2025 Rugby Schedule Unveiled

Front Royal, VA — Christendom College Rugby has released its 2025 15's schedule, featuring a demanding lineup of regional rivals, Friday night matchups, and a postseason path aimed squarely at the National Tournament. After a strong 2024 campaign, the Crusaders return with a seasoned core and high expectations.

The season opens with a Friday night clash on August 29 as the Crusaders travel to take on James Madison Universityunder the lights in Harrisonburg. Christendom returns home on September 6 to host Franciscan University, rekindling one of the program's most competitive rivalries.

A tough September road stretch follows, with away contests at Hampden-Sydney College (Sept. 13) and Duke University (Sept. 20) before the Crusaders return home to face William & Mary on September 27. October brings more key matchups, beginning with UVA (Oct. 4) and VCU (Oct. 11) at home, followed by a highly anticipated Friday night showdown at Richmond on October 17.

After a short break, the Crusaders will enter postseason play if eligible. The Conference Semifinals are slated for November 1st. The next weekend will be dependent on the result of the semifinal game, either playing for the conference championship or the third place match. After conference play, November 15 marks the start of National Tournament play, with the Crusaders eyeing to make a run at a national championship. 

Team Outlook

The Crusaders return a deep and talented roster, headlined by All-American Jimmy Coffey, who spent part of the summer training with the NCR All-Americans, sharpening his game alongside the top players in the country at this level. He'll be joined by several battle-tested seniors, including Daniel DiFalco and Nate Sheedy, whose leadership and physicality will anchor both the forward pack and the backline.

The rising sophomore class adds another layer of promise, with players like Mark Patryn, Matt Verrengia, and Luke Ethridge poised to step into larger roles after impressive rookie campaigns. Combined with a strong incoming freshman class, this year's squad is built to improve steadily and peak at the right time in November.

As the Crusaders prepare for another run at postseason success, the 2025 season promises physical rugby, disciplined execution, and a squad that's ready to go.