Wolf Pack Rugby inks first-ever scholarship signings

NEW ORLEANS – The Loyola University New Orleans rugby program won't officially begin competition until Fall 2026, but Director of Rugby Ryan Fitzgerald is already finding pay dirt on the recruiting trail. In a historic celebration in the Hall of Fame Room on Wednesday, Fitzgerald signed five local student-athletes who will transfer to Loyola for the spring semester and begin the preliminary build of the program. 
 

"It's a historic day at Loyola University New Orleans with our first group of student athletes joining the Wolf Pack with a Rugby scholarship," Fitzgerald said. "It's a breakthrough for the sport of Rugby and an amazing opportunity for these young men.
 

"Our women's team is next, as we are making amazing progress, and we are close to announcing our first women's player with a Rugby scholarship. This pathway opens up so many opportunities for years to come here at Loyola."
 

Cameron Coughlin

2025 Brother Martin graduate… Honors student… 2x Team Captain… 2x First team All State… 2025 State Champion… 2025 State championship MVP. 

"Cameron is the first player to sign at Loyola University New Orleans. He's a tremendous young man who will make Loyola proud." 

Frank Finicle

2025 Jesuit graduate… Honors student… 3x State Champion… 2025 Captain of Jesuit… 3x All State… 2025 High School Player of the year in Louisiana. 

"Frank has been one of the best players in the state since his sophomore year at Jesuit. He will be one of the backbones of this team." 
 

Ian Miranda

2025 Jesuit graduate… Honors student… 2x All State… 2x State Champion… 2x U-18 Academy team. 

"Ian is a tough, physical player who will really help set the tone for our team going forward. A player who continues to get better year in and year out."
 

Giovanni Matranga

2025 Jesuit graduate… Honors Student… All State 2025… U-18 Academy 2025… State runner-up 2025.  

"Gio is a former linebacker at Jesuit Football who came out for his senior year of rugby and just took off tremendously. He is a passionate player who lives in the gym, and his work rate is second to none."
 

JD Ward

2025 Brother Martin graduate… 2xAll State Team… 2025 State Champion… 2xU-18 Academy team.  

"JD is a great young man who can score when he gets the ball in his hands. Actually started playing rugby in Danville, California, growing up before he and his mother moved back to New Orleans in middle school."
 

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