Norwich Defeats Georgetown Heads to the Final Four

FAIRFIELD, Conn.- Two days after a dominant 43-0 shutout of Villanova in the Sweet 16, the Norwich Men's Rugby team took to the pitch to face Georgetown in the Elite Eight, with a trip to the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) National Semifinal on the line.

Off the opening kickoff, the Cadets put their foot on the gas with back-to-back tries by Conner Willet and Alex Huffman, with Kris Wayton notching the conversion on the latter to put the Dirt Dogs up 12. The Hoyas responded with a try of their own to cut into the lead. However, two Georgetown penalties led to a Penalty Try in favor of Norwich, giving them a 19-5 lead at the half.

After an early penalty kick, Norwich was given a red card, making them shorthanded for the remainder of the match. The Hoyas capitalized, but the Cadet defense dug in and did not allow a point afterward. Norwich rattled off 15 unanswered points to clinch the victory and a spot in the Final Four.

"[It was} old school rugby, fast-paced, hard tackling truly hard-nosed rugby, and full team effort led by man of the match, Marius Edwards" said Coach Weggler. Weggler goes on to say, "I'm so proud of the boys and what they were able to accomplish today and thankful for all the support by the athlete's family and alumni."

This will be the Cadets' first Final Four appearance in 15s since 2021. On Dec. 13 in Houston, Texas, they will face the defending national champions from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Norwich will, once again head to Bermuda in March 2025 to participate in the Bermuda International 7s.