Rye rugby’s season came to an end at the hands of Xavier High School once again Sunday, in a 30-10 loss at Wagner College.
The formidable Knights from New York City – the top team in New York and the No. 11-ranked high school team in the country – were too strong for the No. 24-ranked Garnets in their playoff opener.
Last season, Xavier ended Rye’s playoff run on the way to claiming the state title, a feat the Knights are favored to repeat later this month.
The Garnets fought hard all game, with senior Ben Stigliano scoring Rye’s first try off an assist from freshman Max Cabrera. Junior Harry Hillis converted Rye’s second and final try. Neither conversion was successful.
Senior forwards Hunter Gillies, Jack Anderson, Gavin Fitzpatrick, and Carsten Steinmann anchored the interior play for Rye with the strength and honor of the veterans they are. Sophomore Cayden Wing also played a brilliant game for the Garnets.
First-year head coach AJ Thompson’s squad finishes the 2026 campaign with an overall record of 6-4. With program participation numbers at an all-time high, Rye rugby will be in great shape for years to come.
The Garnets will now retool – and heal their banged-up bodies – for next year.
