A-State Rugby To Host Homecoming Alumni Events; Will Play Arkansas Saturday

JONESBORO — Arkansas State’s men’s rugby program will host several alumni events during Homecoming weekend prior to playing the University of Arkansas Saturday, Oct. 4.

The public is invited to attend a meet and greet event Friday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. at Brickhouse Grill in downtown Jonesboro. On Saturday, tailgaters may set up at the rugby pitch before attending a 10 a.m. rugby alumni meeting in the Mockingbird Room located on the third floor of the Carl R. Reng Student Union.

At 1 p.m., A-State’s rugby alumni will play the current junior varsity squad, followed by a 2 p.m. “Battle of Arkansas Cup” matchup between the Red Wolf varsity team and the University of Arkansas. Both games will be played at the A-State rugby pitch. Entrance to the field, located between the railroad tracks, is off Marion Berry Parkway. Admission is free.

A garage sale is after the matches with old A-State rugby jerseys, team polo shirts and tracks available for purchase. “Follow Your Instincts” tee shirts, designed by the rugby squad, are on sale for $15 each. All proceeds will go toward the Arkansas State Foundation rugby account.

The Red Wolves are coming off huge back-to-back victories over the Glendale (Colo.) Raptors (59-24) and Florida State (91-0). A-State and Arkansas have played each other previously, but this marks the first time the two programs have faced each other in a Homecoming matchup.

“We have been talking with the University of Arkansas rugby coaches and captain for a few months in trying to make this work, and we all agreed that this is beneficial for both schools and our rugby programs,” said A-State rugby coach NeMani Delaibatiki. “We want to build the relationship and rivalry between University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University, and this is a step in the right direction.”