Men's Rugby Ready to Take on Navy at FedEx Field

WEST POINT, N.Y. - Ahead of what could possibly be the biggest game in the program's history, Army West Point Rugby Head Coach Matt Sherman and Cadet-Athletes, Nolan Green and Koikoi Nelligan took some time ot reflect on wha this game means to the team and the program .

The game will be available to stream on FloRugby.tv. A subscription is required to watch the event.

Q&A With Matt Sherman

For me, the Army-Navy rivalry is about fiercely pushing each other to be the absolute best we can be, for supremacy between services yes, but also so that these future brothers in arms are pushing each other to the highest standard that will lead our country to victory when the consequences are paramount. - Army Head Men's Rugby Coach, Matt Sherman

What was it like when you first heard that you would be opening the curtain for the All Blacks and Team USA?

We're excited for the players and team first and foremost. It will be a memorable life experience. We're also excited for the recognition this brings to our program, the Army-Navy rivalry, the Academies, our military as a whole, and collegiate rugby.

How have you seen your side progress through the Fall season and what kind of match can we expect with Navy?

This team is insatiable to improve and we've been climbing steadily since day 1, I can't say enough about their attitude, effort and ability to challenge themselves to change their best day in and day out. Navy is a very strong team, undefeated this fall, and one that has also been improving steadily. It's going to be a battle.

What does this rivalry mean to you and your team?

It's such an honor and responsibility to represent these two Academies that develop future leaders for our military and country. For me, the Army-Navy rivalry is about fiercely pushing each other to be the absolute best we can be, for supremacy between services yes, but also so that these future brothers in arms are pushing each other to the highest standard that will lead our country to victory when the consequences are paramount.

Q&A with Men's Rugby Team Captain, Nolan Green

This is absolutely the biggest stage of my career. It is a huge honor to be able to be a part of this event. - Nolan Green

How have you and the team progressed throughout the season and what are your thoughts heading into the match?

Every day, we aim to get 1% better. We strive to constantly improve, and I think we have done just that. It is exciting to see how far we have come since the beginning of the season, and I cannot wait to see it in action this Saturday.

When coach told you about this match, what were your thoughts and how excited were you and the Brothers?

When coach told me about this match, I was ecstatic. The Brothers have been working hard and grinding every day and I know we are all very excited to be a part of such a big event. The energy is tangible, and I know things will only get more exciting as gameday approaches.

If you can put it into words – how excited are you for this opportunity to play on FedEx Field against Navy?

It is such a humbling opportunity to be able to play on FedEx field, and it means that much more playing against Navy. I am super excited and cannot wait to get after it this weekend with the Brothers.

What does this rivalry mean to you?

It is hard to put into words what this rivalry means. Navy is always a tough opponent, and we know that no matter what, we will have to bring our best in order to come out on top. Every year is a battle against these guys, and I expect nothing less this year.

Army Rugby Senior Flanker, Darby (Koikoi) Nelligan

To say I'm extremely excited would be an understatement. I grew up a Washington fan and I bleed burgundy and gold; to be able to play at FedEx field has been an all-time dream of mine. I also have a lot of friends and family in the area which will make it feel like a home game for me and the rest of the brothers. - Koikoi Nelligan

You've had a great stretch of games, scoring in almost every match this season, what has led to your try-scoring run?

Its all been about the team and that strong forward pack we have. A lot of guys have stepped up and put us in great scoring positions which makes the forwards job so much easier. We've had a whole lot of team tries, and I've just been fortunate enough to be the beneficiary.

How do you feel about the team's progression heading into this matchup?

This team is the best I've seen it since I've been at West Point. Last year we felt that we had a really strong squad but had very few opportunities to show it, so coming into this year we had a lot of fire to come out and perform. Since our initial meetings and touch sessions in August we have been climbing relentlessly in everything we do. On the field is obviously incredibly important, but our climb off the field as students and cadets has only pushed our standard even more. On the field however the amount of people stepping into new spots and flourishing in those spots is great to see. We are happy with our A-sides performance throughout the year, but none of that is possible without how much we get pushed in practice. Everyone is bought in completely and does everything they can to ensure our best performance on Saturday, whether it's a guy who is going to play 80 minutes or a guy who won't step on the field. That is what I love about this team, everything we do is for each other.

What's the talk around the team room about this match and what can we expect from the guys when you all take the pitch at FedEx Field on Saturday?

We are trying to treat it like a typical game week and limit the distractions as much as possible. It's not an easy task, but you can feel the locker room buzzing in anticipation. It's Navy week on FedEx field, doesn't get much better than that. Every Army-Navy game is going to be close regardless of team records, so we are just focusing on us and our best performance. You can expect this same physical and energetic Army Rugby team to come out ready to hit for 80 minutes. There is no doubt in my mind you are going to see some smash mouth service academy rugby out there on Saturday.

What does this rivalry mean to you?

This rivalry means everything to me. My brother graduated from the Naval Academy in 2018 so this game is always a little personal for me. I know regardless of the outcome he will be talking my ear off about his alma mater . There's a lot of mutual respect between the two teams and some might even go as far to say bad blood. It's all in good fun because at the end of those 80 minutes we are brothers in arms once again.

Men's Rugby Ready to Take on Navy at FedEx Field

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Nolan Green

Koikoi Nelligan

Army West Point Athletics

Men's Rugby Ready to Take on Navy at FedEx Field

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Nolan Green

Koikoi Nelligan

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