Rugby Team Hits Road to Face Lindenwood

JONESBORO — Arkansas State University’s rugby team will travel to Belleville, Ill., to face Lindenwood University, Saturday, Sept. 24, at 3:30 p.m.

The Red Wolves are coming off a 55-0 victory over the University of Arkansas in the season opener two weeks ago. Last weekend, the A-State junior varsity squad defeated the Lindenwood JV team, 81-0, at Curt Huckaby Field. Both teams were originally scheduled to travel to Belleville, but head coach Shaun Potgieter said only the varsity team will go.

“We will be taking the varsity team only,” stated the second-year head coach. “Lindenwood has been hit with injuries and won’t be able to field a JV side.”

This game marks the first time in the young season for the team to make an out-of-state appearance and Potgieter and the players can’t wait.

“We are excited to showcase what we have learned in the last five weeks of training,” continued Potgieter.

He also noted that A-State is fielding its strongest team thus far despite a few injured players who won’t be traveling.

“Coach (Blake) White and I are confident in the lineup we have chosen for this match,” he added. “Once again, we will focus on perfecting the basics as much as possible for this game as we approach the tougher part of the fall season.”

Potgieter noted that Tabo Maree, a sophomore from Amestoort, South Africa, has returned to the starting lineup after being out with a fractured bone in his foot. 

“I am pleased to have him back as I know he will make an impact on the game from the first whistle. Our front row with Brandon van Nierkerk, Kuda Makuvire and Tanner Pope is getting better and better as the weeks go by. We are excited to see another stellar performance from the big boys up front,” he concluded.