A-side vs. Iona
Fairfield 16 – Iona 24
The lead-up to this game included "grudge match" ... "bitter rivalry" and even "historic
programs." The best part of rugby, of sport, is that it's a game and it must be played to
determine the victor. For 39:30, Fairfield displayed copybook, clinical rugby. Henry Novicki '26
won the kicking and territory battle with his foot and his kick-chase. John May '25, Gavin
O'Hara '25, and Sean Vernon '24 played suffocating defense and pressured Iona's attack so
much that they appeared frantic and discombobulated. The sole try we scored was off a
perfectly executed maul off a lineout deep in Iona territory, dotted down by Adam Deitrich '24.
Novicki '26 was perfect off the kicking tee – conversions and goal kicks.
Unfortunately, at 39:31, Iona busted a long run off a broken lineout, and after they scored to
end the first half, Fairfield never recovered its confidence or focus in play. It wasn't for a lack of
effort – the score was 16-24 for over 20 minutes in the second half, and Fairfield had its
chances. In the end, Fairfield learned some hard lessons about how to put team away. Starting
from the coaching staff on down, this was a hard but necessary lesson to learn. Despite the
loss, Fairfield remains atop the table in Liberty Conference and still controls its destiny. Yes,
there are tough games on the horizon, starting with Siena, and there's reason for excitement as
this is what we signed up for; to play in the top conference against the top teams!
Thank you to all the alumni, parents, and friends who stood out in the rain and support the
boys on the club's 60th Anniversary! Onto Siena...
B-side vs. Iona B
Fairfield 36 – Iona 5
It is almost indisputable that we take player development with the most sincerity in comparison
to our competitors. Proof of this lies no further than the performance turned in by this group
after their teammates' loss. Captain Ryan Hoffman '24 and vice-captain Ian Thomson '27 have
created camaraderie within this group with the utmost integrity. Jack Carbone '25, who
continues to answer whatever call is needed of him by his club, turned in a solid, physical
performance. Man of the Match went to Joey Policastro '27 for his blistering carriers and

physical defense. Thomson '27 is certainly a tactician with his foot and his voice. Nick Fietze '27
continues to be the team's "Steady Eddy" as he does all the little things to near perfection:
tackles, rucks, supports ball carriers, and runs straight as a carrier! I couldn't be prouder of
Hoffman's other senior teammates who continue to give their very best on this group: Frank
DelPonte '24, Ryan Tobin '24, and Vincent Sweeney '24. It was great to welcome Ryan
Mayerhofer '26 back from injury, as he is regaining ground as an outside back with his carriers,
and covering defense.
Match Reports submitted by Austin Ryan, Director of Rugby/Head Coach, Men's Rugby

D3 vs. Hofstra B
Fairfield 42 – Hofstra B 28
The D3 Red Ruggers played their first match against a skilled Hofstra team and came out of the
gate hungry for contact! A strong defensive front led by Cam Ubaldi and Dani Yehyawi, with
some impressive hits from John Gorman and Justin Cioffi, set the tone for the Ruggers' ground
and pound attack. Dean Hartl and Sean Norton fearlessly powered through contact to both
score tries for the Ruggers. In the backs line, Eric DeStaebler, Brendan Coutts, and Aaron
Traynor, all found themselves in the end-zone after cutting up the Hofstra defense. Tucker
Martin was all over the field making tackles, blowing up rucks, and running hard through
Hofstra's defensive line to score a try. His all-around performance earned him man of the
match! We didn't kick for points after tries, so I just gave each team 7 for each try. The game
was 6 Fairfield scores to 4 Hofstra scores.
The D3 Red Ruggers travel to USMMA on Saturday, September 30th for a match under the
lights at 7pm!

Match Report submitted by John Minogue '22, Head Coach, Men's Rugby D3