October 16, 2026​

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TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Rugby opens its season tomorrow with a doubleheader at Sitton Field, taking on Western Washington and Arizona State as the Wildcats begin their campaign following a 2-0 preseason.

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Arizona enters the season with a new on-field leadership team, led by senior flanker Tanner DeMassa and third-year scrumhalf Connor McIsaac. DeMassa takes over the captaincy after serving as vice captain last season, while McIsaac will help orchestrate the Wildcats’ attack from the back line.

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“We have a lot of good leaders in this team, and Tanner’s leadership last year and this fall has been tremendous,” said Arizona head coach. “From setting the example in the gym to holding teammates accountable, he will be a great leader for this team. Connor’s growth as a player and person was big last year, and between him and the rest of the guys in his class, we have a great group of leaders that will help this team take that next step.”

 

Up front, Arizona will introduce some new starters into the mix, while returning a large portion of the side that made last year's national quarterfinal, bolstered by a recruiting class that has already made its presence felt. Second-year lock Alex Kemp will partner with veteran Chris Grosse in the second row, while DeMassa will be joined in the back row by Aiden Kemp, Aston Gradwick-Light and Jacob Jaffe in the 23. The group will feature prominently as the Wildcats look to establish their forward pack early in the season.

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In the back line, McIsaac and flyhalf Saxon Gerstl will lead the attack, with Lance Barker and Ethan Heim earning places in the side after strong performances in Arizona’s preseason victory over Grand Canyon.

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The Wildcats will also have experience available off the bench. Veterans Lucas Smith and PJ Enegren are among the finishers ready to make an impact, alongside standout freshman Ollie Ryan, who will look to make his mark in his first season with the program.

 

The doubleheader provides Arizona with an opportunity to evaluate combinations, give players valuable match experience and continue developing the squad ahead of the spring season. With an unbeaten preseason behind them and a new leadership group in place, the Wildcats will look to carry that momentum into their opening matches at home.

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Match Information

• Opponent: Western Washington and Arizona State

• Date: Saturday, October 17

• Location: Sitton Field 

• Kickoff: 3 p.m. vs. Western Washington; 5 p.m. vs. Arizona State

• Streaming: PlayRugbyAZ.com

• Ticketing: Free for UA students & staff with CatCard, $15 at the gate

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