UW Womens Rugby Club Qualifies for National Playoffs

Just two years after being promoted to Division I, the University of Wyoming women’s rugby squad is among the 16 best club teams in the nation.

The UW women’s rugby club has been invited to the USA Rugby 2019 national playoffs and will face Texas A&M University at 1 p.m. (MST) Sunday, Nov. 17, in College Station, Texas. The winner of that game will travel to the Elite 8 round in Columbia, Mo., Nov. 23-24.

UW finished the regular fall season with a 4-2 record, losing only to the defending national champions from the Air Force Academy twice -- once during conference play and again during the recent Rocky Mountain Conference championship game.

“Since joining Division I, the University of Wyoming has made remarkable progress, and this season their hard work and recruiting efforts have paid off,” says Ed McKenna, the conference’s commissioner. “We are excited to have them -- and our other programs -- representing the conference in USA Rugby’s national championships. They have earned it.”

UW was promoted from Division II to Division I two years ago and went 0-4 in conference play last year. The club competes against perennial rivals Colorado State University, the University of Colorado and the Air Force Academy.

“Our players have demonstrated incredible grit throughout 2019,” says UW Coach John Pope. “I am grateful that their efforts are being recognized by USA Rugby.”

Founded in 1991, the UW women’s program has had extensive success at the national level, reaching the Elite 8 and Sweet 16 rounds, and has placed multiple players on the All-American and USA Eagles national teams.

The UW club is seeking funding from individuals and sponsors to help offset its trip to the national playoffs. Details are available on the team’s Facebook page.

For more information, call Pope at (307) 742-6707 or email jpope@theblueskygroup.com.