MEN'S RUGBY

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - After competing as club teams since they began intercollegiate play, Norwich University's men's and women's rugby teams have now officially earned varsity status, it was announced by Norwich director of athletics Tony Mariano.

"The elevation of the men's and women's rugby programs to varsity status places these two programs in line with the other athletic programs at the university," said Mariano. "This move will hopefully enable us to attract a larger pool of student-athletes who are interested in playing collegiate rugby, and provide a more equitable opportunity for all of our student-athletes."

The addition of the men's and women's rugby squads to the Cadets' stable of varsity athletic programs gives NU 20 varsity sports.

The Norwich men's rugby team began competition in 1970. The team now competes in the Division I of the New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU), which includes collegiate rugby powers Dartmouth and West Point-Army. A perennial participant in the New England playoffs, the Cadets struggled in 2007.  Head coach Bob Weggler is excited about the prospects of his young team and the recruits who have committed for the fall 2008 season.

"I am most grateful to the university for our new status," said Weggler. "In 2001, the administration took two bold steps to secure the future of Norwich rugby: they hired a full-time coach and moved rugby under the umbrella of the athletic department. This announcement further legitimizes the sport in the eyes of the university community and higher education in general. I have already begun to seen the benefit as far as recruiting student-athletes. After 22 years of collegiate coaching, this is a dream come true for me."

The women's team competes in NERFU's Division II. It recently wrapped up an incredibly successful 2007 fall campaign with an unblemished 15-0 record. The Cadets won the Northeast Regional playoffs this fall for the second straight year, and will compete in the USA Rugby National championships this spring in Albuquerque, N.M. They are currently ranked No. 1 nationally for Division II by erugbynews.com. 

"Earning varsity status adds new responsibility," said Hall. "As a university at the forefront of a national movement, we will continue to exemplify great character on and off the field. We are honored to be selected for such distinction."