Shaun Davies plows into two Ute defenders during a game on the South Field.
The reserve rugby team started BYU's season 2–0 in the Red Rock Rugby Invitational in Mesquite, Nev., two weeks ago. The starters will be in this week to compete against two great programs — San Diego State University and the University of California, Los Angeles.
'We are excited to get the season going,' BYU assistant coach Wayne Tarawhiti said. 'We have a perceived weakness because we have some new guys, but I see it more as an opportunity.'
San Diego State University has one of the top sevens teams in the nation, and this first game will be a great challenge early in the season. UCLA, another strong program, has proved it is a force in rugby. BYU, the defending champion team, has a great week planned to start its season.
'Both are very good teams so it will be a challenge,' BYU head coach David Smyth said. 'We have progressed a lot this week. We are focusing on team chemistry, establishing a pattern and performing under pressure.'
BYU plays at SDSU on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. PST and at UCLA on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. PST.