ALFRED, NY – Alfred University released plans  to transition the men's rugby club to a varsity program under the Athletics Department, as announced by Associate Vice President for Student Experience, Athletics, and Recreation Deb Steward. Previously, the sport club was organized through the Student Experience unit. Alfred University's mission is to help students realize their purpose. This is accomplished through impactful and distinctive curricular and co-curricular intersections, mentorship and inclusivity.
 
"It is an exciting time for Alfred University Athletics with the growth of our intercollegiate sports offerings in concert with the Saxon Hill Sports Complex project," Steward said. "With the leadership of Dr. Nicole Bernsen, Director of Rugby/Head Women's Rugby Coach, we have begun building the foundation of our varsity women's rugby program. With forward momentum, we are now ready to move our long-standing Alfred University men's rugby club program under our intercollegiate athletics roof. This will allow for comprehensive institutional support, mentorship, and oversight which will position our men's rugby student-athletes to achieve success on and off the field."
 
The men's rugby program will begin formal competition once the rugby field has been successfully constructed at the Saxon Hill Sports Complex. This field will include lights, press box, and grandstands.  In addition, the Saxon Sports Center at the Complex will house team rooms, athletic training room, equipment room, and an official's team room.
 
"The elevation of men's rugby to a varsity sport at Alfred University is exciting, not only for the current and future players, but also for those who came before us," Bernsen said. "As a club sport, Alfred Rugby established a strong history and alumni base dating back to 1985. The construction of the Saxon Hill Sports Complex and this move to varsity status will ensure resources are available for the recruitment and retention of high-quality student-athletes and provide investment in training, travel, and coaching as our program grows into one of the premier varsity small college rugby programs in the country."
 
Prospective students interested in our men's rugby team can learn more and request details here.
 
A national search will be underway for the first varsity intercollegiate head men's rugby /assistant women's rugby coach.
 
About Alfred University
Alfred University was founded in 1836 and is one of the oldest co-educational institutions of higher education in the country. Located in the village of Alfred in the Southern Tier of Western New York, Alfred University has a student population of roughly 1,500 undergraduates and 150 graduate students. We offer an uncommon set of top-ranked programs, with nearly more than 60 majors and more than 70 minors across five schools and colleges: the Inamori School of Engineering, the School of Art and Design, the College of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies.