September 22

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TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Rugby officially unveiled the first members of its 2026 recruiting class, beginning with a talented group of forwards who will help strengthen the Wildcats for the coming season and beyond.

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Several members of the class made their Arizona debuts in last weekend’s preseason opener against Northern Arizona University, giving Wildcat supporters an early look at a group that has already begun making an impact within the program.

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In the front row, Arizona adds several players following successful high school careers. Prop James Tosh (AZ) and Hooker/Prop Lucas Swanson (WI) join the Wildcats, while Hooker Mikah Moananu-Apela (CA) becomes the latest member of his family to join Arizona Rugby, following in the footsteps of his older brother Kai.

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The Wildcats also add significant size and versatility to the second row. Oliver Ryan, a 6-foot-5 Australian, captained Arizona in last weekend’s victory over NAU and has already made his presence felt both in the loose and at the set piece. Alex Stevens, who can play both lock and prop, adds further versatility to the forward pack with his 6'5" 250 pound frame.

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The back row is arguably the deepest position group in this year’s class. Australian flanker Tom Wood has already made a significant impact during preseason, while USA U18 No. 8 Erich Walldorf arrives in Tucson after a successful career with New Trier Rugby Club in Illinois. Jaydan Sullivan, a CRAA U19 selection, joins the Wildcats from Clifton College in the United Kingdom. Transfer flanker Justin Spanghero is the latest Wildcat from France and is one of two French athletes joining Arizona in this year’s class. 

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“This has the makings of a really special group,” said Arizona Director of Rugby Sean Duffy. “We have a talented group of forwards who are already doing a great job of bonding with their teammates, taking coaching, and buying into the player development process. They’ve come in with a great attitude and are already pushing the group.”

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2026 Recruiting Class — Forwards

Genji Megret-Gong — Hooker
Mikah Moananu-Apela — Hooker
Oliver Ryan — Lock
Justin Spanghero — Flanker
Alex Stevens — Lock/Prop
Jaydan Sullivan — Flanker/Lock
Lucas Swanson — Hooker/Prop
Lucas Tallone — Flanker
James Tosh — Prop
Erich Walldorf — No. 8
Thad Walsh — Hooker
Tom Wood — Flanker

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