Wildcats Host Lopes in Round One

WILDCATS HOST LOPES IN ROUND ONE

ARIZONA vs grand canyon

Playoff rugby returns to Sitton Field with the Wildcats looking to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals. (Photo credits: Tyler Horton)

Apr 10- The Arizona Wildcats have announced their lineup for Saturday’s first-round matchup against Grand Canyon University at Sitton Field in the 2026 D1A National Championships. The Wildcats enter as the No. 3 seed in the West bracket, aiming to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

Captain Matteo Berenger will lead Arizona in its first home playoff match in seven years, alongside vice-captain Tanner DeMassa. “I can’t say enough about the leadership that Matteo and Tanner have brought this year,” said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy. “We are here because of the group buy-in and belief, and as captains, they lead from the front.”

Up front, DeMassa is joined in the back row by experienced forwards Jacob Jaffe and Aiden Kemp, all of whom impressed in Arizona’s last outing against Colorado State. In the backs, Saxon Gerstl and Connor McIsaac will drive the attack, while Sintu Mjali returns to the starting lineup at inside center. The bench features impact options, including prop Jack Kerrigan and scrumhalf Lucas Smith.

“We’ve had a great two weeks of preparation, and we know the challenge Grand Canyon will bring,” Duffy said. “Our focus is one half at a time, one match at a time.” With a win, Arizona would advance to next weekend’s quarterfinal against the winner of St. Mary’s College and Colorado State. The West bracket champion will face the East winner in Indianapolis on May 2.

Kickoff details: Tickets will be available at the north gate starting at 11:15 a.m. UA students and staff receive free entry with a CatCard, while general admission is $12. The match will also be streamed online here.

Arizona vs GCU

4- Chris Grosse

6- Jacob Jaffe

7- Tanner DeMassa - VC

8- Aiden Kemp

9- Connor McIsaac

10- Saxon Gerstl

11- Jake Schumacher