Albany Insider (Rugby)

Monday, September 11, 2017

Albany Tops Stony Brook

9/2/17 Albany, NY – The University at Albany Great Danes Rugby held off Downstate rival Stony Brook, 19-12 to open the Liberty Rugby Conference season. Albany Clinton Olaniyi scored two tries and Conor O’Brien converted two of them. Stony Brook dotted down late at the end of the half but Albany prevailed relying on stingy defense. Albany Travels to Iona to take on Loyola University in a non-conference match up.

Albany Gets Non Conference Road Win

9/9/17 New Rochelle,NY – The University at Albany Great Danes Rugby traveled to New Rochelle to face Loyola University at Iona College’s Mazzella Field. The Danes were able to hold on for 12- 7 victory to go 2-0 to start the 2017 season. 3:53 into the match outside center Matt Regan took off of on a nice burst up the middle to dot down and a conversion by O’Brien to make it 7-0. The Danes would control play but could not cross the line as breaks were not capitalized on caused by Albany mistakes. Albany turned over the ball 6 times on interceptions. Finally late in the first half Loyola would capitalize when Joe Martin scored in the corner and converted his own try.

Albany started the half off strong. Relying on good defensive pressure Albany held tough. 4 minutes into the 2^nd half Albany’s Conor O’Brien made a nifty 10 meter run off of a quick tap penalty to put the Danes up by 5. Albany would hold off Loyola for some 15 minutes in their zone, 10 of which down a man due to yellow card.

Albany travels to SUNY Cortland 9/16/17 for an Liberty Conference Empire Division match against SUNY Cortland. The Development side travels to Williamstown, MA Wednesday Eve to face the Williams College Ephs. Kick off 6:45pm at the Weston Field Athletic Complex.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Greer Named to USA Rugby Academic Honor Roll

Congrats to Sean Greer for being selected for USA Rugby's Academic Honor Roll for 2015-2016. Sean is entering his Senior season at UA. Sean has shown that he is a standout both on the field and in the classroom.

Full USA Rugby press release:
http://www.usarugby.org/2016/07/academic-honor-roll-announced-for-2015-16-season/#urHf3h1B04AyGWRC.97

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Danes ready for 2015

By staff writer John Lubowsky

Albany, NY- The University at Albany Men’s Rugby Team opens the 2015 with the Developmental Side taking on Siena College Today. The First XV open against Stony Brook [Empire Rugby Conference] this Saturday at 2:00PM. Stony Brook is traditionally at or near the top in their conference each year. They have a strong coaching staff led by Jerry Mirro and recruit from many of the metro NY high schools.

The Danes are looking to rebound from a poor 2014 season where they went 1 -7. The Danes are led by scrum half Conor O’Brien [Captain] who is entering his sophomore season at Albany and played high school rugby at Fordham Prep. Raphael Henriquez, who is returning for his final semester will move from center to fullback. Raphael was a 2nd team all ECRC selection in 2014.

The Danes are bolstered by a strong recruiting class. Freshmen Rob Warner [Xavier HS] and Sterling Wotholl [Fordham Prep ] look to make an immediate impact. Transfers Sharif Koonce [Harvey School by way of Fitchburg St] and Esvin Mendoza [Iona College] have shown great promise this pre-season.

“The players did a great job of on campus recruiting” stated Coach Durant. “We currently have a roster of 80+ players and we got some excellentl high school rugby talent in our freshman class. Players from Xavier, Fordham Prep, Harvey School, Albany and a bunch of others should be able to give us the depth we need to compete for the entire season. More importantly, the veteran players are embracing the team first culture with a work for it attitude that is crucial for success this year and beyond. I am really looking forward to see how this team evolves. ”

Albany will have to evolve quickly as it jumps right into a very tough ECRC schedule. Albany will face new comers Fairfield U away, and then host nationally ranked opponents; Boston College and American International.