ELLENSBURG, Wash.-The #2 Central Washington University men's rugby team will host the #3 BYU Cougars this Saturday with kickoff set for 12:30 in the second round of the D1A National Championship Playoffs! The Wildcats are coming off a first round victory over #7 Arizona last Saturday by a final score of 23-17.
Oscar Treacy would score a pair of tries for the Wildcats en route to victory.
FIXTURE INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, April 13th.
Kickoff: 12:30 pm PST
Opponent: #3 BYU
Location: Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium | Ellensburg, Wa.
QUOTING HEAD COACH TODD THORNLEY
"Another great challenge awaits us with BYU coming to town after a dominant win last week vs UCLA. Their proud history of national championships and big playoff wins is impressive and something we have tremendous respect for. We know we are in for a fight and we are prepared to put out a more polished performance then last week's ill-disciplined effort. If we can front up physically for 80 minutes we will have a chance down the stretch, I look forward to seeing what we are truly capable of this Saturday."
ABOUT THE FIXTURE
BYU finished the 2024 season with a 4-3 record, 9-4 including the fall, and are coming in being named the #3 seed in the West. The Cougars finished the season being ranked #6 in the D1A College Rugby Power Rankings. They beat UCLA 48-15 in the opening round last weekend.
The Wildcats are 2-10-1 all time vs BYU. Earlier this season the Wildcats were able to defend home turf, defeating BYU 21-12. The Cougars had won the previous 3 contests 62-31, 24-23, and 22-17. Prior to BYU's 3 contest win streak, The 'Cats and Cougars tied 27-27 in 2021, and the Wildcats picked up their other victory in matchup history in 2020.
The Wildcats finished 8-3 in 2024 and are the #2 seed in the west coming into the playoffs. The 'Cats finished the season ranked #4 in the power rankings had big wins against #15 Cal Poly, #8 Arizona, #6 BYU, and #9 UCLA this season. Beating Cal Poly 41-20, Arizona 19-17, BYU 21-12 and UCLA 38-19. The Wildcats beat #7 Arizona last week to advance to the second round.
