Salve Regina University's Men's Rugby (10-0) won the New England Small College Rugby Championship on Sunday in Wellesley, MA, beating Springfield College 53-21. In winning the New England Division 3 championship, the Seahawks secured a Final Four berth at the National Small College rugby championships in April 2011.

The championship match was played in beautiful weather before 300+ rugby fans at Babson College in Wellesley. Salve took an early 14-0
lead and never looked back. They worked the ball through forwards and backs and played clean, disciplined rugby. Sophomore Glen Miles, Juniors Paul Schacter and Clive O'Mahony, and Seniors Brian Mauhs, Quinn Turner and PJ Fargo all had outstanding performances.

New England Rugby Referee Society (NERRS) match referee Don Jennings described the action as follows:

Salve Regina opened the scoring with a converted try in the 8th minute and followed with another converted try three minutes later. However, Springfield battled back, adding a converted try of their own on the 21st minute. With five minutes left in the half, Salve Regina added an unconverted try and with time winding down in the half, added a converted try to lead 26-7 at half-time.

The second half saw more of the same from the first half however Salve Regina made the most of their chances adding five more tries and one conversion while Springfield responded with two more converted tries to close out the scoring.

Great match befitting a collegiate final. A credit to both team's captains for keeping their team's emotions in check and doing their best to keep the game within the spirit of the laws.

As the team's coach bus crossed the Newport Bridge, they were given a police escort back to campus. At the Rodgers Recreation Center, the team was greeted and congratulated by family, friends and fans, including Newport Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano.