an unheard of, 25th title ...

So you would think, folks ... but the reality is that no such response has emerged. Why?? Because, relatively speaking, nobody cares when Cal wins!!!

Of course, Cal fans and players were pleased with their win. But after a spot of post-game revelry, they rather quickly disappeared. After all, they had won again and so had little to talk about.

Ironically, BYU fans were extremely happy and proud of the BYU Rugby team's final performance in the face of defeat. BYU had fought hard and even performed above and beyond the mark of their entire season, so the loss didn't really feel that bad.

It seemed a matter of fears gone unrealized. After a season of unprecedented dominance, Cal was afraid to lose again in the final. And BYU, after a season of rebuilding and struggle, was afraid to win ... yes, you heard right: "win".

Only 24 hours earlier, Cal had carved up a physical opponent in Arkansas State, 83-37. Yet BYU, in similar fashion, discarded their Big Four opponent in Army by the score of 63-28. That's a nearly-identical points ratio of about 2.25:1 for both teams ... and while that might not sound like a big deal, perhaps some other numbers will better illustrate the point in question ...

In 2010 regular season play, the mighty Cal Bears outscored their opponents by an average of 15.34 points to 1 over the course of 22 games (1396-91 total points). The BYU Cougars' regular season consisted of 13 matches resulting in a ratio of only 3.58 points for every 1 point for their opponents (490-137 total points) ... not exactly the typical picture of BYU domination! (compare to last year's points ratio of 7.13:1, twice that of this year's team) But not exactly the usual level of Cal domination either ...

The annual "World Cup" of college rugby, a two-match tournament between Cal Berkeley and British Columbia, often presents Cal with its only real competition during the season. Historically, the tournament has often ended with both teams garnering a home win, with Cal taking the trophy on the cumulative points differential. The 2010 match-up, however, resulted in uncharacteristically comfortable wins for Cal at home (39-7) and away (41-10).

Additionally, Cal hadn't been held to less than 25 points in their entire season or even in the trip to the final against BYU. Moreover, Cal's dominance had seen 10 regular season shutouts and no opposing teams escaping the teens in all their scoring efforts. Cal hadn't lost many players from their 2009 lineup ... and the overwhelming W's showed the difference.

Either way the story is told, it's a given that Cal and rugby are a recipe for dominance ... but the 2010 season was that and more.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the mountains and desert, Our BYU Cougars faced the difficult task of rebuilding while defending their first National Title. The loss of seniors to graduation and freshmen to LDS missions left the team with some untested depth, now in line to start. And though such change in collegiate sport is typical, nevertheless the effects thereof were magnified by injuries to key starters before, during, and late in the season. The starting lineup never quite got set.

BYU was a different team than that of their undefeated 2009 squad, still struggling to find its identity ... and the results reflected the fact. After a controversial and extremely close loss to the Denver Barbarians, BYU squeaked by Utah for a lucky, 15-10 Wasatch Cup win and immediate #1 seed in the Round of 16. But only a few weeks later, BYU fell to Utah by two points in their first-ever Rio Tinto exhibition match. The score shouldn't have even been close ...

Nerves and tempers tested, BYU Rugby fans cringed at the prospect of not even returning to the national title game ... After all, Utah would most likely end up facing the Cougars in the Big Four. Only the last season game, a bout against then #3-ranked (on ARN) San Diego State, would provide any indication of BYU's playoff potential ...

Though the match proved to be no cakewalk, BYU walked away with a convincing 36-22 win. (Insert major sigh of relief here) Despicable line-outs and lackluster support play seemingly now in the past, Our Boys looked more primed for the national tournament than anyone had expected. Our Cougars then waltzed through the first two rounds of sixteen and eight with minimal resistance, beating Delaware (whom they had defeated early in the season) 33-13 and Arizona (who, honestly, worried BYU even less) 46-10. The real challenge facing Our Boys, upon reaching the Big Four, turned mysterious as Army, not Utah, stepped into the ring.

Coming off a double-overtime win over the Utes, the Black Knights of Army looked to be BYU's match ... for, if they were able to beat Utah, then it would surely follow that they could stand 'toe to toe' with the Cougars ... correct? Uhhh ... wrong!!! Critics' and observers' predictions on both ends fell completely short of foreseeing the degree of dominance with which BYU would eventually crush the cadets of West Point by 35 points. The difference then???

First of all, Army was not Utah. BYU's last meeting with Army happened five years previous in a quarterfinal match-up wherein the Cougars won a gritty struggle, 36-13 ... But that was five years ago. Translation: As far as the BYU Rugby team was concerned, Army was just another good team on the way to the title, just like Arkansas State or San Diego State last year ... no psychological baggage or strings attached, no rivalry, no extensive history to throw in BYU's face. Apologies to Army, but with all due respect, Utah is a whole different animal in BYU's eyes ... (how else would they ever beat us in anything! :D)

Last of all, Our Boys were just hitting their stride. With a solid lineup finally established, BYU still had room to grow as a team. Though they had passed through the semis relatively untested, they were then ready to come out 'guns blazing' ... and how much so, we BYU fans couldn't even imagine! When Our Cougars attacked through several phases to set up a center-Tupu-Folau try in the very first minute and a scrumhalf-Shaun-Davies try in the fifth minute, we knew we were in for a special treat!!

To Army's credit, they had a good ten- to fifteen-minute spurt in the first half where they pretty well controlled things and scored two tries. And in the second half, they did the same for a solid twenty minutes or so, putting up another two tries. And though they converted all four, yet their efforts still paled in comparison to the Cougars' nine converted tries (Thank you, Shaun Davies!).

And so the stage was set for another great final test between Cal and BYU: the former coming off a stellar season; the latter climaxing at just the right time! And while BYU was on the upswing, Cal had just experienced one of its tougher matches of the year in Arkansas State. Granted, Cal started a number of secondary players and still won by 46 points, but ASU put up a solid 37 points while star-kicker Keegan Engelbrecht wasn't perfect on the day, going 8 for 12 on conversions. For the first time all season long, BYU looked threatening and Cal looked relatively vulnerable ...

In not so many words, the final page turned in Cal's favor. Inadequate refereeing blurred the score into the realms of deception (there's a vast difference between making a decision and not even being there in time to see what happened). Honestly, the score could have been 19-12, 20-19, or even 25-22 in favor of either team, but the referee's score didn't accurately reflect the closeness of the match. Instead, both teams received the consequences of a guessing game, for better or for worse.

News outlets would give an impression of Cal dominating the entirety of the game in every facet, a typical display of Cal Rugby ... and such was simply not the case (for the disbeliever, hear it from Cal's head coach and players themselves). BYU never gave up; Cal never let up. BYU made mistakes; Cal made mistakes. Cal's first try of the night came off what looked to be a very forward pass; BYU's first try was discounted as "held up". Keegan Engelbrecht went 0/2 on conversions; Shaun Davies went 1/1. Engelbrecht went 2/2 on penalty kicks; Davies went 0/1. Cal scored a try at the beginning and at the end of the first half; BYU scored none. BYU scored a finally-allowed try toward the end of the second half; Cal scored none. The game wasn't exactly a tale of one team.

As BYU threatened to score again in the closing minutes, Engelbrecht attempted a drop-goal in the 77th minute. The ball just snuck over the cross bar, sealing the deal at 19-7 in favor of Cal. Even then BYU fought for a score in the remaining minutes, but a pair of BYU penalties and secure recycling by the Cal forwards ensured Cal possession until the clock ran out.

In some respects, it seemed a mirror opposite of the Cal-BYU final of last year. After the final whistle, Cal players stormed together in a flurry of emotion, some even collapsing to the ground in a mix of relief and disbelief. For several minutes afterward, Cal Head Coach Jack Clark seemed to be stuck in a stupor of shock at the realization that they had actually won the National Title back from BYU, going undefeated in the process.

For BYU fans, it was a bittersweet spectacle ... but only for a moment. BYU had lost again to Cal, true. But that was only on the surface, only on paper, only on the scoreboard. The reality of the game's intensity and the players' resolve on both sides said so much more ...

A BYU team that faced great adversity throughout the season ended on a very high note, and no BYU fan or player anywhere could deny the fact. For when was the last time Cal had been held to scoring less than twenty points in a game? When was the last time they had been kept try-less in the second half of any game? Had they ever experienced either of these deficiencies?? Ever at all??? Not even BYU's National Championship team of 2009 could lay claim to such achievements ...

And so Our Boys, Our 2010 BYU Men's Rugby team can stand erect, proud of their performance. We true BYU Rugby fans were there ... we saw and we know ... without shame, animosity, or regret. Instead, excitement, energy, and respect for both teams reigned in what proved an eventful test. We can all walk tall, all of us in the BYU Rugby community, with heads held high for this year, for the realization of expectations exceeded ... and especially for the prospects of tomorrow.

Congratulations to Our BYU Rugby Boys and the entire BYU Rugby Staff on another great and exciting season! (as long as #2 in the nation is it bad as it gets, we can all survive until next season, right?)

Keep on rolling, Cougars!! Next year, it's our turn!!!

USA College Rugby National Championships: Live Video Coverage

2010-04-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

Enjoy some live video coverage of the 2010 USA College Rugby National Championship Playoffs provided by USA Rugby!!!

Yesterday's action saw the BYU Men's Rugby team emerge victorious, 33-13, over Delaware. Read all about it: BYU Starts Playoffs with Blue Hen Victory

Be here at 4 PM (MST) to cheer on Our Cougars to victory over Arizona!!!

Live Video streaming by Ustream

If the player does not work, click the following link to go directly to the USA Rugby USTREAM channel: www.ustream.tv/USARugby

BYU Rugby Media Blitz #5: Playoff Preview

2010-04-15T23:00:00.000-04:00

The Playoffs are here, my friends, and Our BYU Cougars are set to spring big in a first-round bout against the University of Delaware TOMORROW!

Tune in to BYU Rugby Forever for USA Rugby's live video coverage of the BYU-Delaware game at 8 PM (MST)!!!

And while you're at it, you might as well fill out a tournament bracket to get a full dose of National College Rugby Championship spirit: Get Your Tournament Bracket Now!

And now, a few thoughts in anticipation of another crazy round of playoffs ...

Great expectations, as always, of Our Boys this time of year. The last few weeks saw them lose to Utah and then rebound against San Diego State ... To be perfectly honest, I'm still burned by the loss to the Utes: shoddy refereeing, sluggish second-half play by the Cougars, and a generally demoralizing defeat. Utah didn't even play that well at all; BYU dominated most facets of the game yet somehow surrendered it all to the U in the second half. What was with Our Boys anyway? In many instances, I felt like I was giving more than they were just by my frantic cheering ... talk about sadness and even a bit of betrayal.

Thankfully though, only days later, Our Boys met the SDSU Aztecs with more energy and creativity than they've shown all season. And I'm all for giving credit where credit's due: good leadership from Lock TJ Allred, the usual work-horse performance from eight-man Ryan Roundy, great work by the Deep Three, and a standout job by Captain and Flyhalf Dylan Lubbe. Let's not forget the beauty of a try delivered by Senior Center Sean Howard, a diving grab off a nicely-placed grubber by Lubbe ... awesome stuff! And what a way to close out your BYU Rugby home season. Nice work, fellas; way to come back and stick it to the then #3 team in the nation!

Now, looking ahead to the playoffs, it's time to talk turkey ... the 2010 tournament is not the 2009 tournament revisited, not at all in fact. Instead, it's a whole different animal. This year presents a noticeably softer road to the Big Four than last year. Not to knock Delaware, Syracuse, and Arizona, but they're not yet at BYU's level ... and I think they recognize the fact. So, to really have a chance to beat BYU, they're going to have to bring it full-time. BYU are not the same team as they were last year, but I would similarly wager that none of the three opposing teams in question are of the caliber as last year's Dartmouth and Arkansas State sides.

Of course, this situation poses a potentially crippling scenario for BYU: a padded road to the semi-finals only to be followed by meetings with not-so-soft teams, such as, Cal Berkeley, SDSU, Utah, Army, and Arkansas State. If last year's Cougar crew needed as tough a preliminary-round schedule as they had to prepare them for Cal, then this year's obviously different BYU squad will need to dig even deeper to get ready. It seems a recipe for disaster ... because, folks, regardless of what anyone thinks about any of the teams along the way, we all know that the formidable Cal will be ready. No question about it.

In conclusion, there is one great advantage, however, that the BYU Rugby team has always enjoyed throughout the years: the majority of people always discounts them when compared to the likes of Cal. Even last year's very dominant BYU side wasn't quoted to be Cal's match by any means ... and yet they prevailed against all odds.

And so it is, my beloved BYU Rugby fans, that Our Boys still have a great opportunity before them. If they can harness a collective desire to rise to the occasion and shatter the warped perspectives of their foes, then they will be victorious. And all along the way, if we BYU Rugby fans can collectively cheer Our BYU Cougars on to that victory (with a prayer in our hearts), then, believe it or not, we just might bring home that coveted National Title!

Pick it up, Boys, pick ... it ... up. Now's your chance, not tomorrow, not yesterday. Now ... today ... be the great team that we know you are! BYU Rugby Forever!!!

For us BYU Rugby fans at home, here's a veritable feast of BYU Rugby media to bridge the gap until tomorrow. Enjoy!

USA Rugby Broadcast Details Set for Playoffs (BYURugby.com)

BYU-TV: “The Rugby Game Day Experience” (BYURugby.com)

Top 25: All Set (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Final Playoff Spots Filled for Collegiate Championships (BYURugby.com)

BYU’s Playoff Path is Set (BYURugby.com)

Men DI College Top 25 April 7, 2010 (RugbyMag.com)

College Sevens Invitational (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Top 25: Playoff Rankings (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

CougarCast: Sam Wolthius (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Konner Wiscombe (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Lelann Latu (BYURugby.com)

Cougar Corner: Apenisa Malani (BYURugby.com)

Men DI College Top 25, March 30, 2010 (RugbyMag.com)

Top 25: Ton of Movement (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

BYU Bounces Back to Beat SDSU (BYURugby.com)

College: Non-Playoff Wrap (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Utes Comeback to Beat Cougars (BYURugby.com)

Slight Revenge - Utah Beats BYU (RugbyMag.com)

Utah Upsets BYU (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

BYU vs. Utah (Rio Tinto Video) KSTU Raw Video (BYURugby.com)

BYU Rugby Lock TJ Allred: Interview of the Week

2010-04-06T13:20:00.000-04:00

The BYU Rugby Forever 'Interview of the Week' series continues with BYU Rugby Lock TJ Allred. With several changes occurring in the 2010 starting lineup due to injury, graduating seniors, and LDS missions, the return of the former U-19 Canadian National Team player has proven critical to the Cougars' success thus far. One of the fittest players on the team, Allred often arrives first at the breakdown while also exploiting opportunities to insert in the back-line.

In the BYU Rugby team's most recent win against highly-ranked San Diego State, Allred also stepped up and took a leadership role in line-out situations, an area of struggle for the BYU forwards this season. As a result, BYU produced more creative and deceptive line-outs than in any previous test, and not surprisingly, more control of the set piece. (Photos by Paul Meyers)

BYU Rugby Forever: What is it like coming back to the BYU Rugby team after serving a 2-year mission for the LDS Church? Where did you serve? How has that experience impacted your capacity to contribute to the BYU Rugby team?

TJ Allred: Being back on the team from my mission in Montreal, Quebec, wasn't too hard of a transition. I needed to get back into shape quickly and had a solid couple of months on my own before pre-season, so I ran like crazy. My mission helped me realize the importance of team work and brotherhood between players in order to help perform. I'm very grateful for that. It's been really fun playing with Ryan Roundy who returned from his mission at the same time. He played for USA while I was playing with Canada before attending BYU. I had heard his name tossed around, and now we're on the same team.

BYU Rugby Forever: As a starter at the unique position of lock, what kind of challenges and responsibilities do you face in your efforts to contribute to the team? Any specific areas in which you perceive a need for improvement, personally or as a team?

TJ Allred: I love the lock position. But I'd play winger if they let me. As long as I'm on the field I'm fine. Its always a challenge to give 100% at all times. Every game I play I analyze only what I did wrong. I'm a bit of a perfectionist. There is definitely a bit of rust in the line-outs this year. But our team is really getting the right attitude to fix it, and we've already improved immensely as shown in our game against Colorado.

Our coaches say that there is no other team in the nation with as much natural talent as ours. I believe it too. It's just a matter of working together to unleash that talent. We need to stay calm and just have more fun. We play better that way and it shows. It's up to us as a team collectively to not get down on each other and stay positive where it is needed.

BYU Rugby Forever: The 2010 season has many people talking about the BYU Rugby team's strength in the forwards. Do you feel that this talk is justified? Thoughts? Are you ready to meet the challenge of another National Championship playoff run?

TJ Allred: We definitely have an advantage in our scrumming. We have fitness and power in our front row, and our back 5 are fit enough to get around the field. I love playing with our forward pack. When we are united and positive with each other, I believe that we play well enough to justify the so called "talk" going around. Pressure is on this year though; we need to really commit ourselves on and, more specifically at this point, off the field if we want to keep our title.

BYU Rugby Forever: Coming from the Canadian rugby system, what adjustments have you made to integrate yourself into the American system and especially the BYU Rugby team? Any aspirations of pursuing higher-level rugby in the future?

TJ Allred: I definitely enjoyed the time I had on team Canada. But I was still in the process of developing as a rugby player. Coming to BYU has helped me become that, I believe. The coaches give their all into the program and it shows. More or less the only real adjustments I've had to make are the jokes made against Canada and coaches calling me "Canucky." My freshman year was a bit difficult. I came in half way through the season and didn't know anyone, and it was hard to develop chemistry with some of the players and the coaches at first. But coming off my mission has been much better. I guess everyone goes through that weird 'new kid' phase though.

I'd absolutely love to play at a higher level. If you have never thought or dreamed about it at least once, you probably shouldn't be playing rugby. If the cards are ever to fall right, I'd consider for sure.

BYU Rugby Forever: Thanks TJ; good luck and go Cougars!

Utah Rugby College Showdown: Time to Shine!

2010-03-23T13:20:00.000-04:00

In all of Collegiate Rugby in the US, a relative few opportunities exist to compete at a truly-elite-level venue. Many praise and tout the facilities at Stanford, Cal, BYU, or Army, to name a few, as being the best collegiate pitches in the nation. And while such may be the case, nevertheless anything greater than these does not often lend itself to host a collegiate competition, much less in the sport of rugby.

However, once in a long while, once in a few rotations around the sun, the golden opportunity presents itself... the chance to play in one of the most pristine sports arenas in the country!

From the Rio Tinto Stadium website: "This world-class venue seats 20,000 people for Major League Soccer and other sports events. Capacity increases to 25,000 for concerts. Stadium amenities include 32 luxury suites, a 2,000-square foot Stadium Club, 1,000 premium club seats, five locker rooms, a 60-foot Video Board, and ribbon LED boards stretching 200 feet long on both the east and west fascia."

"The carpet-like natural grass field boasts a surface area of 130 yards in length by 90 yards in width and has been developed to sustain a full slate of diverse sports and entertainment activities. The GTF Kentucky Bluegrass surface and root system is engineered by Graff's Turf Farm in Ft. Morgan, Colorado, the supplier of such hallowed fields as Wrigley Field, Lambeau Field, Busch Stadium and Notre Dame Stadium. Laser-graded to 1/100th of an inch across 105,000 square feet, the field was chemically and organically developed specifically for Utah's high-desert climate to ensure optimal growth and durability throughout the entire year."

All I can say, my friends, is "WOW!!!" To all BYU Rugby fans... if ever there were a time to come to a rugby game, to make the trip to watch Our Boys, and to cheer them to victory, that time is NOW! We may not soon again enjoy such an opportunity to see Our Boys play at such an amazing venue... I invite you to join with the BYU Rugby Superfans and me to yell our hearts out in support of Our team in their pursuit of success!

And to all BYU Rugby players... if ever there were a time to give it your best, to rise to the occasion, and to produce your best rugby, that time is NOW! You may not ever again enjoy such an opportunity to play at such an amazing venue in the rest of your lifetime... I encourage you to give ALL of yourself for your team, for your school, and for your loyal supporters in the pursuit of another win over Utah!

Remember: it won't get any easier in the coming weeks... so all the more reason to work harder than ever NOW! Just look to this game: could you have ever dreamed that you would be able to represent BYU at such a time and in such a place??? It's unbelievable...

Nevertheless, the time for dreaming has past; you must now believe and face reality. The regular season is over within a mere week's time, and then it's off to the great struggle of the National Championship Tournament. This match means a second chance, a primer for greater opposition to come. And, to avoid any 'beating around the bush', it represents the time to be your best... because frankly, your best has yet to be seen!

We BYU Rugby fans have great expectations... we know you aren't the same team as last year's, but that's not actually relevant. Why? Because you are a new BYU Men's Rugby team: you have new faces, new strengths, a new Haka. Because we have consistently seen enough of your successes in the past to move beyond believing in your capabilities... that is, we know your potential is great... so show it to us now!!! Stand together as a true team in literal support of one another! Rise up in collective might to withstand and conquer the opposition!! After all, if anyone knows how tough the Utes of Utah are this year, it's you!!!

My friends, in the face of opposition lies opportunity... and this match epitomizes a great opportunity for you, for me, and for the BYU Rugby community as a whole... no question about it. Be there to spur Our Boys on to yet another Cougar victory! BYU Rugby Forever!!!

(Image from RioTintoStadium.com)

BYU Rugby Media Blitz #4

2010-03-18T21:20:00.000-04:00

Well folks, the BYU Men's Rugby team has just come off a busy weekend with wins against UVU and Colorado's first and second XV. And while the consistency of their execution seemed to vary as much as the Utah weather, nevertheless the Cougars produced some of their best overall rugby yet this season... though later rather than sooner, happening mostly in second-half play.

Credit to the opposition as well; both UVU and Colorado provided great attacks on offense that truly tested the BYU defense while simultaneously holding BYU to relatively skimpy first-half scores. My respects to both programs.

Take a moment and view the BYU vs. Colorado match to see what I mean...

When you get to the BYU-TV page, click the central "Tune in Now" banner; then load the player file (if you don't have it already), and search for "College Rugby" at the 1:00 PM time slot for March 13th.

If you didn't get to go to the games or just want to hear and see a little more in general (such as read the latest buzz about a possible College Premier League), then here's the scoop.

WSU Canceled, Cougars Turn Focus To Final Two Matches (BYURugby.com)

Men DI Top 25 March 17, 2010 (RugbyMag.com)

Top 25: Aggies Make A Move (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Premier League Gathers Momentum (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Second-Half Surge Puts BYU Past Buffs (RugbyMag.com)

College: Western Scores (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

BYU Throttles Past Colorado in 2nd Half (BYURugby.com)

College Premier League (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Video Slideshow: BYU Rugby’s Dedicated Fans (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Ryan Blaser (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Inoke Funaki (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Ben McKay (BYURugby.com)

BYU Beats Athletic Wolverines (BYURugby.com)

Wasatch Cup 2010: Media & Thoughts

2010-03-12T16:50:00.000-05:00

Scrummin’ Utes drop close contest to BYU (DailyUtahChronicle.com)

Wasatch Cup 2010: BYU Kicks Its Way to Win (BYURugby.com)

Davies Boots BYU Past Utah (RugbyMag.com)

Homecoming Recap (BYURugby.com)

College: Western Scores (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

CougarCast: Dylan Lubbe (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Justen Nadauld (BYURugby.com)

Now, just a few thoughts looking back at last weekend.

What a game, folks! The more I reflect on it in terms of the bigger picture, I think it was so much more amazing than I originally realized. Think of it: top-ranked BYU and Utah play each other before a packed house, on a pristine field, on a national television network... Not more than a few years ago, any coach or player wouldn't have believed it possible to have such an opportunity for a regular season game! And people have taken notice... even Coach Jack Clark of Cal Berkeley (in his final comments on ARN's "CollegeTalk", Episode 21) mentioned how impressive everything was about the game and its venue as he watched on BYU-TV (maybe even cheered for BYU a little too... maybe??). :D

And think of this fact: the final score of 15-10 is one of the lowest scores I've ever seen between BYU and Utah... True, it was a sloppy game for both teams, but it was obviously a very competitive and balanced match-up. The score can't hide that fact. Let's just say that Utah is nearly back in elite form, and BYU needs to step it up lest they be overtaken. With all of these thoughts, I must make another pitch for the upcoming "Utah Rugby College Showdown" in which BYU again faces Utah, March 24th, in Rio Tinto Stadium! Talk about potential for an unbelievable match!! And what a game it will be in one of the largest sporting venues in Utah before hosts of rugby fans!!!

Before that day comes, however, both teams have a load of work to do. Both sides' execution, or lack thereof, was characterized by errors leading to penalties and turnovers: Utah's issues with poor ball handling and not releasing the ball in the ruck; BYU's issues with offsides at the breakdown and shoddy, embarrassing line-outs. I would spend a whole page just venting on these points of failure, but suffice it to say that they are unacceptable if BYU wishes to be competitive in the National Tournament, let alone dominant. I mean, to not score a single try in a game is unheard of for BYU... for a reason. These aren't the kind of struggles that BYU coaches want to see at this point in the season, especially with a subsequent match against Utah on the docket as well as a meeting with San Diego State and tough playoff tests immediately thereafter. Sorry fellas, but you can't afford to make those mistakes... you can only afford improvement.

On a brighter note, the BYU defensive effort was relatively encouraging. The return of inside center Tupu Folau added some juice to the mix by smothering the threat of Thretton Palamo. Additionally, the fire possessed and second efforts displayed by the deep three of Andrew Harrison, Ryan Blaser, and Lelann Latu were impressive; it's always fun to see freshman players (the latter two) step up to the plate and meet the opposition. And don't forget the BYU scrum, holding up well despite the loss of big prop Mike Price and lock Isikeli Volavola to injury. Good work fellas; you really dodged a bullet, but let's use it to wax smarter and stronger! We want to keep seeing that new BYU Rugby Haka as often as possible!!!

Finally, I want to express my gratitude for the boot of Shaun Davies... worth all the praise we BYU Rugby fans can offer! (Enjoy the Paul Meyers photo, his best in my opinion, from last year's semifinal match against San Diego State) Thanks to Our Boys for the Wasatch Cup win, and we look forward to some more great games in the coming weeks! Go Cougars!!!

BYU Rugby vs. Utah: March Mayhem!

2010-03-05T23:22:00.000-05:00

The time has come... the tale of two universities continues... the epic rivalry between rugby powerhouses BYU and Utah culminates yet again in the month of March with not one but two match meetings!!!

First, within only a matter of hours (1:00 PM, Saturday, March 6), the BYU Rugby team takes their home pitch against the University of Utah to decide the recipient of the coveted Wasatch Cup (live television coverage provided by BYU-TV). The winner earns a direct spot in the Round of 16 for the National Championship playoffs in April, not to mention the pride and respect of their respective schools. The loser... well, they just inherit an extra dose of bad luck (see "Utah Rugby 2009 season"). :P

Second, on March 24th, BYU again meets Utah in an exhibition match to be held in Rio Tinto Stadium (click the link to reserve advance tickets; BYU fans sit in the EAST grandstand with the Superfans, not in the 'club seats' with the red people). The event is actually a double-header with a teaser match between Utah Valley University and Utah State preceding the main event. All in all, it should be a great night for BYU Rugby, for all levels of rugby in Utah, and for the sport in general.

Now, before I get totally crazy and ooze with bias (a little too late, I know) for the Cougars of BYU, let me tell you why this year's Wasatch Cup match won't exactly be a cakewalk... (not that any game against Utah is ever easy, but this one's a heck of a lot more promising than last year's meetings!)

In the Red Corner, we have the Utes of Utah, rejuvenated and ready to come out swinging. After a tough season of unrealized expectations and rebuilding, our red brethren have found some fire in the likes of a few all-star freshmen, namely, Thretton Palamo at flyhalf, Don Pati at scrumhalf, and Naki Angilau at fullback. The former of these boasts an already-impressive résumé, having represented the USA in international level play, both for the US Eagles and US Sevens teams... If that doesn't make sense to you, it essentially means that he's got about as much rugby talent as anyone his age in the nation... and then some. Add to this threat the proven talent of Don Pati and Naki Angilau, two standout players selected to the US Under-20 national team in the last year.

No great mystery here, folks, but I'd be willing to bet that Coach Burdette's putting a lot of faith in these guys to really scramble the BYU defense. So what do you know: Utah will actually have a backline this year! ... I just hope no one, and especially not all, of them are a 'Paul Lasike' type or we may be in for a long night!

As far as the Utah forwards are concerned, I don't really know what to expect. Last year's pack was a sort of hodgepodge group that seemed to bring a general inconsistency in execution. Other than a random mention of their flankers, Mike Kimball and Mike Jeszczak, and lock Scott Metcalf, I'll err on the side of caution and say that they're probably better than last year. After all, they did only barely lose to the University of Victoria, a well-established Canadian team, to the tune of 38-22. So, we'll see what their scrum has to offer... if they 'possess the constitution' to bring it!

In the Blue Corner, we have the Cougars of BYU, our beloved defending National Champions! Coming off of their most successful season ever, BYU counts with a great amount of depth, especially in the forwards... and good thing too, as recent injuries to starting prop, Mike Price, and starting lock, Isikeli Volavola, have turned these two into water boys for now. Anchoring the pack (literally!) nonetheless are big props All-American Mikey Su'a and New Zealand native Ray Forrester, as well as up-and-coming forward Joey Mount at hooker. Coupled with the solid back row of TJ Allred and Mark Bonham at lock, Haini Leaaetoa and Moana Hafoka at flanker, and Ryan Roundy at eight-man, the BYU scrum looks quite potent and prepped for the opposition. According to the most recent interviews, it sounds like our BYU side will be banking on the forwards to produce in dominant fashion (especially, I personally hope and pray, at the set piece!).

As for the backs, oohhhh, those BYU backs, we've got some fun stuff in the pipeline! Yes, it's a bit of a rebuilding season, and yes, a number of key starters have gone the way of graduation and ineligibility... But, remember, we're talking about Our Boys here! 'In the wings', we have Ryan Blaser, younger brother of epic speedster All-American John Blaser, as well as Konner Wiscombe, Sam Wolthius, and impressive freshman Lelann Latu. At center, we have returning starters Viliami Vimahi (Pila the 'Punisher'; see "Destruction of Cal 2009"), Tupu Folau (don't know if he's recouped yet) and Sean Howard, as well as supporter Adam Kuchin. Maybe not the most formidable cast in some critics' opinion but definitely coming together nicely... enough so to keep the Denver Barbarians on their toes last weekend!

And perhaps most lethal for the Cougars is the ever-impressive 'Dynamic Duo' of halfbacks Shaun Davies and Team Captain Dylan Lubbe. Both players contributed greatly to the Cougars' National Title last season and continue in similar fashion. However, seeing as how Utah appears to have an equally amazing 9-10 connection, I wouldn't be surprised if the scrum-to-backline linkage point may well be where all the craziness happens! We know that these four players are deadly in terms of offense, but just how strong will they be on defense? We might just be hearing the clash all the way up in the bleachers! (I honestly hope no ambulances will be necessary) Ahhhh, heaven help us, the suspense is unbearable!!!

As for the later March matchup, folks, I'll have to wait before I go too far out on a limb and say anything overly rash... After all, I've nearly met my quota for the month as is! That and I'm almost completely consumed by the prospects of tomorrow!

Sorry folks, but I'll just have to leave all of us hanging... this should be an amazing and intense match to be sure! Good luck to Our Boys as they take on those pesky Utes! And good luck (with feeble, outstretched hand) to Utah as they come down to Provo to put up with Our Boys, Our Fans, and... one crazy Superfan, of course!!! BYU Rugby Forever!!!