ASU rugby got back underway with practice beginning August 21st; however, the first couple of practices have seen new coaches and new players on the field.
Former ASU rugby player, Matt Myer, joins fellow ASU rugby alum, Ben Cohen, on the coaching staff alongside returning coaches, Roger Tushingham and Pieter Hugo, with hopes of shaping the new arrivals and returning players into a coherent team.
Practice turnouts have been excellent with about 53 players coming out every practice. The incoming players have been a bit backs heavy but there have also been some additions in the forwards.
Some of the more notable recruits include four state finalists. Both Alex Reimann and Teague Perez were on the victorious Phoenix Thunderbirds team while Carlos Nowakowski and Andrew Ady were on the defeated finalist Brophy Prep team.
In addition, returning forward players include Isaiah Fatagoni, Pearse McNamara, Cole Macias and Captain Nick Davies, whose quality runs deep. In the backline, standout returning players include Will Quinn, Kaden Ellison and 2nd highest try-scorer, Jacob Hurl.
There are a few absences, including Hooker, Robert Gacula and Winger, Robert Huerta, who are still recovering from injuries suffered in the spring season. Prop, McCade and Winger, Cooper Baines, are studying abroad in Australia and Spain but will return for the 2024 spring season.
ASU's first game will be on September 29th against NAU at the ASU intermural fields located at 510 S Dorsey Ln.
Watch our interview with ASU's Captain, Nick Davies:
