GLENDALE, Colo. (3/3/11) – The University of Colorado men’s rugby team is set to make history next Friday as they square off against Colorado State for the first time in the newly formed College Premiere Division.
The CPD is the elite men’s collegiate rugby competition in the United States, and pits the best 31 teams in the country against one another for a National Championship. College football fans can think of it as similar to the Bowl Championship Series, but only if the BCS had 31 teams. It’s the best of the best, and the CU-CSU rugby match always brings out the best between these two traditional rugby powerhouses.
The old rivalry will be taken to new heights in 2011, in part due to the new CPD and also because rugby is now an Olympic sport. The added importance of this match means it will be played at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colo., the nation’s only rugby specific municipal stadium.
“Our guys are really switched on for this match,” said CU assistant coach Jim Snyder. “Playing the Rams so early in our new CPD league schedule makes it a must win for both teams. Not to mention the added intensity playing under the lights in front of a couple thousand fans. It’s going to be a heck of a ballgame.”
The two teams met last fall in a preview leading up to this match. The Rams came away with the win in that contest, holding off a big second half comeback by the Buffs to take the 32-29 win. Since then, the Buffs have been all business, putting in a ton of work in the off season, and taking on tough local men’s league competition in preparation for this game.
“We really want to put on a good show for our fans and alumni who come out to support us in Glendale,” said CU junior Luke Lahman. “All the hard work we have been doing will hopefully pay off and make the event something special. There really is nothing better than a CU-CSU match under the lights on a Friday night.”
Tickets for the match are $6 and proceeds from each sale go to the CU Rugby program if you enter the Coupon Code BUFF when checking out. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday March 11.
For more information contact CU Rugby Media Relations Director Eric Taber at etaber@usarugby.org or at 646-287-7492
Directions to Infinity Park: http://www.infinityparkatglendale.com/directions.php
