First Notre Dame. Then USC. Grand Canyon University joins the 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale Rugby Bowl April 18th

CU Rugby Head Coach Ryan Kelly Discusses March 9th Match against Notre Dame and Expresses Excitement to Face USC Rugby in 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale Rugby Bowl

(SCOTTSDALE) – The Grand Canyon University men’s rugby team elevated its status and became a GCU-sponsored club sport in November 2013. The team embarked on its inaugural season this past September. Adding to what has already been an impressive foundational season, Grand Canyon University Rugby Head Coach Ryan Kelly announced this week that the team would be playing in the 2nd annual Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale Rugby Bowl: Beauty & The Beast at Scottsdale Stadium on April 18th. Grand Canyon will face off against USC at 1:00 PM, before ASU Rugby takes on the Ohio State University at 3:00 PM in the featured match.

Since playing its first match this past October, Grand Canyon’s rugby team has already faced national powerhouses such as ASU, University of San Diego and UCLA. On March 9th, Grand Canyon will battle the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on GCU’s home turf, Fleming Field, at 5:00 PM. “Notre Dame will be a great test for us,” said Coach Kelly. “The Fighting Irish are an internationally renowned program, and they even have some athletes who have represented the US national team. We’re a young team, with more than 40 guys who absolutely love the competition and this sport. We are ready to battle an experienced squad like Notre Dame.”

GCU practices five days per week, but training also includes voluntary weight-lifting workouts and film sessions. As the team was putting on its final touches in preparation for its match against Notre Dame, Kelly made a surprise announcement, that it would be one of four teams participating the in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale Rugby Bowl onApril 18th. At 1:00 PM, Grand Canyon will be taking on USC, a West Coast rival.

“When I told the squad that we were invited to the 2015 Rugby Bowl, I just saw all the players’ eyes light up,” said Kelly. “The Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale Rugby Bowl is the premier rugby event in the southwest, and all of the teams participating are nationally-recognized. We’re grateful to have an opportunity to showcase our team’s talents on such a prominent stage, and in an incredible venue like Scottsdale Stadium.”

The Grand Canyon rugby team’s matches at Fleming Field are some of the most popular and well-attended athletic events on GCU’s campus. Kelly expects this sustained support for the March 9th match against Notre Dame and for its match against USC at the Rugby Bowl. “Over 2,500 spectators attended one of our home matches earlier this season,” said Kelly. “The support from students and the university administration motivates us immensely. I expect a large GCU student presence at Scottsdale Stadium on April 18th and the squad is ready for the challenge that awaits us on the pitch.”

For media inquiries, or requests to interview Coach Ryan Kelly, please contact Jennifer Parks atJparks@RoseMoserAllynPR.com or by phone at 480.495.3806.