A Weekend of Big Wins and Important Lessons

It’s been an exciting and challenging weekend for both of our New Paltz rugby teams. The men’s team secured a major victory by winning the Tri-State Development 10s Tournament, putting on a dominant performance and now heading into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the women’s team faced a tough Molloy side in their final game of the season, showing determination and progress despite the loss. As the men prepare for their playoff quarterfinals, and the women reflect on their growth, it’s clear that the Hawks are ready for even greater things ahead.

Women’s Team Battles Molloy in Final Game of the Season

The women’s team faced a tough challenge in their final game of the season, losing 58-17 to Molloy. Despite the loss, there were plenty of positive takeaways as the Hawks scored their highest point total in two seasons, with Liam Gorelin accounting for all of New Paltz’s tries. Bella Venezian and Jess Savio also had standout performances, and once again, three players from USMMA joined the team, providing crucial support.

Coach Thierry Duclay offered a candid reflection on the game and praised the growth he’s seeing in the young squad.

“58-17 against Molloy is a disappointing loss! Individually, our players demonstrated yet again their combative abilities and spirit. This is a raw quality that is hard to teach, and fortunately most of these players have it. What this game also demonstrated is that under pressure our players are also showing their lack of rugby experience, which is completely normal... Many players came off the field and shared their frustrations about their own game. This is huge to me, it shows that they are aware of their own shortfalls, this is the fuel I need from them to run on to improve.”

Despite the challenges, Coach Duclay highlighted key areas of progress.

“We scored 17 points, the highest we’ve ever reached in two seasons! We also successfully converted a drop kick for the first time in two seasons, something we’ve worked very hard on. Our players drew more fans, and one even joined the team and will start practicing this week! It’s all worth it.”

As the rebuilding process continues, the future remains bright for the women’s team. With a core group of players committed to improving and more supporters coming to games, New Paltz women’s rugby is moving in the right direction.

Men’s Team Triumphs in 10s Tournament, Playoff Bound This Weekend

The men’s rugby team has a lot to celebrate after winning the Tri-State Development 10s Tournament in dominant fashion this past weekend. New Paltz went undefeated through pool play and the knockout rounds, putting in standout performances against Bard and Oneonta, before defeating Molloy in the final. After losing in the final of this same tournament last year, the Hawks came back stronger and are now riding high into the playoffs.

The tournament saw a huge team effort with several first-time try scorers, including Jimmy Norris, Matt Yates, and Will Nicholson. Darragh O’Connell had a standout performance, scoring six tries over the course of the tournament. The team put up big numbers in each game, including:

• Pool Play: New Paltz 37-7 Bard, New Paltz 31-14 Oneonta

• Semifinal: New Paltz 48-10 Oneonta

• Final: New Paltz 27-10 Molloy

Try scorers for New Paltz were Darragh O'Connell (6), Fred Asher (2), Jimmy Norris (2), Matt Yates (1), Will Nicholson (1), Liam Haran (2), Avonte Williams (1), Jackson Thorne (3), and Josh Holland-Weiss (4).

The Hawks now shift their focus to the Tri-State Conference playoffs, where they will host Montclair this Sunday at 1:00 pm for the quarterfinals. Be sure to come out and cheer on the team as they continue their playoff push!

Help Us Improve Game-Day Conditions and Support the Teams

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far! Thanks to your generosity, the canopy tents for both teams, and a memorial plaque for Raymond Rattray has been paid for. Now, instead of sitting in their cars before games when it’s raining, the players have proper cover for their pre-game preparation. This has already made a huge difference on game days. Look at how proud these guys are of their new tent (and supportive alumni)!

But we still need your help to make an immediate impact on the day-to-day experience of the current New Paltz rugby players. The team's budget is being stretched thin by the rising costs of transportation, which have nearly doubled in the past two years due to increased bus rental fees. This leaves little room for other necessary expenses.

Your contributions can make a tangible difference, whether it’s buying new gear, or supporting other essential needs. Every donation helps the teams focus on what truly matters: getting better at rugby.

Please consider donating to the New Paltz Rugby Legends via Venmo:

Your generosity ensures that the teams can thrive both on and off the field. Thank you for your continued support!

New York Sevens: Join the Naughty Bears!

Do you want to cap off the year with a thrilling weekend of rugby? The Naughty Bears, a social touring team founded by New Paltz alumni Andrew Torres and Arber Cobaj, are looking for a few more players to join them at the New York Sevens tournament. Whether you’re a current player or an alumnus, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, have fun, and represent New Paltz rugby on the big stage.

If you're interested in playing, contact Andrew Torres at [email protected] or DM the team on Instagram at @naughtybearsrugby. The deadline to express interest is November 13th. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable experience!

Save The Date

There will be a meetup in Manhattan on November 16th for current players, alumni, and supporters. It will be a fantastic networking opportunity for current players, with lots of rugby action on screen—England vs South Africa and New Zealand vs France. More details will follow soon, but mark your calendars now!

Go Hawks