Blue Wave Rugby Preview

With the spring sports season set to heat up, few at Darien High School seem to be aware of what’s going on behind the scenes of the Blue Wave’s newest addition to the varsity community, the rugby team.

Led by coaches John McCarthy, Simon Little, and James Palmieri, the Wave is looking to capitalize on momentum carried over by last year’s very successful inaugural varsity season. Senior Alex Gunn will captain the team for the second straight year while senior Zach Basu will assume the role of vice-captain after the departure of last season’s star scrum-half Jimmy Weinstock.

For those unfamiliar with the rugby vernacular, the positions are split into two categories, forwards and backs. Last year’s forward pack was among the most dominant in Connecticut Division 1 rugby and was lucky enough to have only lost two seniors to graduation. Returning in the front row will be Gunn, junior stud Jack Griffiths, and senior Bill Petti. Other notable forward veterans include seniors James Foster, Tyler Hill, and Robbie James; the varsity pack will also welcome sophomore Spencer Stovall and senior Brad Magnusson.

While the back line may have lost five seniors to graduation, McCarthy and his coaching ensemble will ensure that this season will not be devoted to reconstruction. Inside centre Basu is joined by senior bruiser Andrew Morgan, whose hard-hitting and exceptional kicking ability proved to be instrumental in the team’s success last year. First time varsity men Mateo Riveros (senior) and Peter Starkie (junior) will likely play at scrum-half and fly-half, respectively, while Ben Giorgio will join them at fullback.

Though the team will be competing against perennial powerhouses like Greenwich High School and Fairfield Prep, expect nothing less than all-out performances on a consistent basis by the Black and Blue Wave. Come watch the rugby take on Cheshire for a friendly match this Sunday at 1 pm at Royle School Field.

Senior Andrew Morgan takes on a host of Fordham Prep players in a friendly last season.