After Dartmouth Rugby took home the USA 7s Collegiate Rugby Championship and made a deep run to the DI-AA Final 4 in 15s this past season, two Big Green stars are getting an opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.
The USA Rugby U20 National Team (the “Junior All-Americans”) selected Madison Hughes ’15 to help in their run for the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy, an international U20 championship being held in the United States for the first time as Salt Lake City serves as host. Hughes has been a key contributor for the team, starting at fullback and taking penalties and conversions for the U20s. In the first game of group play, Hughes and the U20s took on Tonga, one of the tournament favorites. The U20s won 22-11, with Hughes scoring a try and putting in 4 penalties to account for 17 of the team’s 22 points. The story was the same in their second game against Chile, with Hughes scoring 34 points on 3 tries, 2 conversions, and 5 penalties as the U20s defeated Chile in a 54-25 thumping. Following a 36-13 victory over Russia last night, the Junior All-Americans will play Japan for the championship on Saturday. Live streaming of the Final will be shown on KSL.com and DeseretNews.com on Saturday, June 30th, at 8pm EST. Madison’s 72 points is currently 10 points shy of the JWRT record going into Saturday’s championship match.
Recent graduate Nate Brakeley ’12 has also gained attention from a national side. The USA Rugby Collegiate All-American Team selected Brakeley as one of 46 players to compete for a spot on a touring side that will travel to Ireland in August. The 4-day training camp took place over the weekend in Houston, Texas. Brakeley shined on the first day of the camp, tying for first in the team’s fitness tests. If Brakeley is selected for the touring side, this will be the second time in two years that Nate has represented Dartmouth on the All-American team, the precursor to the senior national team. Nate has recently been accepted to study graduate work at Cambridge, where he will look to continue his fine play by competing for a spot in the famed Oxford-Cambridge Varsity Match.
Also, as a quick reminder, be sure to pick up you CRC Champions gear from the Dartmouth Rugby Boathouse Store. The store will remain open until July 9th. Check it out at http://dartmouthrugby.boathousegear.com/.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
