Defeating Northeastern was no easy task for the men’s rugby team. As soon as the boys hopped off the coach bus, they already knew it was going to be a who-wants-it-more game. This game decided if AIC would be knocked out of the conference, losing their chance to play a game in the playoffs.

At the beginning of the game, the tensions were high. We already knew what was at stake. Both teams were faced with extreme weather conditions in the first half. It stayed close, and the leading score kept going back and forth between the teams. 

Loma Kalaniuvalu scored and started off the game with a try from the forward pack. Kalaniuvalu said, “It was raining and was tough to play on, but we were able to adjust and kept playing through it. It was a physical match… The boys excelled in our plays well and played hard.” He summarized the game well. 

Drenched Pitch Sets the Stage 

At the end of the first half, AIC was up 13-6. They started the game strong and showed how hard they’ve been training at practice. Captain Jayden Renehan said, “The game was [in] terrible weather. We were playing at Northeastern University. We either needed to win or we were kicked out of playoffs. Our team fought adversity through the rain and multiple injuries on the team to get a physical win. After the game, the team morale was high, and everyone was excited we made it to playoffs.” 

 Injuries Rained Upon Us 

Throughout the game, injuries were spreading like wildfire on both sides of the field. On AIC’s side, a notable injury but nothing serious was from Israel “Izzy” Martinez. He put his body on the line to prevent a score by making a last-second tackle that gashed his eyebrow open. Everyone on the field was distraught. When he got up from the tackle, half of his face was unnoticeable and covered in blood. The paramedics were slow to get on the field to assist the injured player, putting AIC players into panic. When they got to him, they wiped his face off with a cloth and cleaned his face with peroxide. Then they wrapped tape around the injury. 

Another critical injury was also in the forward pack from Afa Sanft. When he was going for an open field tackle, he managed to get the opposing team down, but he hit the ground extremely hard with his shoulder, resulting in a dislocation. When he got up, his arm was dangling towards the ground. He lay back down and dared to do something drastic. Sanft decided to take it into his own hands and popped his shoulder back into place by applying pressure on the turf. The coaches knew he was not good enough to go back into the game and subbed him off.

When he was on the sidelines, Coach Bonti asked him if he was okay. He responded, “Yes, coach! I’m ready to get back into the game.” This shows how much of a team player he is and how dedicated he is to the game of rugby.

No Rain Check for Playoffs

Overall, AIC tried their hardest and now have a spot in the playoffs to show for it. Even though they had adversity at the beginning of the season, they overcame it and improved. They deserve to be in the playoffs. This game is not one they will soon forget; it will be remembered for the fierce competition between two great teams. But it will also be remembered for the players’ resilience  in the face of challenging weather. It portrayed the true spirit of rugby, a game that demands teamwork, determination, and love for the game, even when the odds are against you.