Wheeling Rugby Eyes Fighting Irish 7s Title, Potential Rematch
South Bend, IN – The Wheeling University Men’s Rugby 7s team (8-1-1) travels to Notre Dame University this weekend, aiming to continue their winning streak at the Fighting Irish 7s tournament. Last year, the Cardinals went 3-1 at this event, their only loss of the 2025 7s season.
Pool Play Challenges Ahead
The tournament format features four pools, with the winner of each advancing to a semi-final, followed by championship or third-place games. Wheeling faces a challenging pool, beginning with a 10:00 AM matchup against Iowa.
Iowa: A Formidable First Opponent
Iowa enters the tournament fresh off a victory at the City 7s, securing a national bid. Key players to watch for Iowa include Renn Heimer, Michael Johnson, and Nate Kline, with Kline recently earning “Man of the Match” honors.
Rio Grande: A Familiar Foe
Wheeling’s second game at 11:30 AM pits them against Rio Grande. Both teams competed at the Ruck the Rock tournament, where Rio Grande went 1-3. Wheeling previously defeated Notre Dame 36-0 and Southern Virginia 24-10, and tied Kutztown 14-14 – all teams Rio Grande lost to.
Indiana: A Repeat Matchup
The Cardinals conclude pool play against Indiana at 1:20 PM. Ranked 11th nationally by Rugby Hawk, Wheeling previously defeated Indiana 41-0 at the Queens Cup. Shadreck Mandaza led the scoring with three tries, supported by Alex Nyamunda (two tries) and Navin Couch (one attempt).
Tournament Contenders and a Past Rivalry
Although Wheeling is expected to navigate pool play successfully, the tournament field includes ranked teams like #6 Walsh, #7 Notre Dame, and #11 Indiana. Wheeling has already secured shutout victories against both Notre Dame and Indiana this season, but has yet to face Walsh.
A compelling storyline surrounds Taku Musingwini, who previously played for Iowa Central Community College. Last year, Musingwini led Iowa Central to a 21-17 victory over Wheeling. Now a Cardinal himself, Musingwini could potentially face his former team in a semi-final or championship game, offering a chance for Wheeling to avenge that past loss.
Stay Updated
Follow the tournament action live with updated scores and brackets here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the Fighting Irish 7s tournament?
The tournament consists of four pools, with the winner of each pool advancing to a semi-final and then a championship or third-place game.
Who are some key players for Iowa?
Renn Heimer, Michael Johnson, and Nate Kline are key players to watch for Iowa.
Has Wheeling played Indiana this season?
Yes, Wheeling defeated Indiana 41-0 at the Queens Cup.
Is Taku Musingwini playing for Wheeling this year?
Yes, Taku Musingwini is now a member of the Wheeling University rugby team.
Where can I identify tournament updates?
Tournament updates and brackets are available here.
