'We hope to make Walsh proud': Notre Dame College rugby teams heading to Walsh University
Rugby is coming to Walsh University.
The players and coaching staffs from Notre Dame College in South Euclid have announced their intention to make Walsh their new home starting this fall. Team members signed letters of commitment during a special signing ceremony Tuesday at Notre Dame.
Notre Dame announced in February it will cease operations at the end of the spring semester. To date, 42 Notre Dame men's rugby team members and 15 women's rugby team members have applied to Walsh.
“I cannot express enough how happy we are to find a home at Walsh University as a rugby program,” Notre Dame Director of Rugby Operations Jason Fox said in a statement. “For Walsh University to take two entire rugby programs looking for a home is awesome. We hope to make Walsh proud.”
The new Walsh rugby teams will play on the grass fields north of the Klekotka Tennis Complex. The teams prefer grass fields to turf to practice and compete.
Notre Dame's rugby teams compete in Division I in the Rugby East Conference of National Collegiate Rugby. The conference includes Army, Navy, Penn State and St. Bonaventure. The Notre Dame men's team won the Division I national championship in 2023.
Mount Union and Walsh are guaranteeing admission and 100% transfer of all credits earned by Notre Dame students. Both universities will also offer a financial aid package that is equal to the net price they pay at Notre Dame.
"We are thrilled to welcome all Notre Dame College students to Walsh University,” Walsh President Tim Collins said in a release. “We extend our warmest welcome to them, offering our support and encouragement as they navigate this transition, guided by the values of community and compassion ingrained in our Catholic mission.”
The Notre Dame men's team was 17-2-1 as of Tuesday, and the women's team finished 6-1.
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Notre Dame College rugby programs to relocate to Walsh University
