Delaware Rugby Reinstated for Fall 2015
The University of Delaware Men's Rugby Team has officially been reinstated and will begin playing rugby in the fall 2015 season.
JUNE 21, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On behalf of the University of Delaware Men's Rugby Team, we are excited to announce that the Rugby Club has been reinstated for the fall season of 2015. The team will operate in partnership with the University to ensure the program yields top performing students, players, and leaders on and off the pitch.
The team deeply regrets and takes full accountability for its actions leading to the suspension and is looking forward to "turning this negative into a positive".
Some highlights from Team captain Chris Mattina
"First and foremost I would like to thank the Administration at University of Delaware for giving us this great opportunity. I would also like to thank the Friends and Family of Delaware Rugby as well as the Rugby Community for supporting us throughout this entire process and look to them for their continued support as the hard work is just beginning. A fundamental part of re-building this program is going to be working with our club sports office and the Athletics Department on creating a strong foundation for transparency. Our goal is to create a professional environment, providing a platform for Rugby student-athletes to not only advance their level of rugby, but to enhance their learning experience at UD and develop leadership qualities for life. This pathway will have our players aspire to play rugby at the National and Olympic level as well as learn to become leaders on and off the pitch. With that being said we are looking forward to taking the field this fall and are excited to represent UD with dignity and respect."
"We will be looking to compete in both 15's and 7's in the upcoming fall and spring seasons and will also be bringing in a new head coach within the next few months."
"We have learned a lot from this experience and understand it is a privilege to wear the uniform representing our school and it will not be taken for granted."
From UDRAA Board member Steve Severino
"Going forward, the newly established UD Rugby Alumni Association will provide both leadership and mentorship for the club. We will play a key role ensuring the Mission and Goals of our student-athletes are fulfilled through scholarship opportunities, facilitating performance in the classroom and on the pitch, as well as post graduate career mentoring."
Once again thank you to our student's parents, our alumni, and all of those in the rugby community for your support.
And a special thank you to the University of Delaware for this opportunity to structure and position the team for long term success, both in the classroom, on the pitch, and in life.
Questions on this release: contact Steve Severino: sseverino622@gmail.com
Questions on fall scheduling contact Chris Mattina: cmattina@udel.edu
Best,
The UDRAA Board of Directors
University of Delaware Rugby Alumni Association
University of Delaware RFC