Rugby Club Wins DII State Championship

Rugby match

During the Nov. 18 rugby match in Fredericksburg, fly-half Michael Quigg (10) catches the ball for a try.

The Radford University men’s club won the Virginia Rugby Union Division II state championship with a 57–26 win over Mary Washington University (MWU) Nov. 18 in Fredericksburg.

The win gave RU a 5–1 regular season record. As state champions, the Highlanders qualify for college rugby’s DII National Tournament in spring 2012. 

“The game had its ups and downs, but I’m really proud of all the guys,” Club President Nick Koldewey said.  

Radford was led by Michael Quigg and Hayden Angulo, each of whom scored 15 points, and Joe Baxter, who kicked for 12. RU burst out to an early lead on two scores by Quigg. MWU rallied back to a 19–12 lead, when RU’s Chris Gentile ran through the center of the Eagles’ backline to knot the game at 19-19 at halftime. The Highlanders struck three times early in the second half to open a commanding lead as Angulo scored twice and Quigg added another.

“I am extremely proud of the players, but we have a lot of work to do,” Coach Chris McCann said.

RU will now prepare for the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union (MARFU) regional tournament in the spring. The top two teams there will advance to college rugby’s DII Sweet Sixteen. RU Rugby won its first Division II national title in 2003 and added another in 2008. 

Nov 21, 2011
Don Bowman
540-831-7523
dbowman@radford.edu