After a successful 2022 15s where the team finished 9-2, good for 3rd place in the Big Ten Rugby Conference, and a shutout victory over Boise State in the Rhino Rugby Bowl, the Fighting Irish rugby team is eager to return to the field of play this fall. The team will play host to 6 home matches this fall, with multiple signature events on the docket. On Friday, October 13 the team will host midwest power Bowling Green State University for the Parseghian Cup, benefiting the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund. The program will also host the annual alumni reunion on the weekend of September 23, and hosting Ohio State on Friday, the 22nd while welcoming over 60 years of rugby alums back to campus to enjoy an action packed rugby & football weekend.
In 2022-23, the Irish finished 3rd among the 8 team Big Ten XVs conference, as well as a bronze medal finish in the 12 team Big Ten 7s championship. The team will again set its sites on a Big Ten XVs before advancing through to the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) post season play. On Saturday, November 11 the Irish will play host to the Big Ten Rugby Conference Championships at the world class Stinson Rugby Field. Multiple matches will be played throughout the day, including the Big Ten Championship match. The team will kickoff the season early this fall, with a journey to Dublin, Ireland, to take on reigning XVs National Champion, the Midshipmen from the US Naval Academy. The team will also travel to Big Ten foes Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Michigan before learning their fate for the Big Ten semi finals and an NCR post season bid. November 4th the team will compete in the Big Ten Rugby Semi Finals, location TBD based on final conference standings. For updates including kick off time, match locations as well as live stream information provided by ND Studios check in at rugby.nd.edu. We look forward to seeing you all home and on the road this fall. Go IRISH!