STEUBENVILLE, OHIO — Franciscan University of Steubenville’s men’s rugby team claimed the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) Division III National Championship on Sunday, December 14, defeating Slippery Rock University 29–17 in the title match in Houston, Texas. The championship marks the first national title in the 25-year history of Franciscan’s rugby program.

The Barons completed a remarkable season with a 12–2 overall record and an unblemished home slate. Along the way, Franciscan defeated the nation’s No. 1-ranked team twice and navigated one of the most demanding postseason paths in collegiate rugby.

Franciscan Athletics Director Danny Andersen praised both the competitive excellence and the character of the team.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our rugby program. Our team went toe-to-toe with the finest competition in the country and came out on top. They grappled with plenty of adversity along the way and met it with poise, discipline, and grace while representing Franciscan University with honor,” Andersen said. “This national title is a testament to the men who founded and built the program over the past 25 years with a mission of spreading the Gospel and pursuing excellence through sport. This was a hard-fought, well-deserved championship a quarter century in the making.”

Franciscan earned its place in the NCR Division III Tournament by defeating Susquehanna University in a play-in qualifier on November 15. From there, the Barons embarked on a postseason run that featured victories over some of the country’s most respected programs.

In the Round of 16 in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Franciscan upset top-ranked Virginia Military Institute, 29–19. The Barons followed with a dominant 36–10 win over Duke University in the Elite Eight. Advancing to the Final Four in Houston, Franciscan defeated Holy Cross 44–20 before facing Slippery Rock for the third time this season in the national championship match.

Franciscan and Slippery Rock split their two previous meetings, with the Barons earning a 15–7 victory on October 11 when Slippery Rock was ranked No. 1 in the nation and falling 26–20 in the conference championship on November 8. In the decisive rematch, Franciscan delivered a complete performance to secure the national title.

Junior accounting major Jacob Leerkes, from Ypsilanti, Michigan, was named the National College Rugby National Championship MVP for his standout play throughout the tournament.

Sophomore captain Joseph Moleski, a business management major from Carrollton, Texas, said the championship was the fruit of both sacrifice and faith.

“Playing on the team has meant everything,” Moleski said. “It took a lot of work and a lot of prayer, but I was surrounded by the tightest-knit group of guys. They poured themselves out for the team day in and day out. Seeing the final seconds expire and hearing the final whistle didn’t feel real. Our whole season came down to that moment, and it was perfect.”

Head coach Jason Adams credited the team’s focus and growth throughout the postseason.

“The boys were of the mindset of taking it one game at a time,” Adams said. “They learned from the Slippery Rock loss earlier in the year and became better finishers with each match that followed. After that loss, they immediately said they wanted Slippery Rock in the finals. That’s when I knew we could catch fire—and glory to God, that’s exactly what happened.”

A photo of the team on the field after winning the national championship can be found here.

Visit franciscanathletics.com to learn more about Franciscan University’s rugby program, Division III athletics, club teams, and intra-murals.