BYU Rugby Prop Mikey Su'a: Interview of the Week

The long wait and anticipation is over as the 'Interview of the Week' series finally features none other than big BYU Prop and All-American, Mikey Su'a. Joining the ranks of what seems to be an increasingly consistent BYU presence on the Collegiate All-American roster, Mikey's selection to the squad granted him the chance to compete internationally earlier this month.

Throughout the regular season and National Tournament, Mikey's dominant physical presence and surprising mobility on the field excited BYU Rugby teammates and fans alike. And as a clutch player, his flexibility and growing test experience enabled him to fill in at the critical Hooker position for Ra Lawrence during the 2009 National Championships. (Photo by Paul Meyers)


BYU Rugby Forever:
In the National Championship final this past May, you received a yellow card just before the end of the match. What exactly happened in that critical situation? In your opinion, did your actions justify the ref's call?

Mikey Su'a:
Well, it was about six minutes until the final whistle. I had just made a tackle at the base of the ruck; I got up, and Kyle Sumsion and myself started to counter-ruck. We both counter-rucked, and then I counter-rucked again...the next thing I know, the referee is giving me a yellow card for "not attempting to wrap in the tackle." I've watched the game film over and over, trying to see what the referee saw, but I still really don't understand the call...but I think all in all, it worked out just fine.

BYU Rugby Forever:
As a selection to the 2009 All-American Traveling Squad, you recently returned from a 3-match tour to South Africa. Please describe your experience, on and off the pitch, for the benefit of us fans. What moment stands out to you as the highlight of the trip?

Mikey Su'a:
Going to South Africa as a part of the All-American Team was an awesome experience. It was a hard but rewarding tour. We started off in Glendale, Colorado, for the first 3 days just training and getting to know our teammates better; then it was about 26 hours of traveling to Cape Town. We trained twice a day for most of the tour just to try to make the most of our opportunity to play together and to try to get used to one another's style of play.

Rugby in South Africa is just a way of life, so to be able to go and be a part of that whole culture was something else! I would have to say that playing in Newlands Stadium was definitely a highlight of the tour. Just to be in the stadium and to see where so many famous matches have been played was a humbling experience.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Several players from Cal Berkeley also traveled with the All-Americans to South Africa. Was it a tough transition to suddenly have to practice with, support, and play alongside your usual rivals? Thoughts? Experiences?

Mikey Su'a:
It really wasn't tough at all. The Cal guys were very easy to get along with. We all knew what we were there for. Part of playing on a team like the All-American Team means that you've probably played against most of your new teammates before you play with them. But being a part of a rugby program like Cal, they know the type of rugby you have to play to be successful, so it was a very easy transition to play with them.

BYU Rugby Forever:
An inevitable question, what's the story on your recruitment experience with the BYU football team? Will you end up playing after all, and if so, at what position?

Mikey Su'a:
Well, I was asked to be on the BYU Football team as a nose guard. After training with them all summer, and some of fall, I was made aware that I did not qualify through the NCAA Clearinghouse. Basically, I didn't take the right amount of "core" classes when I was in high school, so I won't be playing football at all...just concentrating on rugby!

BYU Rugby Forever:
What is your outlook on the upcoming 2009-2010 rugby season? With several key players graduating or leaving on missions, what will the BYU Rugby team need to do to be as competitive as last season?

Mikey Su'a:
We will definitely miss those players that are leaving. No one can replace a Steve St. Pierre, who left such a mark on BYU Rugby. Steve was an example, both on and off the field to our entire team, and the best team captain you could ask for. Guys like Paul Lasike, Kyle Sumsion, and Jordan Lowry, who made such an impact on the field, will be missed but we'll be excited to get them back from their missions.

Over all, we have a very positive outlook on the upcoming season. We are starting our strength and conditioning sessions with Coach Omer and Coach McClure soon, which will help us get in better shape, and then Coach Smyth, Coach Tarawhiti, Coach Kjar, and Coach Nadauld always work us hard. They know what it takes to be successful, so if we as a team can trust the coaches to prepare us, I know we'll be successful this season.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What would you say to all the BYU Rugby fans and alumni around the world if you had the chance?

Mikey Su'a:
I don't think the fans and alumni know how much we sincerely appreciate them. From all those supporters that open their homes to us, to the fans that just cheer for us. Without all of the BYU Rugby supporters, there is no way that BYU Rugby would be at the level it is. At almost every practice, training, or game, our coaches remind us of all the people that help behind the scenes, whether it's BYU Rugby alumni, fans, or just supporters. We know who you are and we thank you!

BYU Rugby Forever:
Thanks for your time and consideration, and congratulations on the opportunity to represent the US internationally! Good luck this coming year!

Mikey Su'a:
Thanks for the interview opportunity, bro!
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ARN College Rugby Preseason Rankings: BYU at #3

With many college rugby teams in the nation already slated to play a few preseason matches in the coming months, American Rugby News has 'gotten the jump' on the rest of the internet community by releasing its "Preseason Top 25", along with commentary supporting their picks.

Despite taking the National Championship this past season, the BYU Rugby team comes in with a #3 ranking behind Cal Berkeley and Arkansas State.

1 California
2 Arkansas State
3 BYU
4 Kutztown
5 St Mary’s
6 Army
7 LSU
8 San Diego State
9 Penn State
10 Arizona
11 Dartmouth
12 Cal Poly
13 Central Washington
14 Utah
15 Texas A&M
16 Florida
17 Navy
18 UC Davis
19 Virginia Tech
20 Colorado State
21 Rutgers
22 Sacramento State
23 Bowling Green
24 Washington State
25 Oklahoma

According to ARN's Brian Lowe, BYU's #1 finish last season was basically a fluke, not to be repeated any time soon:

"Right off the bat we don’t think BYU will repeat as national champions.

"Granted their run to the title last season was nothing short of spectacular, it’s just that we reckon much like in college football nowadays, it’s darn near impossible for most teams to repeat as champions.

"Sure, Cal has done it on a regular basis during the last couple of decades but they are the exception rather than the rule.

"In football parlance, BYU is probably akin to USC in that the Trojans won a national championship a few years ago and while they’re always in the mix they haven’t been able to get back to the promised land since.

"Cal is kind of like Florida, or perhaps it should be the other way around. The Golden Bears and Gators have been the most consistent in their respective sports in recent years, although Florida of course has been by no means as dominant as UC Berkeley."

While I have great respect for Brian Lowe, I must say that this college football analogy is less than functional... and not just because I despise USC and Florida!

First off, a "national champion" in college football isn't a title earned by eliminating the competition in a playoff system; rather, it is more of a gift granted by the deficient and self-serving BCS format.

For this reason, Cal receives even more respect for their accomplishments; no matter how much any of us dislikes Cal or wishes to downplay their program's achievements, no one can deny that they are the premier collegiate rugby team in America.

Florida, on the other hand, is the fluke in this whole equation if you ask me. Any team with a money-grubbing, Benedict Arnold of a coach isn't bound for lasting greatness... absolutely no comparison with the legendary Jack Clark. And Florida's so-called "Superman" quarterback will be a blip on the radar when all is said and done...

If you don't believe me, go back and watch the 2007 Capital One Bowl! The same team that was shamed and shunned by all for losing to Appalachian State in their season opener completely snubbed the highly-touted, "underrated" Gators! Florida couldn't buy their freedom, let alone a break, and so, as was appropriate, Lloyd Carr rode out into the sunset of Michigan glory!!!

Okay, okay, I know I'm getting carried away here... football season is just a tick away, and I'm getting the itch! But it stands that you can't compare a team with barely 3 national titles (Florida) with one that can claim 24 true titles (Cal); and conversely, you can't compare BYU to USC, who, ironically, holds claim to 11 national titles... seems like ARN should've switched up the analogy!

Enough college football talk, and no hard feelings toward Brian... after all, he's not a homegrown American anyway! So, back to college rugby. Although the football comparison fails, the real reasoning behind the rankings is about as sound as anyone could propose at this point. All we can take into consideration are teams' rosters: how many returning starters will be in the mix and how much experience the promoted secondary/newcomers will bring to the table.

All things considered, a #3 ranking is not bad... not bad at all. And although that ranking might drop throughout the fall season (if BYU again opts to not play any fall matches), let's just hope Our Boys can step up to the task once again to build upon the most amazing and legitimate National Title of any BYU sport ever!

Nothing is impossible... but the ball's in our court now. Great expectations, my friends... all eyes are on the BYU Men's Rugby team and rightfully so! Let's take the pressure and use it to our advantage, to exceed ourselves, to upend the competition once more!

Say it with me now... "BYU Rugby FOREVER!"

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BYU Rugby in Church News, BYU Magazine

I just recently came across this article in the LDS Church News highlighting the BYU Rugby team:

"Rugby mission a major success for BYU"

Yes, it's old news dated May 9, but it's neat to see that the BYU Rugby team gets some recognition for their accomplishments by the LDS Church.

And here's a more recent, feature article from the "BYU Today" section of the latest edition of BYU Magazine:

"BREAKING THROUGH" by Matthew A. Payne

A big 'thank you' to the LDS Church and Brigham Young University for recognizing the team's amazing achievements!

Enjoy!
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BYU Rugby Lock Kyle Sumsion: Interview of the Week

This week's featured guest for the continuing "Interview of the Week" series is BYU Lock Kyle Sumsion. A model of tenacity on the field, Kyle's persistent efforts aided in the BYU Rugby team's first National Title. His relentlessness and endurance as a lock enabled him to be in the right places at the right times to keep the drive alive: running the ball, gathering line-outs, rucking, tackling, and supporting his teammates... all as a freshman. As a result, Kyle was named an All-American Honorable Mention.

And along with Apenisa Malani, Kyle was also recently recognized for his consistent and supportive play, both defensively and offensively throughout the entire season, with a BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award. (Photo courtesy of Paul Meyers)


BYU Rugby Forever:
As you are preparing to leave and serve a mission for the LDS church in the coming months, has it been a tough decision for you to make, to walk away in the midst of so much momentum and success on the collegiate level? Thoughts?

Kyle Sumsion:
I recently received my mission call to the Argentina Buenos Aires South mission. Even though the decision to walk away was hard, I know that I will be so much more blessed because of it. I was invited to play for the US Under-20 team and that would have been an awesome experience, but I am going to miss playing with the BYU team a lot more.

BYU Rugby Forever:
How did it feel to score a try as a freshman in a National Title match against Cal? What were your thoughts up to and in that crucial moment?

Kyle Sumsion:
As far as scoring the try, I just placed [the ball] down. Jordan Lowry and Mikey Su'a did all the grunt work to get it right down by the try zone. However, it was a very cool feeling scoring the try. All I was really thinking about at that moment was just making sure I scored.

BYU Rugby Forever:
You were recently selected as a Collegiate All-American Honorable Mention as well as a BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award recipient. What do these accolades mean to you? What are your ambitions and goals for your rugby career in the future?

Kyle Sumsion:
To receive both of those awards was such an honor. But all of the credit goes to my coaches and teammates for helping me progress to where I am. I'm not really sure what the rugby future holds for me other than BYU has 4 more national titles to win while I am there.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What were the greatest moments/highlights of the 2008-09 season for you? Any humorous experiences?

Kyle Sumsion:
Winning the National Championship was definitely the highlight of the season. Also, Mike Price and I were competing to see who could score more varsity trys; I scored 1 and he scored 0, so that was a definite highlight. All the players and coaches were so close this year that we were always joking around at the appropriate times, and that made rugby so much fun.

BYU Rugby Forever:
For a freshman, you displayed an exceptionally high level of consistency and dependability on the field, starting nearly every match of the 2008-09 season. If you could offer any advice or counsel to incoming freshmen recruits, what would you say?

Kyle Sumsion:
Work hard and make your tackles.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Any words you'd like to offer to all BYU Rugby alumni and fans out there?

Kyle Sumsion:
Thank you so much for all of your support. You are the reason why we are where we are today. BYU has the best fans in the world.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Kyle, congratulations on the National Championship win and national honors! Good luck on your mission!
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BYU Rugby Flanker Apenisa Malani: Interview of the Week

The "Interview of the Week" series continues with this week's guest, BYU Flanker Apenisa Malani. Apenisa's solid efforts on the pitch throughout the course of the past season played a crucial role in the Cougars' first-ever National Title win and, not surprisingly, also led to national individual honors with a selection to the All-American squad.

Apenisa was also recently recognized for his consistent support, both offensively and defensively, with a BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award. (Photo courtesy of Paul Meyers)


BYU Rugby Forever:
What does it mean to you to win a National Championship for BYU? Feelings? Thoughts? Stories?

Apenisa Malani:
Winning the National Championship meant a lot to me. It meant a reward for the sacrifice made by so many individuals: players, coaching staff, fans, alumni, sponsors, family, etc. These were people that I also played for, and I really hope that the win can be a way of thanking them for their support.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What were the greatest moments/highlights of the 2008-09 season for you?

Apenisa Malani:
Winning the National Championship.

BYU Rugby Forever:
You were recently selected as a Collegiate All-American as well as a BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award recipient. What do these accolades mean to you? Any aspirations to eventually play rugby at the next level?

Apenisa Malani:
I was very happy to be selected into the All-American squad this year. I really wanted to be a part of the [touring squad] but due to financial constraints and visa problems I was not able to. With regards to the [BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award], I am grateful to be a recipient and also would like to share the award with the rest of the players who have worked really hard throughout the season without any recognition.

BYU Rugby Forever:
The BYU Rugby team often receives flack for having several Polynesian/Melanesian and older, married players on their roster. Being a Fijian Islander and newlywed (by the way, congratulations!), how do your culture, age, and recent marriage affect you as a collegiate rugby player? Advantages? Disadvantages?

Apenisa Malani:
Well, in some ways I see it as an advantage, but there is also the other side of the coin. Being married and from Fiji has its challenging moments too. There is more responsibility now and I really have to work more, go to school, and also try and be fit and healthy for rugby. Most of us from the islands do not have families here that could readily assist us when we need it.

BYU Rugby Forever:
In your opinion, how did the BYU Rugby team manage to pull off such a miraculous win over Cal this year? Any thoughts on the possibility of the BYU Rugby team taking the National Title again in coming years?

Apenisa Malani:
All of the preparation (training) and the experiences that we went through prior to the National Championship game prepared us well to meet the challenge. Our desire to win ultimately stood out in that game and was rewarded. Like Coach Smyth said, we would not want this win to be a one-shot thing. It is possible to win another title and, with everyone's help, we can do it again.

BYU Rugby Forever:
If you could say anything to BYU Rugby alumni and fans, what would you say?

Apenisa Malani:
I would like to sincerely thank all the supporters and fans who gave of their time, talent, and resources to make our season a successful and a memorable one. They have also assisted us in fulfilling our dream to win a National Championship Title. For some of us, your support has made it possible for us to be here attending Brigham Young University. Big THANK YOU to you all.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Thank you, Apenisa, and many congratulations on the National Championship win and national honors!
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BYU Rugby 2009 Highlight Video Reviews

CRITICS' REVIEWS

"This DVD is a must-get, not just for BYU players, coaches and fans, but for anyone who's into college rugby. Scot Clark and his colleagues have done a wonderful job in documenting the Cougars' remarkable run to the national championship and are to be congratulated for their efforts. Apart from the attractive rugby that BYU played en route to their first ever national title, I like how this DVD makes you feel as though you know the guys a little better. It also helps you understand what drove them throughout the season. Well done to all concerned."

-Brian Lowe, Publisher/Managing Editor, American Rugby News


"I got my BYU Rugby Forever DVD and it’s a lot of fun. No talk really, just music and highlights of games. Maybe needed a few stats and scores, but it’s dramatic and nicely pieced together.

"I personally found the DVD really enjoyable. It wasn't intended to be a piece of video journalism; rather it was supposed to evoke something just by showing the action, and it did that. You got to feel the physicality and appreciate the skill of the players, and it was just plain fun. ..." (as quoted in "Running Touch: All About the Movies")

-Alex Goff, Editor-in-Chief, eRugbyNews


“BYU Rugby is filmed in top quality HD, the first of it’s kind for a rugby documentary. The footage is raw and full of excitement. A perfect season for BYU, capped by the nail-biting win against Cal in the National Championship, is captured well by Scot and his camera crew.

"Full of big hits and great plays, this DVD is not just for BYU fans; it’s for all those that follow and play rugby.”

-Trenton Yackzan, Co-Founder, rugbyUNITED


"The BYU Men's Rugby Highlight Video of 2009 is a true milestone for BYU Rugby. This video is proof that BYU Rugby is no longer just an afterthought. Rugby is no longer the sport played on some field somewhere on campus— Rugby is finally a followed, well-known sport at BYU. This video is the first of its kind for BYU Rugby and represents the culmination of years of hard work to bring rugby to prominence in the BYU community.

"It was only recently that BYU Football even started to release a highlight video after the season. Any sport on the same level as football at BYU must be doing something right. Scot Clark, the producer, is a die-hard, true-blue BYU Rugby fan, and it looks like he won't rest until everyone in Provo is too! After watching the video, I have to say, his evangelizing has made a convert out of me!

"BYU is now a national powerhouse in rugby, and this video gives you a glimpse of their rise to the national championship this year. If you are a fan of BYU Rugby, you would be crazy not to get this video! The camera work is amazing and gives you the same energy as if you were right there at the game! This video is a top notch production and will likely inspire many more for years to come. Hail to the highlights!"

-Daniel Deceuster, Founder, College Football Cafeteria


FAN REVIEWS

"We just got the chance to finally watch the highlight video. It was amazing!!!!! What a wonderful job you did. We couldn't get over the picture clarity and the number of clips and highlights included. Every rugby fan should have a copy. Thanks for all of your time and efforts."

-Cheryl St. Pierre, CO


"I got my DVD today as well as Blu-Ray. I watched the DVD with the family immediately. We were all in awe of the action, the music, the footage, and the proper culmination of a championship season. If you don't have a copy, well... you are truly missing out. I have not seen anything this good put out for any BYU sport and definitely nothing like it in USA rugby anywhere, period. Awesome work, and if it gets out like I'm sure it will, expect this team of filmographers and their producer to be getting some calls."

-Alma Christopher Clark, IL


"The video was put together so well! The highlights, the music, the timing, everything was perfect! I wasn't there to watch the actual championship, but the video does such a good job at bringing back the emotions that were there. I love it and never get tired of watching it!"

-Amanda Hallsted, UT


"The video was exciting and included good music and footage. I had never followed rugby before, but the video made me want to see more games. Quality production."

-Greg Flint, CO


"It was SWEET. The music and the video together, it just made you want to be out there on the field with the guys passing the ball, taking hits, and scoring."

-Eric Vincent, CA


Post your own reviews in the comments section below!
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BYU Rugby on BYU TV International

Just recently, the folks at BYU Television International put together a brief story highlighting the BYU Rugby team's National Championship win using footage shot by our guys, Ben Thompson and Micah Brown, for the BYU Rugby 2009 highlight video. Ben informed me of their desire to do the piece, and we were fortunate to acquire this six and a half minute video clip of the final product!

Also featured is an interview with 2009 All-American and BYU Rugby Forever Anchor Award winner, Apenisa Malani. Although all the commentary in this clip is actually in Portuguese, Apenisa's responses weren't dubbed over... so you can pretty much guess the questions that he was asked. Congrats to Apenisa.

So there you have it, friends... BYU Rugby has made some international news after all!!! (ok, at least in those countries where Portuguese is understood)

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