Rugby Alumni Details 5/3-5/4/13

4/9/13, Albany,NY- The University at Albany Men's Rugby Club will be holding their annual Alumni Game and Festivities Friday, 5/3/13 - Saturday, 5/4/13. All are welcome to enjoy all or any of the events. Contact Coach John Durant: ualbanyrugby@hotmail.com for more info.

Friday, 5/3/13 11:00AM. Golf Tourny
Evergreen Country Club
92 Schuurman Rd
Castleton on the Hudson, NY
Contact ualbanyrugby@hotmail.com to reserve your spot. Skill not necessary!

Friday, 5/3/13 7:00PM UA Reception
Maggie's
1186 Western Ave
Albany,NY
Meet up with rugby alumni and friends. Food compliments of the university's alumni association. Buck up for beverages.

Saturday,5/4/13 1:00PM Alumni game
Rugby Field near Dutch Quad
Post game festivities TBA
Bring the boots or just watch.

Go Danes!

Alumni Support in the Bronx

4/6/13, Bronx,NY- The Danes dropped a tough one at Fordham's Murphy Field in the Bronx Saturday but the turnout of UA alumni, family and friends was tremendous. All of the team's East Coast Rugby Conference games are played in New England so when the squad gets a chance to play near the city it is great.
Go Danes!

Danes Fall to Rams, 39-26

4/6/13, Bronx,NY- The Danes traveled from upstate to the Bronx for an Empire - East Coast Conference clash. On a super fast turf both teams tried using their running game and the team that made the fewest handling errors would come out on top.
The Danes, dealing with outside events, traveled with a streamlined side. "Big hand to our 2 young props who both had tremendous games against a large, well drilled Fordham Pack"- Coach Durant.
The under manned B side clawed and scrapped through a very well played game. Fordham ended up on top with a 24-5 score.
Insider notes: Albany had to regretfully drop out of the first leg of the Collegiate Sevens Series at UNH Saturday due to unforeseen events. Albany will host the second leg this Saturday with teams from AIC, UNH,UMass entered. Remainder of spring schedule; XVs - 4/19/13 @ RPI, 4/27@ Vassar College, 5/4 Vs Alumni Legends. Sevens; 4/13 Capital Cup 7s, 4/27 Northeastern U 7s Boston, MA.

Danes 51-SU 7

3/30/13, Albany,NY- The Danes got out of the blocks quick and never looked back rolling up 34 points in the first half. The Danes notched two scores 8and 15 minutes in by Barend and Sheehan. Outside center Russo tacked on two scores and Hooker Andy Moth would score at the end of the half.

The second half SU came out more determined and tightened up their defense. 10 minutes in Albany inside center Austin Wolf received a yellow card giving SU a man advantage. The advantage would continue for the rest of the game as Aisi was sent off. The Danes would hold firm and get on track when Ethan Grossman dove in for a score. SU would answer when John Wilson caught the Dane's defense sleeping and raced down the side line for a 75 meter score. That would be it for the Orange as The Danes answered with scores by fullback Sean Kimmins and center Austin Wolf.

Insider notes- B Side Danes lost to SU 12-5. good effort by both teams. 40 Albany players saw action today. A Strong showing for a holiday weekend. Albany is traveling to Fordahm U in the Bronx Saturday. 4:00PM kickoff. Field is located on the Fordham campus behind the varsity softball field.

Danes Host SU in Spring Opener

3/29/30, Albany,NY- The UAlbany Rugby Football Club opens their 2013 spring season against in state rival Syracuse University. SU is coming in after playing in the 4 Leafs Tournament in NYC where they went 1-2. They upended Quinipiac, 24-12, and lost to Kings Point, 7-0, and RPI,20-17.

The Danes are relying on a mixture of experienced seniors and up and coming underclass men. Jr captain Herno Smith will take over fly half duties and freshman Austin Wolf will start at inside center. Bob Sheehan will make his first start at 8 with back row mates; Justin Barend's and Mo Williams.

Insider info- Danes travel to another Empire Rugby Conference opponent Fordham U next Saturday.

CDYR Rookie Rugby Coach Certification Clinic

3/8/13-Latham,NY- Capital District Youth Rugby held a Rookie Rugby Coach Certification Clinic at Afrim's Sports. Coach John Durant conducted the training where 20 college players,parents and club players earned their Certification.

UAlbany players Sheehan, Peck, McNamara, Smith, Codero, Wolf, Hass, Sweezey and Burns all successfully completed the course.

RugbyNY HS Player Camp

Latham,NY-Staff and players from UAlbany Rugby assisted USA Rugby National Team Coaches Paule Barford and Joanne Kos at RugbyNY's HS Development Camp held at Afrim's Sports in Latham,NY.  UA Head Coach John Durant was one of four Leed coaches along with Joanne Kos, Claudia Braymer (USA National Team Player) and SUNY New Paltz Head Coach Gus Sasso.  UAlbany  Ast. Coach Dave Farison, with players; Dan McNamara, Herno Smith (co-captains), Bob Sheehan and Jessie Roth assisted.  The two day camp provided instruction in the contact area, support and continuity.   It was a large amount to cover but both the 40+ campers and staff kept a high energy level to the end.

UAlbany Rugby is in full support of the local rugby community.  Coach Durant "believes that events like these enable our players to give back to the community.  Plus the experience of teaching young players the fundamentals of the game and interacting with top coaches is invaluable."  

UAlbany hits the practice field Monday, March 4th to start the 2013 Spring season.  Friday, March 8th squad members will take part in Capital District Youth Rugby's Rookie Rugby Coaches Training.   First game is March 30th home Vs. Syracuse University.