CARDS OVER COCKS FOR DI-AA TITLE

The Louisville Cardinals have seized the Division I-AA National Championship title, overcoming the South Carolina Gamecocks with a decisive 26-12 victory in a thrilling final held in Boyds, Maryland. Louisville established early dominance, taking a commanding 14-0 lead into halftime and extending it to 26-0 before South Carolina managed to score two consolation tries; this championship run also included an impressive 28-0 semi-final win over West Chester, while South Carolina advanced to the final by defeating Texas A&M 15-10. Individual excellence shone brightly throughout the tournament, with Louisville's Amarreon McClaurin earning MVP honors after scoring five tries, tying for the division lead, and Babson first-year student David McMurtray leading all scorers with an outstanding 34 points from four tries and seven conversions. This triumph marks Louisville's second 7s title in just three years, having also claimed the championship in 2024, underscoring their consistent high performance and highlighting the fierce competition and burgeoning talent within US collegiate rugby, which continues to fuel the sport's growth nationwide.