A-side vs. Dartmouth
Fairfield 19 – Dartmouth 8
Riding high from their 80-minute performance from Brown (despite the loss) and enjoying some
much-needed rest over the fall break, Men's Rugby returned to campus last week re-energized
and excited to end its 3-game skid against a competitive and historic Dartmouth team. Our boys
played spoiler for their ivy-league opponents as Dartmouth really needed this game to keep
their playoff hopes alive. Just like last year, Fairfield was victorious!
Once again, the weather wasn't ideal. This time, Fairfield overcame the elements and found a
way to win! Patrick McHale '27 looked to make a statement to Dartmouth's assistant coach,
who snubbed him on USA U-18 selections last summer. McHale scored 2 tries on the day, and
logged several line breaks and pressured Dartmouth's midfield all day. Connor McCabe '25
showed his true potential with a scampering 40-meter try that eluded 5-6 would-be Dartmouth
tacklers. Henry Novicki '26 was 2 from 3 for conversions, and once again showed how strong
Fairfield's kicking game is with his high, contestable kicks. Mike Fitzgerald '26 logged another
impressive performance at second row; Fitz continues to improve as the lineout jumper, and
has raised his level pf physicality to new heights!
Overall, this may not have been the most electric game, but it was once again a strong
performance on defense, and flashes of brilliance on attack from Colin Brady '26, Novicki,
McHale, Shane Baffa '25, McCabe, Lucien Polizio '24, and Patrick Burke '25. Fairfield A-side
ends the regular season at 3-3, and will be vying for 5th place in the Liberty Conference at their
bowl game on Saturday 11/4, against most likely Fordham or Iona. Fairfield will once again host
this tournament as the conference will bring all its teams together to decide its champion and
schedule fun, competitive final matches for all the other teams.

Overall, the team is 4-3 this fall, with its bowl game to come. The team is set to log its fourth-
straight season with a positive record (no season in 2021 due to COVID-19). While this fall is

obviously not where we wanted to be, it is an excellent data point for us to use going forward:
we've learned that our physicality and fitness on defense can keep us in games, so we need to
revamp our attack by putting people in the right places while creating a system that excites our
players to have the same aggression and killer-instinct they do on defense. We've also learned

that we can win the territory battle; we have several kickers who can pin opponents in their
end. And finally, we have officially created depth in our roster! With all the injuries, we truly
lived our "next man up" philosophy. Therefore, a lot of players gained valuable experience that
we can build on going into the spring, and next fall!
Men's A-side has a bye on 10/21, so it'll be a great opportunity for them to enjoy the day as
spectators and support Men's D3, and for us to celebrate our Class of 2024!
B-side vs. Dartmouth B
Fairfield B 29 – Dartmouth B 26
Captain Ryan Hoffman '24 made it a personal point to right his team's ship after falling to
Brown last week. His raised his work rate and physicality on both attack and defense to a whole
new level. Supporting him was Jack Carbone '25; it's always a joy to watch players do exactly
what we coach them in practice – multiple times Carbone made a tackle, clapped his hands to
show the referee he released the ball carrier, and then won the turnover. Clinical!
Luke Coetzee '27 really shined on the day. He ran a textbook lineout scheme, and was all over
the field, supporting his high school classmate Ian Thomson '27, who once again controlled the
game with his foot and his voice. Trigg Ciccone '27 is giving "attacking scrum half" a whole new
meaning as he's averaging 1-2 dummy and go's a game. His pace of play and his work rate are
extremely high, and it flusters his opponents which causes them to leave gaps for him to snipe.
The dynamic front row duo of Joe Wagnblas '27 and Joe Policastro '27 is making a name for
themselves and they are really looking to push the upperclassmen in their positions. Wags
charged down a kick, scooped and scored, while Polly is probably averaging over 100 meters a
game. Opposing defenses simply cannot tackle him single-handedly! John Bennett '27 is also
putting his upperclassmen teammates on notice. Bennett returned to play mid-September
from an ACL tear, and the more game time he gets, the better he performs. His lineout throws
in the rain were very impressive, and he has a high IQ and work rate.
This was a very back-and-forth game. Both teams traded scores throughout, and Fairfield's
defense was the deciding factor as their hard hits and high work rate simply wore down
Dartmouth's players. Fairfield B-side ends its regular season at 5-1, with hopes of being a fill in

at the Liberty Conference tournament on 11/4. Last year at this tournament, they beat Tufts A-
side handedly, and we will do our best to get them a game against another A-side in 2 weeks!

Overall, B-side goes 6-1 this fall, and has been an integral part of this club's success. As I said
earlier, injuries made us go "next man up," and several players on this team were selflessly fluid
between A-side and B-side. My hope is to continue this momentum in the spring and schedule
fun and competitive 15s games and tournaments, so these players face tougher competition
while continuing to build their camaraderie.
Men's B-side has a bye on 10/21, so it'll be a great opportunity for them to enjoy the day as
spectators and support Men's D3, and for us to celebrate our Class of 2024!

D3 at Vassar
Fairfield D3 17 – Vassar 32
Under the leadership of graduate student-coaches John Minogue '22 and Enrique Pesantez,
this group continues to develop their rugby skill and Rugby IQ. At the same time, this group

came in with the prerequisites of courage in contact, physical as ball carriers, and open-
mindedness to feedback and learning! These traits are best exemplified by its captain Cam

Ubaldi '24; he leads with enthusiasm and relentless optimism. It trickles on down to players like
Sean Norton '26 and Colby Carbone '27, who merited players of the game!
I'm extremely grateful to veterans like JP Crewe '25 and Gavin Maher '26 for adding experience
to the team and then playing in the Dartmouth B game. It was really fun to see them to assume
leadership roles and lead from the front with their play.
It is always a great sense of pride to offer anyone who wants to play rugby at Fairfield the
opportunity to do so, especially through this team; Women's Rugby is now living this with their
B-side! Nick Garland '27 and Brendan Coutts '27 showed tremendous potential as centers with
their defense and their voices. Aaron Traynor '27 is a natural outside back thanks to his Gaelic
Football background. Cullen Burke '27, another experience player graciously agreeing to fill in,
got much-needed time and performed incredibly well in the lineouts and on kick-chase. It was
great to finally see him use his big frame and bully opponents with his size and strength.
In the end, there simply is no substitute for experience. Vassar wore down our boys with
"meter" pick-n'-go's and then misdirection in the midfield. This was at about the 65th minute.
Our guys were chasing 2 points and then Vassar just pulled away with their experience –
attacking space and supporting the ball carrier to push the tempo. Despite the loss, the boys
came off the field energized for the next opportunity! That will be this Saturday against
Southern Connecticut and on Alumni & Family Weekend. Since Men's A-side/B-side have a bye,
Men's D3 will be the feature men's side. It's a tremendous opportunity for alumnus Coach
Minogue, joined by assistant Coach Enriquez, to show the depth and dedication our club has to
growing the sport in the U.S.! The hill will be filled with alumni, parents, friends, and
teammates as D3 hosts in-state SCSU Saturday at 12:30!
Immediately following the conclusion of this game, all men's rugby players will gather to toast
and celebrate our Class of 2024!

Match Reports submitted by Austin Ryan, Director of Rugby/Head Coach, Men's Rugby