NEW ORLEANS – Loyola University New Orleans rugby student-athlete Frank Finicle experienced a summer few student-athletes ever will, representing the United States at the World Rugby U20 Championship in the country of Georgia.
Finicle, a member of Loyola's inaugural rugby program, earned his place on the USA Men's U20 National Team after being invited to a 10-day selection camp in May. His path to the national team began with an unexpected phone call on a day notorious for pranks and practical jokes.
"I got a phone call during a Spanish test on April 1st, and I stepped out of the room to answer," Finicle said. "It was the coach for the USA U20s asking about me and if I could get on a plane to Charlotte, North Carolina, the next day."
The opportunity came after Loyola Director of Rugby Ryan Fitzgerald put Finicle in contact with the USA U20 coaching staff. Finicle attended selection camps in April and May before earning a spot on the final roster.
"For him to get that experience and compete against some of the best U-20 teams in the World, is something that you can't duplicate," Fitzgerald said. "Frank checks every box to play at the next level and in my opinion, I have no doubt that he will play for the USA National Team someday and compete in a World Cup."
When Finicle received the news that he had made the team, the moment was overwhelming.
"I was in tears and overwhelmed with emotion," Finicle said. "I remember the first thing I did was call my mom, dad, girlfriend, and Mr. Fitzgerald."
Finicle's journey to the international stage began at Jesuit High School, where he was introduced to rugby after watching his brother play. The Jesuit program helped him learn the fundamentals of the sport and develop as a player before continuing his career at Loyola.
"Jesuit taught me the rest," Finicle said. "Coach Fitz has been a huge part of my development by pushing me to play at higher levels and become a better player."
Representing the Red, White and Blue
Finicle's first experience playing international rugby was one he won't soon forget.
"As soon as I heard the national anthem played, I shed a few tears," Finicle said. "It was a feeling like none I have ever experienced, and I was honored to play for the United States."
The U.S. faced a demanding schedule at the tournament, competing against Argentina, England, Ireland, Japan and Uruguay. The experience provided Finicle with an opportunity to test himself against some of the best players in the world at his age level.
"The level of rugby is so much higher, especially the skills and speed," Finicle said. "The speed of the game was the biggest challenge because everything was five times faster. Players ran harder, hit harder, and were quicker with passing and kicking."
One moment in particular will stand out from the experience: Finicle scoring a try against Japan in the third minute.
The competition also provided lessons that he plans to carry with him throughout his collegiate career.
"Playing the highest level of rugby for my age grade taught me that there are so many things to work on and develop not only for myself but for rugby in the United States," Finicle said. "Playing tier one nations showed me how great rugby is played and gave me a taste of what it takes to play at the international level."
Finicle said the experience helped him improve his awareness, fitness and grit, while also showing him that he could compete alongside some of the world's top young athletes.
Building the Wolf Pack Program
Now back in New Orleans, Finicle is focused on bringing what he learned with Team USA back to Loyola. As the Wolf Pack prepares to begin its first season, Finicle sees an opportunity to help establish the culture that will define the program for years to come.
"I hope it shows that the Wolf Pack is ready to compete and that we are headed in the direction of being a great rugby college that produces quality rugby and quality players," Finicle said.
Finicle and a few of his Loyola teammates spent last spring playing with New Orleans Rugby Football Club (NORFC), gaining additional experience before the Wolf Pack's inaugural season this fall. Finicle plans to bring the lessons he learned with the Junior Eagles to his Loyola teammates.
"For those 12 young men to transfer in at second semester of 2026 and make a deep playoff run with a Rugby club that has been the backbone of Rugby in this city since 1973 set the tone of this Brotherhood for years to come," Fitzgerald said. "They competed together, got our name out there, and most importantly, established our culture and our standard to compete anytime, anywhere."
For Finicle, the goal extends beyond wins and losses. He wants the first group of Wolf Pack rugby players to establish a standard that future Loyola student-athletes can build upon.
"I know it might be a bit rocky, but we must set the foundation of this program," Finicle said. "The foundation is we want to play the best because we want to be the best. Another goal is setting a culture of excellence and winning in everything that we do. This will be important to the guys who come after us."
After experiencing the international stage this summer, Finicle has his sights set on continuing to represent his country. He hopes to one day earn another opportunity with USA Rugby, potentially representing the United States at the 2031 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
For now, his focus is on helping build something special in New Orleans.
And he knows exactly what he wants that foundation to look like.
"We want to play the best because we want to be the best."
The Inaugural Season
The Loyola men's rugby team will play an eight-match fall schedule starting at LSU on Friday, September 11. The team will play two home matches at Marconi Rugby Pitch as well, hosting Tulane on Friday, Oct. 2, and Florida State on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Wolf Pack will compete as an independent in the D1AA division this season.
"Since August 2025, when we announced this Varsity program was coming, it's been full throttle to get this off and rolling," Fitzgerald said. "Starting from scratch as far as a roster and staff, and the work it takes to get it off and going is an entire team effort. And when I say team, I mean everyone at 6363 St. Charles Ave (Loyola New Orleans)."
About Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans is a Jesuit, Catholic university located in the heart of New Orleans. Grounded in a tradition of academic excellence and a commitment to educating the whole person, Loyola prepares students to lead lives of purpose, service, and impact. Through a rigorous liberal arts foundation and a wide range of professional programs, Loyola equips graduates to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to a global society.
The Wolf Pack Athletics sponsors 22 intercollegiate programs competing in the NAIA for one final year before transitioning to the NCAA Division II in the fall of 2027. Guided by the university's Jesuit mission, Wolf Pack student-athletes strive for excellence in competition, the classroom, and service to the community while pursuing a transformative educational experience.
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