Logan Jenkins, Contributing Photographer

The men’s rugby team emerged victorious against Binghamton University Saturday after winning 40–5 on the road.

The Bulldogs ended their regular season with a 5–1 record, earning them a spot in the Liberty Rugby Conference playoffs. The team scored 30 points with tries, as well as 10 points with conversions from Declan Ratchford ’28. 

“We went into the match knowing we needed a win to secure a playoff spot, and the boys delivered,” Falco Emery ’26, the president of the rugby club, wrote to the News. 

According to Emery, the team used pick-and-go phases to manipulate Binghamton’s defensive line and open up space out wide, adjusting their kicking strategy based on how the opposing team defended.  

On defense, Emery said the Bulldogs maintained line speed and communication, which helped them shut down Binghamton’s key threats and control the tempo of the game.

“We had a big defensive focus in training this week, and I think that showed,”  Jack Stemerman ’26, a co-captain, wrote to the News. “We only allowed five points, which came right at the end of the game.” 

Both Emery and Stemerman said the result of the game was a team effort, though they highlighted the performances of Dom Gearing ’26 and Teo Rossbach ’28. 

“It was great to see Teo Rossbach playing his first conference game of the season. He brings a strong skill set and excellent energy– his presence really lifted the team,” Craig Wilson, the head coach of the team, wrote to the News. 

The Blue Dogs, the rugby club’s reserve team, competed against Binghamton’s B-side and emerged victorious 50–5. The Blue Dogs had to adapt because of injuries on both sides, causing both teams to play with 10 men per side instead of the usual 15. 

Wilson said he was also pleased with the performance of Blue Dogs and explained that the younger players will have crucial roles in the weeks to come.

On Saturday, the rugby team will play Boston College. Win or lose, the team will play Nov. 8 in the playoffs at Fairfield University, either in the bronze or the gold medal game.