Collegiate Rugby is back in State College, and the men’s team has completed their preseason and now moves in to league competition. It is a new era for Penn State rugby, and excitement for the season to get underway has been building for months.

On Saturday, Penn State began its campaign with a convincing 30-6 win over Davenport University. A sunny day in State College saw a brutal opening 20 minutes, with both teams exchanging physical play. Sophomore flanker Malcolm May broke the deadlock on an overload out wide. Davenport responded with a quick penalty, but only minutes later May nabbed a brace. Another try from fellow sophomore Joe Kelly widened Penn State’s lead to 14 points, before a Davenport penalty goal right before half brought Davenport within striking distance at 17-6. Penn State controlled much of the second half, but handling errors and penalties limited the scoring to two fantastic penalty kicks from freshman Jimmy Ronan, before Captain Dan Metcalf slipped an inside ball to senior Joe Corrado for the final try. Coaches and players were generally happy about the outcome, but there is no time to celebrate as Penn State looks forward to their first league game on Saturday, September 20 against rival Army.

While the team has only been together since August 16th, second-year strength and conditioning coach Ian Jones has had the players on a rigorous regimen throughout the summer. Jones has completely revamped the rugby strength and conditioning program, bringing new energy into the weight room and onto the field. The summer’s work ended on August 16th, when new players first reported to sign in. The team enjoyed a week of pre-season camp, culminating with the annual alumni game and banquet. The banquet was a great success, attracting alumni of all ages for a beautiful day of rugby in State College.

Penn State now looks forward to their season, where they will be competing again in the D1A Rugby East Conference, with the intention of competing for a national title in May. The team has returned a strong core of players, but has added some young energy to the team. Jimmy Ronan, a High School All-American and Gonzaga HS alumnus, has impressed early with his timely distribution and tactical acumen. Rob Irimescu, a Staten Island native, will see game time on Saturday, thanks to his power and pace. Finally, Ryan McNulty, a graduate of St. Joe’s Prep in Philadelphia, has been a noticeable presence in the forward pack, driven by his physicality and tireless work off the ball.

Penn State will be lead this year by senior Dan Metcalf, Captain, and junior Selby Niumataiwalu, Vice Captain. Both players bring domestic and international experience, and have proved their leadership abilities on the field. Returning to the backs will be senior Sam Lapaille, and sophomore Joe Kelly, who enjoyed a stint with the U20 USA team during the U20 World Cup in Hong Kong. Penn State also returns flanker Malcolm May, a sophomore from Chicago who represented the United States in the Junior Olympics, Tom Bashara, a hooker from Los Angeles, flanker Sean Mahon out of Chicago, and senior #8 Joe Corrado from Hoboken, NJ.

The program is also excited to announce the addition of a new coach. Alf Daniels, former development coach of Waikato Rugby Football Union, has joined the coaching staff and will be leading the team through their fall season. Alf has made an immediate impact since his arrival on September 1st, and his continued contributions are greatly appreciated and anticipated. In addition, former player Jon Helmann has agreed to join the coaching staff as a forwards and props coach.

Penn State will kick off at Army’s Anderson Rugby Complex on Saturday, August 20th at 1 PM. For a complete game schedule, please visit rugby.psu.edu.

-Max Klotz

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