Cheers erupted in The Cellar last Saturday as the men’s rugby team gathered for the Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s selection show. The team made program history when they were selected as the No. 1 seed for Division III.

“When the bracket popped on the screen and we received the No. 1 seed in the East the guys cheered loudly,” said Patrick Benner, the team’s coach along with Matthew Wilson, and senior director of campus life. “It was great to see them pumped and excited.  They have put in the work this season.”

Richmond opens tournament play against No. 8 seed Providence on Friday at 9 a.m. at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Maryland. The championship will feature three rounds of play over two days, culminating in a national title matchup between the top teams from the East and West.

After learning the news, the team immediately went to work, starting with a captain’s run the next morning, followed by additional training sessions this week.

“These guys fight, they don’t quit, they take nothing for granted, and they earn everything,” said Benner. “What sets them apart is their connections on and off the pitch. They all support one another and show up for each other.” 

The men’s rugby team has won four of six tournaments this spring and compiled an impressive 27-2 record, earning its place among the nation’s top 16 teams invited to compete.

Benner said it is one thing to have a great record, but to get it acknowledged with a No. 1 seed really drives home the hard work they have put in this season. He likes Richmond’s chances.

“The boys are dialed in, focused,” Benner said, “and I know they will fight for everything in each game and leave it all out there.”

The championship will air on NCR TV.