September 25- Arizona is kicking things up a notch with an ambitious and challenging schedule announced today, adding new opponents to the calendar for their 55th season.

 

In addition to their normal run of tough PAC conference match ups, the Wildcats will also welcome 2022 National Champions Army and make a trip to the Bay Area to take on Saint Mary's College. With a large roster and multiple sides, the Wildcats will also take on a number of new opponents, including Colorado State, San Diego, and Washington.

 

"In my nine years here, we've always strived to play a challenging schedule, even if it means touring overseas to do so. Now, between our incredibly supportive alumni and our outstanding university relationship, we can bring our match number up to where we are really approaching a varsity-like environment to see what we are made of," said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

 

Sevens, long a mainstay of the Fall semester moves to the Spring based on the availability of teams, venues, and tournaments. "Sevens isn't going away but playing it more in Spring at the conclusion of Fifteens makes the most sense and allows us to avoid bouncing between the two forms of the game mid-year. This was a league decision, and with those weekends now open, we'll fill them with matches." said Duffy.

 

The action will all get underway this week as New Mexico travels to Tucson for a preseason friendly. In March, the program will celebrate its 55th anniversary, welcoming back scores of alumni and supporters for a pivotal clash with UCLA. Making things more exciting is the Arizona Rugby Broadcast Network, a partnership allowing all matches from Sitton Field to be viewed by fans worldwide. "We're seeing a 20-30% uptick in views each season and had another boost in attendance last year. With some really strong teams on the schedule this year the fact that our fans and sponsors will be along for the ride with us is truly exciting. We're putting in the work now to be able to make them all proud."

 

Arizona returns the bulk of their roster from last year's run to top ten finishes in both Fifteens and Sevens, and added a deep recruiting class that is already making dents in to the depth chart. Ticketing information will be announced shortly with a new platform for Arizona Rugby fans to secure their seat at Sitton Field to be a part of the action.

 

For the Wildcats' full schedule, click here.

 

 

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