On Aug. 31, the University of New Mexico Men’s Rugby Club kicked off the 2024 season with its first alumni match since 2015.
The men’s rugby club team, which currently boasts a 31-man roster, is led by head coach Deavon Tabish-Moran, an Anderson School of Management graduate. He started volunteering with the rugby club team in 2022 as an assistant coach before receiving his World Rugby Level 1 certification and becoming head coach.
“The alumni game is one of the most vital games in our entire schedule. It truly places our physical fitness and our in-game IQ to the test, because jumping straight into a game playing against true experts of the sport is no simple thing. Those older guys gave us proper treatment and we are beyond grateful for them,” Tabish-Moran said.
Tabish-Moran is also an alum of the rugby club, playing from 2007-09.
He attributes memories of traveling with the team to the University of California, Berkeley as shaping his love for the culture and sport of rugby.
Outside of testing their skills, Tabish-Moran said the alumni game is important for keeping the club funded and maintaining the connections that it brings.
“The alumni come from quite literally all over the world to see this club grow and help make the boys’ competitive dreams come true. As a club sport, we rely heavily on the fundraising efforts of our alum to make sure that the student athletes get to play and compete at no cost to them,” Tabish-Moran said.
UNM rugby started as a group of students and professors playing unofficial matches in 1970 before receiving a charter and becoming an official club in 1973.
“I love helping these kids form lasting memories and relationships. I'm just grateful that this is a sport that continues to open its arms to the struggles of life and helps its members overcome anything they need. I just want to give back to this community that has helped me out so much,” Tabish-Moran said.
Jamey Grayson, a senior, has been playing with the club since spring 2023.
“When I joined the club, I knew nothing about rugby or New Mexico. Freshly coming in from the Midwest, I felt isolated from everything that I was once familiar with. Since joining, I discovered that the rugby culture here is welcoming to any and everyone no matter who you are. The camaraderie you receive in this sport is second to none, especially the UNM club,” Grayson said.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
The club holds its members to high standards of effort both on and off the pitch, according to Grayson.
“It is expected amongst all the members to maintain exceptional grades and to meet at study sessions to ensure that the effort is being put in. Grades are an absolute non-negotiable,” Grayson said.
The men’s rugby club team has games lined up with New Mexico Tech, New Mexico State University and the University of Arizona this semester, according to its Instagram.
The home games, held on Johnson Field, are free to watch. The schedule can be found on the team’s Instagram @bosrugby.
Maria Fernandez is a freelance reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
