We are excited to officially announce our National Championship Rugby team will be moving to Division I in the Gold Coast Conference Intercollegiate Rugby league. After dominating in Division II for two seasons, NC Rugby will now be competing against the top programs in Southern California and Arizona areas. These teams include: Arizona Pacific University, Arizona State University, Claremont College, Miracosta College, Long Beach State University, University of San Diego, and UC San Diego.
Coach Brian Hudspeth stated, "I am looking forward to representing Norco College at a higher competitive level."
Our men have worked hard to develop themselves physically, play smart, and develop a program based on grit. With their dedication to each other and continued desire for growth, NC Rugby will be a force at the Division I level.
Garrett Morrell, one of our founding members, reminisces over the championship win as "an experience that I will never be able to forget. It's great to see the program moving up to D1 and getting the recognition we deserve." Although Morrell will be graduating and starting his internship in respiratory therapy, we are thankful for the dedication and leadership he contributed to the team!
Dr. Mark Hartley, Athletic Director, stated, "We are very excited to be taking this next step to Division I and we understand we might need to take our lumps playing against bigger and faster schools, but if we want to be the best, we have to play the best and that is what Norco College is committed to!"
Rugby league start at the beginning of February, so be on the lookout for the 22-23 schedule and come out to games to show our Ruggers your support.
When asked about this upcoming year, Captain Hunter Hudspeth stated, "IT'S GREAT, simple as that," and we could not agree more!