September 20, 2026​

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Arizona Rugby opened its preseason Saturday with its first match of the 2026 season, traveling north to face Northern Arizona University in a three-period contest designed to maximize opportunities for the Wildcats throughout the squad.

For 18 of the 26 players who traveled to Flagstaff, the afternoon marked their first appearance in an Arizona Rugby jersey.

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The match was played across three 30-minute periods, allowing Arizona to provide meaningful minutes to its players while beginning to establish combinations and continuity ahead of the regular season.

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“For us, the biggest highlight of the day was seeing so many guys make their debut in the jersey,” Arizona Director of Rugby Sean Duffy said. “We're thankful to NAU for being such a great host and partner and for giving us the opportunity to get a meaningful preseason match in. Even though it's preseason, any time you put on the Arizona jersey, it means something. Seeing those guys experience that for the first time is pretty special.”

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Australian second row Oliver Ryan captained the Wildcats in his first appearance for Arizona, leading the side from the second row alongside Jamie Clegg. The pair helped provide a strong platform throughout the afternoon as Arizona continues to develop depth at the position.

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“We continue to love the work being put in by the second rows, with Ollie and Jamie really putting in a great day of work in what's quickly becoming a competitive position for us in the depth chart,” Duffy said.

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Scrumhalf Quinn Bevan served as vice captain and helped lead the Arizona attack throughout the match. The Wildcats worked through some forced mistakes early as the team began establishing continuity, with Bevan helping keep the attack organized and moving forward as the side settled into its first match environment of the season.

At fullback, Jose Giuliani turned in one of the afternoon's standout performances, finishing with 20 points. Four Wildcats scored twice as Arizona's attack continued to build throughout the three periods.

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While the preseason opener provided a positive first step, the primary objective for Arizona was to give players an opportunity to compete, develop combinations and experience the demands of match play.

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For 18 Wildcats, it was also the first time they experienced something that cannot be replicated in training — putting on the Arizona jersey and representing the program on the field.

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Up Next

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Arizona will have a bye next weekend before returning to preseason action on October 3, when the Wildcats travel to Phoenix to face Grand Canyon University in a freshmen-sophomore preseason match.

The match will provide another opportunity for Arizona's younger players to gain valuable match experience as the Wildcats continue building toward the regular season.

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Result: Arizona 99, Northern Arizona 5

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