The Yale University Rugby Football Club

Another Successful Alumni Weekend for Yale Rugby

Despite it falling later in the semester than usual, this year's Yale Rugby Alumni Weekend was as successful as ever. Over 40 alums returned to their old stomping grounds in New Haven to relive their glory days on the pitch. A stellar combination of good rugby and jocular camaraderie reminded the old boys why their time with Yale Rugby was so special.

The morning began early, with the current Yale youngsters taking on crosstown rivals Southern Connecticut State. In what proved to be an extremely physical game, the Yale side, composed of freshmen and a smattering of sophomores, proved its mettle against a much bigger Southern squad, which was comprised almost exclusively of upperclassmen. Fullback Arturo Zindel '11 was lights out, as he has been for most of the season, and in the forwards 8 man Warren Floyd '11 played aggressive defense, matching and even surpassing Southern's intensity and physicality. Yale started the morning off right, downing Southern 28-14.

Next up, the current Yale "A side" squared off against a motley crew of recent Yale alums and current Yale seniors. The current first XV, ravaged with injuries and looking much different than the team that begun the spring season, nonetheless competed hard and tried not to hit the alums too hard. Although no score was kept, a good time was had by all, and no major injuries occurred.

The afternoon's contests wrapped up with Yale's Old Boys (in mind, body, and/or spirit) taking on an alumni squad from the Harvard Business School. Once again, the game was more about fun than competition; tries were scored on both sides, and both sides thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

To cap off the weekend, the group headed over to the Yale Golf Course for a banquet-style dinner. The meal, at first refined, quickly devolved into song-singing and carrying on, much to the delight of the guests. All in all, the weekend showcased good rugby and good fun for all in attendance.