February 2- Arizona resumes PAC Conference play this weekend in Tucson as they welcome 11th-ranked UCLA to Sitton Field. The 14th-ranked Wildcats have named the team that will take on the Bruins, with Kyle Rogers captaining the side from Fullback following last week's 45-10 victory over Utah Valley.

 

The Forwards features few changes, with Steven Branham, Jake Hedge, and Cody Hunt making up the front row while Vice Captain Sean Coleman and Bronson Teles pair at Lock. In the back row, Flanker Zach Heisterkamp remains in the starting lineup after a strong performance in last week's victory, as he joins Ryan Fitzpatrick and Number Eight Tyler Hansen to give the Wildcats a young, dynamic group of Forwards. 

 

In the backline, Scrumhalf Matt Rogers pairs with Anton Grigoriou, with the center pairing of Shane Dempsey and Ben Joseph returning to the starting lineup. On the outside Dante Weeks, Ryan Hudson, and Rogers make up the back three with pace, size, and smarts to go against the talented UCLA side.

 

In the reserves, a number of players are ready if called upon, with Zach Biggs, Chaz Huntsman, and Kurt Vecchio ready in the front row while Sam Peri and Ben Scoular cover at Lock and Flanker. Jeremy Fleet and Luke Thayer join Jack San Pietro in covering across the backline.

 

The Wildcats will look to earn a key PAC Conference victory on Saturday, with UCLA and Arizona also both ranked in the top fifteen nationally. "UCLA is a well coached and talented side and we've had tight games the past two seasons with them" said Head Coach Sean Duffy "we're looking forward to putting together a complete performance this Saturday and expect a big crowd with our Womens' team also taking on UCLA." 

 

The Arizona Rugby doubleheader will start at 11 AM, with Arizona Women's Rugby taking on UCLA before the men kickoff at 2 PM. Tickets are free for students with a Cat Card and $7 general admission for both matches.

 

 

 

UCLA Lineup (click for bio)

1. Steven Branham

2. Jake Hedge

3. Cody Hunt

4. Sean Coleman

5. Bronson Teles

6. Zach Heisterkamp

7. Ryan Fitzpatrick

8. Tyler Hansen

9. Matt Rogers

10. Anton Grigoriou

11. Dante Weeks

12. Shane Dempsey

13. Ben Joseph

14. Ryan Hudson

15. Kyle Rogers (C)

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16. Zach Biggs

17. Chaz Huntsman

18. Kurt Vecchio

19. Sam Peri

20. Ben Scoular

21. Jeremy Fleet

22. Luke Thayer

23. Jack San Pietro