Courtesy of Yale Men's Rugby

During spring break, the Yale Men’s Rugby team will trade the familiar fields of New Haven for the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires. During a seven-day tour, the team will compete against top Argentine clubs, including the prestigious St. Andrews Rugby Club, while immersing themselves in the country’s rich rugby culture.

Founded in 1875, Yale Men’s Rugby is one of the oldest collegiate rugby programs in the United States. The team, composed of students from first years to seniors, operates under Head Coach Craig Wilson and three assistant coaches. Unlike Yale’s varsity sports teams, there is no formal application or recruitment process for rugby — players often join through word-of-mouth by friends and players, after attending a practice, or through expressing interest in the sport.

“On the field, we’re a hardworking group of non-varsity athletes, practicing three times a week, lifting once, and competing weekly,” said Jack Stemerman ’26, the team’s captain. “Off the field, we enjoy each other’s company, bonding over team traditions at the house and mixing with other sports groups on campus. If you saw some rugby players on or off the field, you would understand the love and respect we all have for each other.”

Stemerman noted that planning for the 2025 Argentina tour has been no small feat. Partnering with a Yale-approved tour operator specializing in rugby trips, the team organized a full itinerary — two competitive matches, daily excursions and cultural experiences — to learn about Argentine culture.

“Tour is essential for team building,” said Stemerman. “I cannot wait to get closer to my teammates and make some lifelong memories.”

To ensure that the trip is financially accessible, the team has undertaken a series of fundraising initiatives including a standout “Bike to Argentina” campaign. Inspired by an idea from club president Falco Emery ’26, the team committed to embarking on a 5,322-mile virtual bike journey from New Haven to Buenos Aires, encouraging supporters to donate $3 per mile. 

In just under a month, the team has collectively logged thousands of miles, raising over $10,000 of their $15,000 goal.

“This was also the best student-run fundraiser since I’ve been on the team,” said Stemerman. “The campaign showed not just how much we were willing to work for our own trip, but also how much we were willing to grind for our teammates to be down there with us. Seeing us all on bikes logging over 5,000 miles is a reminder of how far we would go for our brothers.”

Due to alumni support and the fundraiser’s success, the team has been able to provide 13 scholarships to players. Each scholarship — averaging $1,800 per student — ensures financial circumstances don’t prevent players from participating. The team is also providing $2,600 each for the team’s coaches and trainers.

Stemerman, highlighting the inclusive nature of Yale Rugby, stated that the team ensures that “anyone who needs aid receives it.” 

The 2025 Argentina tour comes on the heels of one of Yale Rugby’s most successful seasons in the team’s history. In the fall, the team won a dominant 46–5 victory over Harvard, winning the Cormack Cup for the third consecutive year. The Yale-Harvard rivalry, dating back to the team’s founding in the fall of 1875, remains the team’s biggest game of the year.

Reminiscing on the victory, Emery recalled how the team’s “focus was unlike any other game.”

“When we huddled up before kickoff, you could see it in everyone’s eyes: we wanted this win badly,” said Emery. “After a grueling three-month season, we really wanted to close out the year with a huge win, especially for our seniors playing their final game. We had beaten Harvard the past two years, but both games were tight.”

In 2022, Yale edged out Harvard 31–26 to reclaim the Cormack Cup for the first time in four years. The following season, in 2023, the team won a nail-biter, 17–16, against Harvard as well. But this year’s resounding 46–5 triumph on Harvard’s home turf was unprecedented.

“A three-peat was something Jack and I had been dreaming about all season,” said Emery. “Beating Harvard 46 to 5, especially on their home field, is unheard of. From kickoff to the final whistle, we controlled every aspect of the game. In all my time playing rugby, I have never felt better after a win. Defending the Cormack Cup is special, and next year we will do it again, this time on our home turf.”

The team also notched a statement 30–7 victory over Boston College, a program historically viewed as a step ahead. “That game was a statement,” Emery added. “It inspired the team early on in the season and showed us what we could do if we put the work in. Every year, we keep getting better, and that win was proof of it.”

Several players have also earned recognition beyond Yale this year. Aidan Skelly ’28, Tarn Timmermans ’28 and Diego Valacco ’28 competed in the 2025 National Collegiate Rugby All-Star tournament in Atlanta. Skelly and Timmermans, captaining the Tri-State Foundry’s Rising Stars team, led their squad to a dramatic triple-overtime victory.

Skelly said how it was an “incredible privilege” to play for the Tri-State Foundry’s Rising Star Team, especially having only recently started playing the sport in the fall of 2024.

“It was a tough championship game, but we came out on top in triple overtime, 15-10,” said Skelly. “Couldn’t be happier with the result, especially after such a successful regular season.”

While the All-Stars team fell just short of the title, Valacco noted that the experience of competing on the team is unmatched. He hopes that more of Yale’s rugby team will have the opportunity to represent the University at next year’s tournament.

“Beyond improving at rugby, our goal is to make lifelong memories with each other,” said Stemerman. “This team’s culture is way bigger than rugby. We are a brotherhood.”

Notable alumni of the Yale Men’s Rugby team include two former U.S. presidents: Bill Clinton LAW ’73 and George W. Bush ’68.