The 2023 season is looking to be a big year for ASU Rugby. They finished last season with a 4-2 record. Their only two losses came against USD and Long Beach state who have since moved up a division. Last season ASU got enough players to establish an A and B side for the Spring season. The A-side will be competing in the Gold Coast Conference. While the B-side will function as a development team where players can get in-game experience.
The A-side will play 6 games this season, three at home and three away. ASU's first home game on January 28th against USD will be the toughest test of the season. USD were national champions in 7s and won the Gold Coast Conference last season before making it to the elite 8 of the national tournament. In last season's matchup, ASU was on the wrong end of a 41-10 smashing. The second home game is on February 18th against Azusa Pacific who ASU dispatched 7-0 in the first game of last season. The Final home game is on march 4th against Mira Costa, who were also beaten last season but with their size and strength proved to be a tough opponent.
The A-side will play three away games the first of which will be against Claremont on February 25th. ASU dispatched them 51-3 in the final game of last season. Their second away game will be against UCSD on march 18th. Then to wrap up the regular season ASU will travel to NORCO to play the newcomers to the division on march 25th.
ASU's B side has 7 games this season, their first game is against the Phoenix Storm on January 21st. Before they follow the A-side game against USD on January 28th. They will then play Phoneix before two games against GCU's B-side on February 18th and March 4th. Before they wrap up the season against their season against the Phoenix storm on March 18th.
ASU should have a good chance at making the playoffs. Playing USD, their most dangerous opponent in the first week should be a blessing in disguise. Better to play them early and spring a surprise on them before they have gotten into midseason form. Should ASU win that clash on the 28th they have a great chance of making the playoffs.
