Dear BYUtv ... It's Time

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!
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Dear BYU Rugby ...

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
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BYU Rugby Scrumhalf Shaun Davies on Rugby H2H

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!
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How about a Haka ... BYU Rugby style?

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:


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BYU Rugby 2010: Heads Held High

(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!!!
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BYU Rugby Media Blitz #5: Playoff Preview

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)
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BYU Rugby Lock TJ Allred: Interview of the Week

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!
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Utah Rugby College Showdown: Time to Shine!

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)
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BYU Rugby vs. Utah: March Mayhem!

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!!!
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BYU Rugby: Recent Test Photos

Okay, BYU Rugby fans, we've got a plethora of photos on tap of BYU's recent matches, compliments of BYU Rugby Photographer Paul Meyers!

This time I'll post just a few of my all-around favorite pictures from each match along with a link to the photo album for that game. Feel free to comment on my picks as well as share the links of your favorites in the comments section. Enjoy!

BYU vs. Texas A&M


BYU vs. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo


BYU vs. Air Force Academy


BYU vs. Delaware


BYU vs. Utah State


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BYU Rugby Media Blitz #3

Folks, my apologies for dropping off the radar there for a spell... luckily, BYU Rugby rolls on whether or not the Superfans are in attendance at every match! (Although it could be debated that our mere presence accounts for a few extra BYU tries!) :D

Hopefully, however, all are well aware that the BYU Rugby team have continued their winning tradition in the last few weeks by defeating the likes of Utah State University, Texas A & M, Air Force Academy, Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo, and Southern Utah University to improve their record to 7-0.

Here's the latest from all over the web.

Cougar rugby team puts perfect record on the line (Universe.byu.edu)

Game of the Week (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Cougars Ready for Big Barbos Challenge (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Viliami Vimahi (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: David Smyth (BYURugby.com)

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

Top 25: Frontrunners Emerge (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Cougar Corner: Aaron Webber, CRF President (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Joey Mount (BYURugby.com)

Top 25: LVI Influence (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Men DI College Top 25, Feb 18, 2010 (RugbyMag.com)

BYU Finishes 4-0 at LVI (BYURugby.com)

LVI Scores: Day 3 (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

LVI Scores: Day 2 (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

Rugby dominates weekend matchups (Universe.byu.edu)

Cougars Double Up in Vegas with Two Big Wins (BYURugby.com)

BYU Overpowers A&M (RugbyMag.com)

BYU Sets for a Busy Vegas Weekend (BYURugby.com)

Cougars’ title defense continues this weekend (Universe.byu.edu)

CougarCast: Sean Howard (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Kimball Kjar (BYURugby.com)

Video Highlights: BYU vs. USU (BYURugby.com)

BYU Shuts Out Utah State (RugbyMag.com)

Cougars Throttle Past Aggies (BYURugby.com)

College: Western Scores (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

CougarCast: Moana Hafoka (BYURugby.com)

USCRA Logo Unveiled (AmericanRugbyNews.com)

CougarCast: Adam Kuchin (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Wayne Tarawhiti (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Mike Su’a (BYURugby.com)

CougarCast: Mike Price (BYURugby.com)

Folau establishes himself as leader on Y rugby team (Universe.byu.edu)
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BYU Rugby vs. UC Santa Barbara photos

Hey BYU Rugby fans,

Here's the latest cache of BYU Rugby images featuring the Cougars' most recent match-up against UC Santa Barbara Academy! Check out my selections, and then take a moment to view the whole set as provided by BYU Rugby Academic Coordinator and Photographer, Paul Meyers.


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BYU Rugby Notches Early Season Victory

(from BYU Rugby update)

Provo, UT—The BYU Cougars started their 2010 season off well with a win against the Gauchos of UC Santa Barbara today by the score of 50-5.

Being early in the season head coach David Smyth and his staff seemingly worked on their combinations and depth by running on over 36 players in the win.

The scoring started early with recently-returned missionary and former U19 Eagle Ryan Roundy diving over in the 3rd minute after a UCSB turnover.

After some kicking exchanges and mounted pressure from BYU’s forwards the Cougars’ Sophomore flanker Isikeli Volavola followed up with his own try in the 12th minute.

One conversion out of two for the tries left the scoreline at 12-0.

After the two try start to the opening 15 minutes of the season Smyth said he was glad to see his team finally hit the field and play hard.

“The boys did well,” he said, “We came out and worked hard and were able to get some pressure against a good UCSB team which led to some points. Obviously there were some mistakes and things we can work on, but overall the effort was good.”

Leading try-scorer of the day junior scrumhalf Shaun Davies made his own opportunity in the 20th minute from a UCSB penalty. From the penalty Davies would tap and run dancing his way 30 meters for the try.

Davies would follow up his effort with two more support-running tries before he subbed off in the second half.

Davies’ flyhalf counterpart and captain Dylan Lubbe would also tally a bevy of tries in the first half in the 28th and 38th minutes respectively.

Another recently-returned missionary and former Canadian U19 sophomore lock TJ Allred would score from a BYU quick tap penalty in the second half to round out the Cougars’ scoring.

Captain Lubbe felt his team’s effort was a good starting point for their 2010 season.

“We’re excited to be back on the field,” he said, “The guys worked hard. We have some things to work on, but this was fun. I’m looking forward to a good season.”

The Cougars will take the next week off in terms of rugby, but will be spending time at Camp Williams in Utah for a two-day team training camp. There the Cougars will spend time with military special forces personnel in a team-building environment.

Following the Camp Williams experience BYU will re-visit Las Vegas for it’s second of three trips to the city of lights to take on the Las Vegas Blackjacks men’s club. The Blackjacks topped the Division I table last year and are looking to ramp up for their 2010 season by hosting the Cougars.

Kick off for the Blackjacks is slated for 1pm on January 13th at Sunset Park in Las Vegas.

1st XV for BYU:

1. Mike Su’a
2. Ray Forrester
3. Mike Price
4. Mark Bonham
5. TJ Allred
6. Isikeli Volavola
7. Moana Hafoka
8. Ryan Roundy
9. Shaun Davies
10. Dylan Lubbe
11. Sam Wolthius
12. Sean Howard
13. Viliami Vimahi
14. Ryan Blaser
15. Andrew Harrison

Scoring:
Tries: Roundy 3”; Volavola 12”; Davies 20”, 47”, 51”; Lubbe 28”, 38”; Allred 50” Conversions: Davies 3; Lubbe 2
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BYU Rugby Memories: Adam McMurtrey

My story may stand out as unique. You see, I had never played rugby before attending BYU. The only relationship I had with rugby was that my high school English teacher had a picture on his wall of a rugby guy getting 'lit up' by another player. I thought to myself back then, "Man, that is a tough sport!!" That is probably what attracted me to it!

My older brother, Richard, joined the team my freshman year of college. I decided to join too. My athletic abilities and experience in football were paying off during conditioning. I tried out for the BYU Lacrosse team and made it. At the same time, I was practicing with the rugby team too. I wanted to play with the tough rugby guys—the BEST rugby guys, so that one day I could become the best. The decision to play rugby instead of lacrosse was an easy one, and later I realized, the best one!

Practice then was on the freshman field by the track, on the football field, and in the IPF. We practiced in the snow many times! The BYU rugby club was smaller then, but very prestigious. I was more than excited to practice every other day, and train on my own on the in-between days. That is where I met my great friend, Jacob Sohn.

We trained so hard. He couldn't stand that I was skinnier but could lift more weight and run faster than he could. He was a hard-hitting stud, and I couldn't stand that he could hit people and tackle people better than I could. Honestly, I couldn't tackle very well.

Jacob and I started to push each other. We would run sprints together on the off-days. I would push him hard in the weight room and in running sprints, not allowing him to stop until I was tired. As a result, he became one of the starting players as a forward.

Jacob had his way of pushing me too. We got together in the IPF on off-days where he coached me one on one how to tackle better. Tackling and hitting hard was a huge struggle for me. I was scared to hit people hard. But, getting tougher through Jacob's personal coaching and yelling at me, "HIT ME! HIT me!!", incredibly improved my self confidence. I began to put some muscle and tackling ability behind my athletic strength! Soon, I was playing on the JV squad during games. To me, I had come far: from zero playing experience (ever!) and little rugby skills and knowledge of the game to 100 percent involvement, skill enhancement, and knowledge of the game. I credit my improvement to Jacob, the "Polys", and the excellent coaching staff.

BYU Rugby changed my life forever, and I am SO thankful for the opportunity to join the team! What a prestigious honor!!! I gained self confidence! Man, I was playing BYU Rugby!! Incredible!! And, thanks to Sohn, I was hitting harder, running smarter, and staying strong. Thank you, BYU Rugby, for the experience of a lifetime!!! I look forward to cheer for the team in 2010 and on!
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