ALFRED, NY -- The Alfred University men's rugby team will have four members participate in the 2026 National Collegiate Rugby All Star Tournament this weekend in Atlanta, GA at Silverbacks Park.

Three Saxon players selected include Ayomideji Israel-Akinbo (Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa/St. Andrews College), Chevon Adriaans (Paramaribo, Suriname/SGS) and Phillip Peterson III (Auburn, NY, Auburn). In addition, Head Coach Dale Russell will be an assistant coach for the Men's XVs Rising Stars - North team.

Russell will coach Adriaans and Peterson III on the XVs Rising Stars - North team. Israel-Akinbo was selected to play on the XVs New England Independents White team.

"This is a tremendous moment for our men's program," Director of Rugby Dr. Nicole Bernsen said. "Having one of our players named to the All-Star Team, two talented young men recognized as Rising Stars, and our first staff member selected to coach at All Stars speaks volumes about the growth, culture and commitment Coach Russell has fostered within our program. Each of them has earned this through dedication, hrd work and a passion for constant improvement. We are proud of what they are achieving together."

"This is a historic year for Alfred University selections," Head Coach Dale Russell said. "While AU has had a male-student athlete selected to the Tri-State All-Star team in the past, this is the first time Saxons were selected to a Rising Stars Team as well as a New England All Star Team, and our first staff member selected to coach an all-star team! These events are covered by national media outlets and followed by perspective students."

The National Collegiate Rugby All-Star Tournaments are annual showcases of the top players in the nation. Players are selected for All-Star/All-Conference teams based upon their Fall 2025 regular season performance.

All Stars represent the top college rugby players from eight regions across the United States. Nominated by coaches, commissioners and All-Star team scouts for their regular season play, these athletes represent the best of the best in the nation across all division levels.

Rising Stars are comprised of the up-and-coming stars of first year and sophomore athletes who represent four regions, North, East, South and West.

Full schedule information, including tickets and ways to watch can be found here on the NCR website.

-- Swords Forward Saxons --