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BYU rugby travels to Mesquite to play six teams in 2016 Red Rock Tournament

Wed, 01/20/2016 - 4:06pm

Tags: 
BYU, SLCC, UVU, Dixie State, Weber State, idaho state, UNLV

The BYU Rugby team will travel to Mesquite, NV to play in the Red Rock tournament against six teams from January 22-23 after beating Utah 82-17 last week in St. George, UT. 

"We have an exciting weekend ahead of us as we take on several teams down south," said BYU rugby head coach David Smyth. "I look forward to our team playing this weekend to see the results of their hard work."

A collegiate rugby team with five national titles, the BYU Cougars had more than ten different players score tries against its home-state rival, University of Utah, last week in a scrimmage with twenty minute quarters. This week's tournament in Mesquite will have two twenty minute halves.

BYU's schedule in the 2016 Red Rock tournament is as follows:

January 22

  • vs SLCC at 1:00 p.m.
  • vs UVU at 2:00 p.m.
  • vs Dixie State at 3:00 p.m.
  • vs Weber State at 4:00 p.m.

January 23

  • vs Idaho State at 10:00 a.m.
  • vs UNLV at 11:00 a.m.

For BYU rugby fans, who plan to attend the Red Rock tournament, the address is Mesquite Sports Field 1635 World Champion Way Mesquite, NV 89034.

BYU Rugby starts Varsity Cup title defense following Utah Scrimmage

Sun, 01/17/2016 - 7:25pm

Tags: 
BYU, byu rugby, Utah, University of Utah, Utes, Utah Rugby

BYU rugby started off its 2016 season with a scrimmage against Utah on Saturday, January 16, at Snow Canyon High School in St. George, UT.

“Hats off to our team today in our scrimmage against Utah,” said BYU rugby head coach David Smyth of BYU’s 82-17 win over the Utes. “All of our players fought hard. It was great to try out different combinations as we start the 2016 season.”

The Cougars look to defend their Varsity Cup title following an undefeated 2015 season that ended in the Cougars gaining their fourth consecutive national championship and fifth overall.

BYU’s forward pack led the way with tough play thanks to several returning players including sophomore hook Alex Vorster and junior prop Zane Mendenhall.

“We have a very experienced forward pack so we can expect to see smarter rugby,” said BYU rugby assistant coach Wayne Tarawhiti who coaches the forwards. “We have to get more physical, but I also want to see a bit more finesse and flow.”

As the forwards continue to improve, the back line led by senior scrumhalf and team captain Luke Mocke look to capitalize on opportunities as the Cougars progress towards regular season play.

“I’m excited for this season because of the amount of potential we have based on the production we saw from different teammates,” said Mocke of BYU’s multiple offensive threats. “I know we’ll continue to have success thanks to our great coaching.”

BYU will go on the road again next week to play in the Red Rock Invitational Tournament in Mesquite, NV from January 22-23, 2016.

2016 Schedule Announced

Wed, 01/06/2016 - 9:25am

Tags: 
byu rugby, Rugby, Varsity Cup, USA Rugby, BYU

As the calendar turns to a new year, the Cougars set their sights on a 5th straight national title in preparation for the 2016 season.

 

This year’s BYU rugby squad has a lot to look forward to as they return a plethora of talent from last year’s national championship squad, who defeated California 30-27 in the 2015 Varsity Cup title game at Rio Tinto Stadium.

 

Below is the released 2016 schedule for the Cougars. They will head down I-15 back-to-back weekends to begin their title defense when they take on Utah in St. George on January 16th and then compete in the annual Red Rock Invitational Tournament in Mesquite, NV over the January 23rd weekend.

 

After trips to play Colorado in Grand Junction and a return to St. George to take on Dixie State, BYU will then hit the road to take on northern California rugby power St. Mary’s in Moraga, CA on February 20th.

 

Their first home contest will take place against the Falcons of the Air Force Academy on February 27th, which will then be followed by Central Washington on March 5th, a rematch with the Gaels from St. Mary’s on March 12th, and then another home contest on St. Patrick’s Day against Army.

 

After a March 19th trip to Ogden against Weber State, BYU will return home under the lights for contests against the Aztecs of San Diego State on March 29th, and then close the season with the annual Wasatch Cup game against rival Utah on April 1st.

 

Stay tuned for more specific details of each match on https://rugby.byu.edu/schedule, as times and addresses will be posted closer to gameday.

 

1/16/2016      Utah (St. George, UT)

1/23/2016      Red Rock Invitational Tournament (Mesquite, NV)

2/6/2016        @Colorado (Grand Junction, CO)

2/13/2016      @Dixie State (St. George, UT)

2/20/2016      @St. Mary’s (Moraga, CA)

Summer Rugby & Halfback Academy Camp Dates Announced

Wed, 05/06/2015 - 12:00am

Provo, UT–Young rugby fans and developing players will have an opportunity to train with the defending four-time and defending 2014 Varsity Cup National Champions, BYU rugby, from June 15-18 this summer.

Given the success of last year’s additional specialist camp, BYU has again partnered with the Halfback Academy to provide specialist scrumhalf and flyhalf training. The additional Halfback Academy camp will run June 18-19 after the conclusion of the main camp.

“All levels of experience are welcome to participate in our summer camp,” said BYU rugby head coach David Smyth. “We want our campers to have a great time, develop their skills, and increase their love for the game.”

Campers will have the opportunity to work on variety of skills including passing, kicking, agility and tackling. They will have the opportunity to not only learn from Smyth but also assistant coaches Kimball Kjar, Wayne Tarawhiti, Steve St. Pierre, and Kenny Rivera.

Current and former players will also be on hand to assist during the 4-day long camp.

Former Summer Camp attendees that have gone on to success BYU and beyond include many current players.

Freshman Calvin Whiting, who attended last year’s camp and halfback academy and transitioned that experience into a USA High School All American selection and captaincy.

Sophomore Tua Leai also attended the BYU Summer Camp as a high schooler before being selected to the USA U20 National Team that won the Junior Rugby World Trophy in 2012.

The BYU Rugby Summer Camp is the best way for prospective players to meet and work with current coaches and players if their goal is to attend BYU.

BYU’s teamwork leads to fifth national title

Sat, 05/02/2015 - 12:00am

BYU wins fourth-straight and fifth-overall national championship with 30-27 victory over Cal on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah
BYU wins fourth-straight and fifth-overall national championship with 30-27 victory over Cal on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah

Sandy, Utah – In a gritty national championship that came down to the last minute, the Brigham Young University Cougars (14-0) relied on teamwork to emerge from a punishing 80 minutes as the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup victors marking up a 30-27  win over the California Golden Bears at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday, May 2. BYU won its fourth-straight and fifth overall national championship with its first title in 2009.

BYU wins fourth-straight and fifth-overall national championship with 30-27 victory over Cal on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah

“Hats off to Cal for consistently bringing out the best in us,” said BYU rugby head coach David Smyth of BYU’s rivalry with Cal. “Our boys played together as one, stuck to the game plan and executed. It was close throughout, but we played hard resulting in our fourth-straight and fifth overall national title.”

BYU Cougars Will Attempt Four-Peat Against California Golden Bears

Tue, 04/28/2015 - 12:00am

Tags: 
BYU, Cal, California Golden Bears, Dan Hubert, David Smyth, National Championship, Penn Mutual Varsity Cup

BYU senior Dan Hubert runs the ball against CWU in the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup semifinals. BYU won 35-8 to advance to the championship match against Cal. Photo by Andrea Wride

Brigham Young University rugby head coach David Smyth will lead the Cougars (13-0) to achieve a feat on May 2 at Rio Tinto that has only been accomplished by one college rugby team: four-straight national championships.

The Cougars have four national titles overall which includes the last three championships in a row along with the 2009 national championship. But the only other rugby team to achieve this feat will be not-ironically suiting up against the Cougars this Saturday: California Berkeley.

The Bears own the record of consecutive championships at 12 from 1991-2002. And with a total of 26 titles to their tally, BYU’s four championships seem meager in quantity.

BYU senior Dan Hubert runs the ball against CWU in the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup semifinals. BYU won 35-8 to advance to the championship match against Cal. Photo by Andrea Wride

BYU and California have battled for the championship 8 times in the last 9 years with California owning the series at 5-3. But the Cougars have won the last two meetings in 2013 and 2014 and they know the Bears will be looking to change that recent trend at the 9th meeting this Saturday.

Loving what you do and doing what you love: Getting to know Seki Kofe

Mon, 04/27/2015 - 12:00am

Tags: 
All-American, BYU, Rugby, Seki Kofe

BYU senior center Seki Kofe runs the ball against UVU on March 25, 2015. BYU won 109-0 at BYU's South Field. Photo by Andrea Wride

At 6’ 1’’ and 235 lbs., senior center Seki Kofe fits the part of a tough rugby player, but when he greets you with his wide grin it is easy to tell there is more to him than meets the eye.

“I still get nervous for the games,” Kofe laughs in his easygoing way. “It’s intense without pads.”

Kofe has been a key fixture of BYU’s rugby team since his freshman year. The celebrated athlete has won numerous awards and has been instrumental in the team’s back-to-back national championship victories. However, although Kofe has had great success at BYU, it was not always his plan to attend the university.

“My family has always played rugby,” Kofe said. “Originally I was going to play at Arizona State University because I knew the coach, but after my mission to Spain I decided I wanted to go to BYU.”

Although Kofe’s time at BYU has helped him excel academically, spiritually and physically, it has required dedication. His day typically begins before the sun rises and includes physical training, class (he is close to completing his degree in construction management), work and rugby practice. He is home long after the sun has set and works on homework until midnight. Kofe also balances being a husband and his calling as young men’s president in his ward.

“You decide whether you’re committed or not,” Kofe said. “You may not always want to do something, but if you love what you do you get it done.”

BYU beats CWU and advances to Penn Mutual Varsity Cup National Championship

Sat, 04/18/2015 - 12:00am

Tags: 
Ara Elkington, California Golden Bears, David Smyth, Linehan, Luke Mocke, Penn Mutual Varsity Cup, Rio Tinto, Semifinal, South Field, Varsity Cup

Provo, UT—Excitement abounded today on BYU’s South Field as the Cougars defeated Central Washington University 35–8, advancing to the final round of the Varsity Cup National Championship.

The undefeated Cougars fought back an aggressive offense from the CWU Wildcats throughout the game and sustained several injuries. Despite the setbacks, the Cougars played hard the entire 80 minutes and scored consistently.

“Both teams had great defense, but BYU played really well and kept CWU at bay most of the time,” said David Smyth, BYU rugby head coach. “Even when our players were hurt they turned in a winning performance. Nothing stands between us now and the final championship game.”

Linehan, a scrum half affectionately known as “Jonny Rugby” by fans, is a New Zealand native and All-American. He scored the first try of the game. CWU then took the game up a notch and scored a try but were only able to get in a penalty kick for the remainder of the game. Other BYU players who scored include Joshua Whippy, Joe Pikula, Ryan Blaser and Arawa Elkington, who scored an especially impressive try of a stolen CWU pass.

“Central Washington’s front line was strong,” Linehan said. “Our forwards and backs communicated really well throughout the match allowing several us Cougars to score. Being able to play at South Field with our loyal crowd helped us big time.”

Fans from both teams filled the South Field, cheering loudly for their respective team. Among the fans were close to 100 past BYU Rugby players who were there as part of the BYU Rugby 50th Anniversary Celebration festivities. They flooded the field during halftime and were honored by current team members and fans alike.

“We want to thank everyone who has contributed to this team’s legacy and made BYU rugby what it is today,” Smyth said. “Whether current team members, past players or fans, we couldn’t do it without you.”

Rio Tinto Stadium to Host 2015 Penn Mutual Varsity Cup National Rugby Collegiate Championship on May 2

Fri, 04/17/2015 - 12:00am

Tags: 
BYU, CWU, Penn Mutual Varsity Cup, Utah, Varsity Cup

Salt Lake City, UT - The 2015 Penn Mutual Varsity Cup National Rugby Collegiate Championship will take place at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday, May 2. The Championship is slated for 2:00 p.m. MT and features the winners of the Varsity Cup Semifinals taking place this Saturday. The championship match will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network.

Media looking to cover the event can apply for a media credential using the following link. The application deadline is Tuesday, April 28.

Utah’s own Brigham Young University advanced to the 2015 Penn Mutual Varsity Cup semifinal last weekend, defeating UCLA 45-16, continuing their perfect 12-0 season. The Cougars remain the only college from Utah in the tournament after University of Utah was eliminated for the second consecutive year by Central Washington in a narrow 18-7 loss on April 11.  BYU is next scheduled take on CWU this Saturday, April 18 at 1:00 p.m. MT at South Field in Provo. The match marks the 50th Anniversary of BYU Rugby and will include a flag raising ceremony recognizing the 2014 Championship team.

In the other semi-final pairing, Navy challenges California on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. MT at Witter Rugby Field at University of California Berkeley. Navy got by Clemson 24-23 last weekend while Cal handled Texas 100-7.

The winners from each of Saturday’s semifinal rounds will face off in the 2015 Penn Mutual Varsity Cup Championship at Rio Tinto Stadium on May 2 at 2:00 p.m. MT. An updated Varsity Cup bracket can be found here.

BYU plays CWU in the Varsity Cup Semifinals

Tue, 04/14/2015 - 12:00am

Tags: 
California, California Golden Bears, Central Washington University, CWU, David Smyth, Penn Mutual Varsity Cup, South Field, University of Utah, Varsity Cup, Wayne Tarawhiti

Provo, UT—The BYU rugby season is quickly coming to an end and the Cougars (12-0) remain undefeated as they head to the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup Semifinals this weekend. The two-day 50th Anniversary Celebration begins on Friday and culminates with the game against Central Washington University on Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. MST on BYU’s South Field.

“This has been one of the most exciting seasons we’ve had,” said David Smyth, BYU rugby head coach. “It’s fitting that this year is the 50th anniversary. Everyone involved this semester has given a performance worthy of the team’s great legacy.”

Last week the team played in the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup quarterfinals and defeated University of California, Los Angeles 45–16. Although the UCLA Bruins fought hard, the Cougars’ offense and defense came together in a spectacular showcase of strength and determination.

The win last weekend means the Cougars advance to the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup Semifinals and will play against the CWU Wildcats. CWU is most recently coming from a victory against the University of Utah (18–7) and has won a total of eight out of ten games this season.

On the other half of the bracket of the quarterfinals are the California Golden Bears and the Navy Midshipmen. California put on an offensive exhibition last week beating the Texas Longhorns 100-7. Navy, on the other hand, is going into the quarterfinals following a nail biter against Clemson winning 24-23.

Wayne Tarawhiti, assistant coach for BYU rugby, feels the game against CWU will be a good test for BYU in preparation for the winner of California vs. Navy.

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