Under the lights: Members of Saint Mary's Men's Rugby team celebrate victory at the National Championship in May. Some Gaels are now bringing "Gael Ball" to the national and international stage. / Photo by Francis Tatem
WATCH: From Rugby National Champions to the Major League Rugby and Beyond, ‘Gael Ball’ Is Going Global
As we gear up for fall, here’s a video recap of Saint Mary’s victory at the rugby national championship in May. Plus, exciting Major League Rugby draft news. And Gaels in the Pacific Nations Cup as part of the US National Team.
What defines “Gael Ball?” We asked Erich Storti ’23, MBA ’24 that question a few days after May 4, when Saint Mary’s Men’s Rugby defeated Navy on the pitch in Houston and clinched the National Championship trophy. Storti was one of the co-captains of the team. His answer: essentially, risk.
“We play expansive, fast-paced, quick,” Storti told us. “We know we don’t have the biggest team ever…but we take pride in our fitness and our ability to move the ball. We’re a threat no matter where we are on the field.”
Watch the whole recap here—including what Gaels past and present have to say about winning the national championship. And get ready for another thrilling season of Gael Ball!
Six Gaels Picked in Major League Rugby Draft—Including No. 1 Pick Erich Storti
This fall, more Gaels are bringing their electrifying style of play to the global stage. In recent days, more Saint Mary’s rugby players were drafted by Major League Rugby than from any other school. Erich Storti was selected as the first round, number one pick for the 2024 College Draft, joining the newly formed Anthem RC of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kaipono Kayoshi ’22, former Captain of the Gaels, was the number four pick with the New England Free Jacks. Inoke Waqavesi ’23, MA ’24 was the seventh pick, joining the San Diego Legion. Three other Gaels—Hunter Chuhlansteff ’23, MS ’24, Jake Negrete ’23, MA ’24, and Lleyton Delzell ’23, MS ’24—were drafted in later rounds.
Gaels as USA Eagles in the Pacific Nations Cup
Internationally, the USA Eagles—the US national rugby team—begins play in the Pacific Nations Cup. Their first match in the tournament is against Canada on August 31, with current and former Saint Mary’s players in the line-up. Tavite Lopeti ’21, who plays rugby professionally with the Seattle Seawolves, will start at outside center. Vili Helu ’19, who plays for the San Diego Legion, and current student-athlete Dominic Besag ’26, who captained the US Under-20 team this summer, will be in reserve.
Hayden Royster is Staff Writer and Francis Tatem is Digital Content Producer in the Office of Marketing and Communications. Write them.
