BYU Rugby: The New Zealand Connection

 Everyone knows that when it comes to rugby alliance, at any level, there’s no other partner more favorable than the Kiwis (NZ). BYU knows that; it is a rugby powerhouse among the universities in the United States - and has won the national title last year - possibly due in large part to its NZ/Polynesian connection in both the coaches and players.

  

And yes, the BYU Cougars also perform the Haka (a native war dance of the Maoris) as part of their pre/post game routine. The Haka is a signature pre-game act for the famed All Blacks of New Zealand. The words to the original chant however have been changed by the Cougars in tribute to the religious heritage of their main sponsor and benefactor - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

2012 Champions

 

This Saturday (May 4th), the Cougars will again play for the national title against the Bears of UC Berkeley which had dominated college rugby in the last several years. The two teams have been in the championship series more than any other clubs in the recent past. The game will be played in Provo, home of the reigning champions, and the NZers will play a crucial role for BYU. A local paper, this week, has this lede:

Paul Lasike's legs.
Jonny Linehan's foot.
Ray Forrester's back.
The haka.

All things that come from New Zealand.  All things that will help decide if the Brigham Young University Cougars take home another national championship this Saturday.

BYU will rely on New Zealanders

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for some rugbyu .....Goooooo Cougaaaars!!!

UPDATE:
The Rugby team won its title game against UC Berkeley 27-24. It was an exciting game!  Jonny Linehan, a freshman from Auckland NZ - living up to the hype - scored the winning points for BYU with a drop kick with no time remaining.  Two national titles in a row for the Cougaruggers!  Kudos!!!

2013 Champions