SOUTH BEND, IN – The Wheeling University Men’s Rugby 7’s team (8-1-1) arrives in South Bend this weekend looking to add another tournament victory to their impressive season at the Fighting Irish 7’s, hosted by the University of Notre Dame. The Cardinals are aiming to build on a strong campaign, and a successful showing at Notre Dame could further solidify their position as a national contender in collegiate rugby 7s.
Wheeling’s journey this season has been marked by consistent performance, with their only loss coming in the 2025 7’s season at this very tournament. Last year’s 3-1 record at the Fighting Irish 7’s served as a valuable learning experience, and the team appears poised to capitalize on that experience this time around. The tournament format, featuring four pools followed by semi-final and championship matches, presents a challenging but achievable path to silverware for the Cardinals.
The team’s success hinges not only on tactical prowess but also on the individual contributions of key players. Wheeling will need to rely on the leadership and skill of players like Shadreck Mandaza, Alex Nyamunda, and Navin Couch, who were instrumental in their 41-0 victory over Indiana earlier this season at the Queen’s Cup. Mandaza led the scoring with three tries, while Nyamunda and Couch each added two and one, respectively. Their ability to replicate that form will be crucial against a competitive field.
Facing a Tough Pool in South Bend
Wheeling’s opening match on Saturday at 10:00 AM will be against Iowa, a team fresh off a successful run that included winning the City 7’s tournament and securing a national bid. Iowa also claimed victory in their home tournament earlier in the season, demonstrating their strength, and consistency. The Hawkeyes boast a formidable trio in Renn Heimer, Michael Johnson, and Nate Kline, with Nate Kline recently earning Man of the Match honors. Iowa’s recent success makes them a significant early test for the Cardinals.
Later that day, at 11:30 AM, Wheeling will face Rio Grande. While Rio Grande had a more challenging weekend at the Ruck the Rock tournament, going 1-3, they share several common opponents with Wheeling, including Kutztown, Notre Dame, and Southern Virginia. Notably, Wheeling secured decisive victories against Notre Dame (36-0) and Southern Virginia (24-10), and played to a 14-14 tie against Kutztown, while Rio Grande suffered losses to all three teams. This head-to-head comparison suggests Wheeling holds a clear advantage in that matchup.
The Cardinals will conclude pool play against Indiana at 1:20 PM. Ranked 11th nationally by Rugby Hawk, which uses margin of victory and head-to-head results in its rankings, Indiana presents a more significant challenge. However, Wheeling already has a dominant 41-0 victory over Indiana from earlier in the season, providing confidence heading into the rematch.
Looking Beyond Pool Play: Potential Championship Run
While Wheeling appears well-positioned to navigate the pool stage successfully, the tournament’s later rounds will present tougher competition. Teams like #6 Walsh, #7 Notre Dame, and #11 Indiana are all ranked nationally and could pose a threat. Wheeling has already demonstrated its ability to defeat both Notre Dame and Indiana convincingly this season, but a matchup against Walsh would be a first, adding an element of the unknown.
A Familiar Face, A New Chapter
Adding an intriguing layer to Wheeling’s tournament is the presence of Taku Musingwini. Last year, Musingwini was a key player for Iowa Central Community College, leading them to a 21-17 victory over Wheeling at the Fighting Irish 7’s. Musingwini now proudly wears the Cardinal uniform, and the possibility of a rematch against his former team – potentially in a semi-final or championship game – adds a compelling narrative to the weekend. The opportunity to avenge last year’s loss will undoubtedly be a motivating factor for the entire Wheeling squad.
Fans can follow the tournament’s progress and results live through the bracket available here. The Fighting Irish 7’s represents a crucial opportunity for Wheeling to showcase its talent and continue its pursuit of national recognition in collegiate rugby 7s.
The Wheeling University Men’s Rugby 7’s team will continue their season following the Fighting Irish 7’s, with details on upcoming tournaments to be announced on the team’s official website. The Cardinals are focused on maintaining their momentum and building towards a strong finish to the season.
What do you think of Wheeling’s chances at the Fighting Irish 7’s? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow rugby fans!
