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The UNM men’s rugby team geared up for its first regular-season tournament with a blowout exhibition victory over the New Mexico Brujos.
In order to prepare for a faster, more agile game in an upcoming 10 vs. 10 tournament in Santa Fe this week, the Lobos faced the Brujos in a friendly match Saturday at Johnson Field. The Brujos are a club team in a union made up of rugby club teams from New Mexico and Texas. Unofficially, the Lobos beat the Brujos 55-15, in which no extra points were attempted.
Rugby games usually have 15 players on each team, but in order to get ready for the impending 10 vs. 10 tournament, team captain Arik Ozden said it was important to play against the Brujos to get accustomed to the speed change.
“We thought it would be great for the guys to get some playing time, since we normally don’t play,” Ozden said. “The main difference between this game and normal rugby games is the pace.
With 10 players, it’s a much faster game. Everyone is trying to avoid each other.”
The match was played in six 10-minute periods, with UNM outscoring the Brujos 30-5 in the third, fourth, and fifth periods. Many freshmen were allotted playing time toward the sixth period.
“The freshman didn’t get to play that much in the alumni game, but all the freshman got to play in this game,” club president of UNM men’s rugby Mitch Espinosa said. “Even though this wasn’t a normal match, it was neat for them to catch on to the game.”
UNM assistant coach Joshua Aranda said next Sunday’s tournament will emphasize the talent and dedication of UNM men’s rugby.
“I’m expecting next week is an evaluation for when our league matches start,” Aranda said. “As results go, I expect us to win and to get better.”
With 11 tries and many nicks and bruises, the Lobos dominated Johnson Field. Aranda said he believes the squad has an edge over those of years past.
“First, I learned that this team is not going to give up. There is a lot of heart and determination,” he said. “I really enjoy the fact that they are very optimistic. This is a good team to coach.”
Ozden said a win could boost the team’s confidence.
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“I think we played very well. We had a very tough year last year, since we were getting beat by a lot of teams,” Ozden said. “It’s nice to come out here and not only beat another team, but to ride up the score against another team felt good.”
Amid low attendance and support for Lobo men’s rugby, Aranda said he considers the team’s personality a simple reason to gravitate toward the squad.
“This rugby team has fun on the field together. They stay positive, encourage each other and keep it light. This is a fun team to be around,” Aranda said. “They put in the work first but have a fun time doing it. From a coaching standpoint, that’s where we want them to be at.”
