By: Nick Pope: Sports Information Director
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Record: Life U finished the American Rugby Premiership season with five wins in six matches, earning its second consecutive ARP Championship.
MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's club rugby team secured its second consecutive American Rugby Premiership (ARP) Championship, finishing the regular season with the highest point total in the league to claim the title.
The Running Eagles put together a strong campaign, winning five of their six matches while showcasing their consistency on both sides of the ball. Life U opened the season with a 38-18 victory over White Plains on Sept. 12 before delivering a dominant 53-5 performance against the same opponent the following week.
Life U continued its winning ways on Sept. 26, earning a 40-19 road victory over Mystic River Rugby Club in Malden, Massachusetts, despite challenging conditions during a nor'easter. The Running Eagles returned home the following week and completed the season series sweep with a 55-12 win over Mystic River.
The Running Eagles carried their momentum into their first matchup against New York Athletic Club (NYAC), securing a 43-21 victory at Lupo Family Field on Oct. 11. Life U closed the regular season with a hard-fought rematch against NYAC on Oct. 17, dropping a 26-19 decision.
Despite the season-ending loss, Life U's body of work throughout the campaign was enough to finish atop the ARP standings in total points, securing the program's second consecutive league championship.
"I'm extremely proud of this group and the consistent excellence they continue to produce. Winning back-to-back ARP Championships is an outstanding achievement, but what makes this team special is that they've paired success on the field with excellence in the classroom, recording the highest team GPA in program history," said Director of Men's Rugby Blake Bradford.
"This group produced some special performances throughout the season, starting with a comeback victory on the road against White Plains in Week 1, followed by a dominant performance at home the following week. We then secured a tough 40-19 away win against Mystic River in Malden during a Nor'easter, before returning home to deliver another big performance in front of family and friends. We also had two hard-fought games against NYAC to close out the regular season. Through it all, this team demonstrated resilience, consistency, and a commitment to competing at a high level.
"As we say farewell to some stalwarts of Life U Rugby who are graduating and moving on, I want to thank them for everything they've contributed to this program. They've left the jersey better than they found it, and their legacy will continue to shape this program long after they've moved on.
"Now, we turn our attention to the D1 Club season, where we'll look to carry this momentum forward and pursue another championship."
With another ARP title secured, the Running Eagles will turn their focus to the D1 Club season, looking to build on a successful campaign and continue the program's championship tradition.
