The Wayne State men and women’s rugby team competed in the March Madness Rugby Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.

“The weekend was very successful for both sides, the women’s team qualified for nationals competing against Simpson College and went 5-0 on the weekend,” junior Joseph Edie said.

Each one of the wins were significant and helpful for both teams, and men’s captain Joseph Edie was pleased with the turnout and the hard work from both sides of the ball.

“Just hanging out with everyone, we all were at the field at 9 a.m. until like 6 p.m.” junior Evan LaMontagne said. “The whole day just hanging out and watching rugby like a team would.” 

The women’s side handled their business easily by beating Iowa Gold 38-5, Iowa B 51-7, Simpson College 48-7, Iowa State 51-5 and Iowa Gold again, 33-12.

The WSC men also had a good day on the rugby field, they won their bracket and showed their coaches and fans that they are ready to compete next year and bring everything they have.

In the first two games, the men’s side they won by a large margin, beating Simpson College twice ,45-0 and 27-17 the following game. However, they went on to lose the next game to Central Missouri by a score of 22-15. Then they played Mankato, Minnesota and lost a nail biter 12-7 and the last game to in-state rivals University of Lincoln by the score of 22-0.

“The thing I’m looking forward to the most is getting another shot at nationals for 15’s,” Edie said.

Edie believes that the men side of things are right by the hump of getting to nationals and bringing back some hardware for WSC.

“Getting to be the captain has been an amazing opportunity, and with the group of guys we have right now,” Edie said.

This experience has been amazing for him and he can’t wait to bring in the new recruits that are coming in next season.

“I feel like next season is our time, speaking on behalf of both men’s and women’s rugby teams we appreciate all the support we get from everyone, thank you,” Edie said.

During the games this past weekend, the men’s side of things had a little accident on the field. WSC men’s rugby player Sam Scott snapped his nose in half and had to be taken to the ER immediately.

After snapping his nose clean in half, that wasn’t going to stop him from trying to come back and compete and help his teammates out.

“As the day progressed, we received a call saying our teammate was walking back from the hospital in his gown on the side of the road,” Edie said. “That just shows how much we all love rugby and how determined we are to play, when we got him to the tournament he asked if he could still play, what a guy.”

Last Saturday concluded games for the men’s team until next fall and the women’s team will move on to nationals and try and win a championship for WSC.