Beast of the East

Hello BURFC Nation!

On this past Saturday, April 22, BURFC competed at the annual Beast of the East Tournament in Portsmouth RI. BURFC sought to at least repeat their effort last year which they lost in the Plate Semifinal, but had tough opponents ahead in Salve Regina and SUNY Geneseo. With a team mainly comprised of underclassmen, as well as many inexperienced in the game, our Terriers seemed to have a challenging day ahead.

In the First Game against Salve Regina, BURFC went in looking for redemption after taking a tough loss to them during the regular season. BU fell behind early, as Salve took a hefty lead through the first half. BURFC, determined to make the game competitive again, turned on, as the game came towards completion, they ran faster, hit harder, and showed aggression, and as a result Junior Razi Paasche-Orlow was able to put through a late try for the game to finish 43-5.

Due to scheduling, the team had roughly 7 hours in between matches, and spent the day bonding and watching competitive collegiate rugby, including watching a game by their next opponent, SUNY Geneseo.

BURFC entered their second game seeking to match the intensity they had at the end of their first. However, youth and inexperience would come to hurt them in the end, as after a hard fought give and take game was unable to come across with a win, and fell 17-10. Despite the loss, we walked away with our heads held high, as we played one of our hardest fought games of the year when we faced elimination, with astounding effort by young and new players as well as a monstrous performance by our forward Pack. Standouts from the tournament included Junior Razi Paasche-Orlow and Sophomore Will Tengtio for scoring tries, all of the freshmen who played in one of their first matches, Sophomore Zachary Zimits for stepping up and playing out of position at Scrum Half, and doing an excellent job in doing so, and finally the Forward Pack for locking down scrums and dominating the ball most of the day. 

For his contribution in the immovable BURFC Scrum and domination running with the ball, “Pasta” John Margolies was named Man of the Match against SUNY Geneseo.

We look forward to seeing BURFC Nation at our final game of the season on Saturday, April 23, against Curry College

Spring ’17 Update: Alumni Game

This past weekend, BURFC held its annual Alumni Game on Nickerson Field. The conditions were 32 degrees and snowing. Brutal. However, the show went on; full contact, of course. Fly half, Matt Stringer, was out with a shoulder injury along with centre, Hugh Reynolds, and a number of players from the forward pack. This made the alumni game a perfect opportunities for rookies to gain valuable playing experience against an experienced Alumni side.

Before the game, we all held a moment of silence in honor of Coach Paul Cragin, founding father of BURFC who passed away earlier this spring. Big thanks to Tom Bray (BURFC '76), Michael Scully (BURFC '77), and Frank Garrison (BURFC '76) who said a few words about and lead the moment of silence. 

The game was, let's just say, a blow out in favor of the old guys. Thankfully, facilities was closed on the day due to weather...so we were unable to display the score, nor did we keep track. After the game, the whole team rallied at the place to meet, T's Pub. Stories of old dominated conversation and the young guys really enjoyed meeting the alumni and learning more about our history.

Given the conditions on the weekend, we are very proud of how the weekend went, and are excited to continue carrying on our legacy.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year - and hope that we can get even more numbers out on the pitch!

Spring ’16 Opening Day Newsletter

Last night Thursday, March 17, 2016, BURFC opened its spring season at home against Wentworth Institute of Technology bringing home a win. The Terriers are looking to come on strong this spring after bringing in a very strong recruiting class this past fall. With over 25 new members retained since “Splash” in fall ’15, BURFC is working with new assistant coach Lulama Mabeta, along with returning coaches – Robin Peers, Edouard Guitton, and Tyler Ierardi – on player development and team chemistry as we look towards improving our record from the fall.

New to BURFC this fall is the addition of assistant coach, Lulama Mabeta. Originally from South Africa, Mabeta specializes in forwards coaching and has greatly improved the club dynamic on the field both in practice and during game situations. His composure, command of the field, and knowledge of the game make him an incredibly valuable addition to our community – we welcome and look forward to working with Lulama in future seasons. Also new this spring is our executive board. President George Bill (ENG ’16), VP Reese Donaldson (Questrom ’17), Treasurer Austin Hunter (Questrom ’17), Match Secretary Will Tengtio (CAS ’19), Equipment Manager Sean O’Connell (CAS ‘18), and Social Media Chair Matt Stringer (CAS ’18) will be in charge of operating the club for this season.

In the New England Collegiate Rugby Conference (NECRC) this past fall, BURFC unfortunately fell to 0-9-1 with many contests decided by a slim margin. Despite the lack of results record-wise, seniors Sean Richards (number 8), Fernando Torres (prop), and Vinny Celeste (fullback) were recognized by NECRC and given all-conference honors.

This spring, BURFC will compete in local friendly competition of mixed Union and Sevens play against Wentworth Institute of Technology, Lasell College, and Babson College. The annual ‘Beast of the East’[1] tournament will take place on April 16th/17th (information can be found via the link in the footnotes). We are also excited to announce that the alumni game this spring will be on April 23rd – to which we invite you all. For further updates in the BURFC events calendar, see here see here[2].

As we continue to grow in numbers and experience, BURFC looks appreciates forward to your continued support and will continue to strive towards achieving excellence both on and off the field.

[1] http://beastoftheeast.net

[2] http://www.dosportseasy.com/buclubsports/center.php?h=mens-rugby

BU vs. Coast Guard and the End of the Fall Season

BU rugby finished up their fall season yesterday with their match against Coast Guard at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, MA.  Despite the loss to a strong Coast Guard team headed for the playoffs, BU played the full 80 minutes with passion and determination.

The final whistle marked the end of the 2014 season for BURFC. Even with only one victory on the year, the boys gave it their all every week in practice and every Saturday to get better and maintain BU's prestigious rugby tradition.

Throughout the season BU received contributions from a handful of new players and a number returning veterans playing new positions. The season had its highs and it had its lows, but in the end the commitment from the boys for the past three months was unmatched. Next fall season the boys plan to work even harder to make it deep into the NECRC playoffs. BU will return to the rugby pitch again next semester to partake in Beast of the East and the rest of tournament season.

And lastly, thank you to every one who came out to support the team throughout the season. BURFC really does have the best fans and alumni in the league. Thank you.

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BU vs. Norwich Recap

In their first match against Norwich this season, BU battled the nationally ranked team to a 10-10 tie Saturday night on Nickerson Field.

Noticeably dominating in possession early, BU scored first on a try from freshman Matt Stringer 15 minutes into the match. Minutes later, Norwich responded with a try of their own to tie the game at 5.

BU retook the lead with a try from freshman Ryan Incognoli with 14 minutes left in the half, but they could not hold the advantage and the teams went into halftime tied at 10.

Despite strong scoring chances for both teams in the second half neither team was able to put points on the board and the game ended in a 10-10 tie. The tie gives BU a 1-4-1 record on the season and pushes them ahead of both Coast Guard (1-4) and UNH (1-4) in the NECRC standings.

BU will visit Norwich next Saturday for their second and final regular season match-up with the Cadets.

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BU at University of Vermont Recap

BU was on the brink of defeating a nationally ranked University of Vermont team, but in the end they fell to UVM, 28-14.

With strong scrums and great tempo, BU was able to control the pace of the game early. Junior Vinny Celeste picked off an errant UVM pass and returned it for the first try of the game. Carlos Salazar added the kick and put BU up 7-0.  However, UVM would respond with a try of their own and two penalty kicks to take the lead into the half.

The second half started with a bang as a couple great phases from BU's forwards led to a try for senior forward Peter Johnson. Salazar added the kick and gave BU the 14-13 lead.  BU penalties and a few tough breaks allowed UVM to retake the lead and eventually take the game.

Next Saturday BU hosts Norwich at Nickerson Field in the first match up between the teams this year.

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BU vs UNH Recap

BU got a HUGE victory with their 31-21 win over the University of New Hampshire today.

The boys from BU opened the scoring with a try fifteen minutes into the game. UNH responded with a try of their own and a kick to take the lead. BU rebounded quickly and was able to take the lead, 12-7, going into the second half.

The two teams traded scores to start the half and with 10 minutes to go UNH led, 21-19.

On a hot day in Durham, fatigue began to set in. The boys from BU were able to fight through the heat and get a try from Carlos Salazar, his third of the game, and another from Garrison Doodlesack to bury the Wildcats, 31-21.

Arshan Tarapore played a terrific game and also had a try of his own.

BU will host UNH at Nickerson Field next Saturday for their home opener.

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BU vs. URI Recap

With a lot of new faces in new positions, the boys of BU rugby fought hard in their season-opening match this afternoon, but fell to URI in the end.  For BU, junior Austin Yarnell had the first try of the game, followed by junior Fernando Torres, and senior Arshan Tarapore.  BU showed a high-level of intensity throughout the game and never gave in to the relentless attack of URI. Next week BU will play Coast Guard.

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2014 Fall Schedule

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With a new conference format in place, Boston University Rugby will play every team in the New England Collegiate Rugby Conference twice this fall.  Their schedule begins this Saturday (September 13th) with a trip to Kingston, Rhode Island to take on the defending regular season champion University of Rhode Island.

The following Saturday BU will host their first home game of the season when they welcome Coast Guard to campus with an afternoon match on Nickerson Field.  Coast Guard defeated URI 58-7 in the NECRC title game last year.

Full Fall 2014 Schedule:

September 13th @ University of Rhode Island

September 20th vs. Coast Guard

September 27th @ University of New Hampshire

October 4th vs. University of New Hampshire

October 11th vs. University of Vermont

October 18th vs. Norwich

October 25th @ Norwich

November 1st @ University of Vermont

November 8th vs. University of Rhode Island

November 15th @ Coast Guard

 

Note*: Times for a majority of the matches still TBD

BU Hires Robin Peers as Next Head Coach

Boston University Rugby would like to welcome Robin Peers, current head coach of the Boston 13's RLFC and assistant coach of the Boston Irish Wolfhounds RFC, as their new head coach.

With his experience coaching and playing in many professional leagues around Boston and Europe, Peers has a great understanding of the game that will bring the BU rugby club to the next level. Peers has also worked at the collegiate level as coach of the Tufts Rugby Club and Lasell Rugby Club.

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