No. 1-seeded UCSB Rugby hosting Sweet 16

The UCSB men’s club rugby team defeated USC 78-10 at home last Friday to solidify their number one seed in the national Collegiate Sweet 16 Rugby Playoffs.

“It was a great effort by the whole team,” Head Coach Kevin Battle said. “The 13 overall tries were scored by 11 different players.”

A true standout in this match was senior James Burroughs.

“He was inspirational on attack and on defense,” Battle said. “He really lead by example and played an almost flawless game.”

The team is now preparing to face undefeated Oregon State in the national Collegiate Sweet 16 Rugby Playoffs. UCSB will host the tournament at Harder Stadium on Saturday, April 30.

“We want people to know how important it is to us to have as many people come out as possible,” Battle said. “The crowd has the ability to inspire the guys, and [it] might be that extra boost we need to help us bring home some hardware.”

The Sweet 16 games will begin Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. The winners will go on to play in the Elite 8 on Sunday, May 1st at 3:30 p.m., also hosted at Harder Stadium.