Vols, Falcons Vie for Natty in HTX

The National Collegiate Rugby 15s championship is set for Saturday in Houston, pitting the undefeated Tennessee Vols (11-0) against the Bowling Green Falcons (10-3) in a battle of blueblood programs vying for their first national title. Bowling Green, making its second consecutive championship appearance, looks for redemption after an injury-plagued 57-14 loss to Kentucky last year, now healthy and relying on a formidable pack anchored by hooker Phil Tracey and props Ralph Merz and Cody Luther, who dominated the Louisville scrum in the semifinals. Tennessee, the SCRC champions, counter with a potent kicking game led by flyhalf Brendan O’Neill and fullback Vincent Keller, who has slotted an impressive 106 points from the tee this season, complemented by a strong back row including Nick Orefice and Roman Funkhouser. These two powerhouses last clashed in the 2021 USA Rugby D1AA fall playoffs final, where Tennessee emerged victorious 36-32, setting the stage for a historic rematch. US rugby fans won't want to miss this highly anticipated DI-AA final, streamed live on NCR TV from SaberCats Stadium, as one team will finally etch their name into the championship record books.