September 30

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TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Rugby formally announced the remainder of its 2026–27 recruiting class today, welcoming 11 backs to a Wildcats squad that continues preseason preparations this Saturday in Phoenix and joining the 12 forwards announced last week.

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The Wildcats have continued to add talented players from across the country and around the world, beginning in the centers, where USA U18 selection Masiu Aholelei and Canadian U18 pool player George Hemings headline the group. Jose Giuliani has already made an impact with the Wildcats, bringing his kicking game and versatility at flyhalf and fullback to Arizona from Okapi RFC in Florida. Cole Eversole joins the Wildcats fresh off winning a National Championship with Charlotte Cardinals and a Rugby Americas North title with CRAA u19s and will start his career in the centers.

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On the outside, the Wildcats have added a group of explosive young backs, including wing Jackson Pisani and fullback Jameson Brown, both of whom have already made contributions in Arizona’s preseason victory over Northern Arizona University two weeks ago.

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Brown is one of two legacy athletes in the class, joining hard-running center Keith Glaser (SC) as second-generation Wildcats rugby athletes.

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Fullback Felipe Savino is one of three transfers in the group, joining Arizona after spending a year at the University of Houston. Graduate transfer Malakai Tacbian arrives in Tucson after completing his degree at Central Washington University and brings experience and versatility across multiple positions.

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Another versatile addition is Vince Jacoby, who has featured at both flyhalf and center for the Kansas City Junior Blues and Iowa Central Community College.

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“This is an exciting group, and we’re in a spot where we bring back a lot of talent, so we can take the time to develop these guys and give them a lot of opportunities to play and train to get them ready for what’s coming,” said Arizona Director of Rugby Sean Duffy. “I’ve been really impressed with a couple of them, with guys like Masiu and Jose really taking charge early and Malakai bringing a great veteran presence to the team. There are big tests coming for this group, but they’re working hard and will be ready.”

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The Wildcats will take on Grand Canyon University this Saturday in Phoenix in a freshman-sophomore preseason match before opening the fall season at home against Western Washington and Arizona State University on Saturday, October 17.

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2026 Recruiting Class — Backs

Masiu Aholelei - Center

Jameson Brown - Fullback

Cole Eversole - Center

Jose Giuliani - Fly half

Keith Glaser - Center

George Hemings - Center

Carter Horton - Scrum half

Vince Jacoby - Center

Jackson Pisani - Wing

Davis Reid - Wing

Felipe Savino - Fullback

Malakai Tacbian - Center

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