Imagine a rugby match so dominant, it left no room for doubt. St. Bonaventure University’s men’s rugby team, the Bonnies, didn’t just win the 2025 National Collegiate Rugby Division I Championship—they pummeled Queens University with a staggering 55-19 victory, securing their second national title in Houston. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this triumph wasn’t just about the final score; it was a redemption story years in the making.
After a nail-biting 19-18 win over Penn State in 2021 and a heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame College in the 2023 title game, the Bonnies returned with a vengeance. This was their third national title appearance in five seasons, and this time, they left nothing to chance.
“It’s a wonderful moment to see so much hard work pay off,” said Coach Danny Neighbour, reflecting on the team’s journey. “So many of these guys experienced the heartbreak of 2023, and now they’re walking away with a dominant postseason run. It’s a collective effort—from the coaches and trainers to the players who couldn’t make the trip. I’m incredibly proud.”
The Bonnies’ path to victory wasn’t without its challenges. Their only regular-season league loss came at the hands of Queens in the Atlantic Rugby Conference (ARC) title game, a setback that forced them into a play-in game to qualify for the NCR tournament. But Coach Neighbour saw it as a turning point: “That loss was a wake-up call. It helped us refocus and improve where we needed to.”
And improve they did. Since halftime of that ARC title game, the Bonnies outscored their opponents 202-51, showcasing a dominant defense, a precise kicking game, and relentless territorial control. Before the championship, they dismantled Southern Nazarene (44-17), defending champion Brown (51-7), and Walsh University (33-8) in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.
Tournament MVP Troy Heroldt stole the show with three tries, including a jaw-dropping 40-yard sprint through Queens’ defense in the final play of the first half—a moment that broke the opposition’s spirit. Yet, the South African native was quick to share the glory: “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of teammates. They were amazing. We’re not stopping here. We want to come back next year and do it again.”
The Bonnies’ dominance began early. Reynard Boshoff scored just five minutes in, with Noah Edwards converting the first of his seven tries. Edwards’ penalty kick 10 minutes later extended the lead to 10-0, and Queens never recovered. Tanya Takaendisa’s try five minutes later, set up by Manu Taula’s incredible 70-yard clearing kick, made it 17-0.
The second half was no different. Eddie Nelson’s 50-yard dash up the sideline, Heroldt’s additional tries, and Mike Sears’ closing score sealed the deal. Edwards’ final penalty kick with two minutes left gave him 20 points for the match.
“It’s hard to find the words,” Edwards said post-game, pointing to Coach Neighbour. “This has been years in the making, and it’s all thanks to him and the entire staff. This win isn’t just for the 25 guys here—it’s for everyone in the program.”
And “everyone” is nearly 70 players, including the JV squad that pushes the varsity team to excel. “This is probably the deepest we’ve ever been,” Neighbour noted. “Our JV players bring it every practice, and it shows in our games. When training is that hard, the matches don’t seem as tough.”
But here’s the controversial part: Is St. Bonaventure’s success a result of sheer talent, or is it their Franciscan values—commitment to excellence and community—that set them apart? The university, ranked #8 for value and #19 overall among regional universities in the North by U.S. News and World Report (2025), prides itself on transforming lives both on and off the field.
What do you think? Is their dominance a product of skill, culture, or both? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just as fierce as the match itself!
