U-19 Program Leading the Way

Do you know who the best touring side is at Mystic River? It’s none other than our U-19 High School Program led by Mort Sullivan. Starting in 2011 the Mystic U 19 Team has travelled to Ireland, Argentina, Italy, San Antonio, and Spain. We have also played in a number of 7’s events around the country including, Championships at 2017 High School Nationals in Minnesota and the Cape Fear event in South Carolina. Closer to home since 2014 our Varsity and JV teams have won 13 Golds, 6 Silvers, and 1 Bronze in the annual Bay State Games. Helping out along the3 way has been Dave Rudzinsky, Jim Molignan, Nick Murphy, Tom Clark, Richie Sullivan, Kareem Afifi, Phil Baker and Dom McNeil.

According to Morty, 85% of our guys continue playing rugby in college and a number of guys like our ARP Hooker, Connor Robinson play for our senior team. Let's give it up for the U-19 team.

Summer 7’s Results

The Boys in Blue has great summer in 2025. After playing a number of local events like Newport and New York, we made it to the National 7’s Tournament in Madison Wisconsin on July 25^th playing as The Mystic River Gulls. As an 11 seed we were in a pool with Denver, Chicago Lions and Eagle Rock. In Pool Play we beat the Chicago Lions,, who would go on to the final, the Denver Barbarians, and then lost to Eagle Rock. In the Quarter Final we beat the Beltway Elite and in the Semis we lost to the ultimate champion Nova. The Boys made us all proud of the effort while sending a message to the country that Mystic River is a great place to play rugby. This has helped or overall recruiting which is a constant effort. A big shout out to Coach Tom Clark for his organization of the team throughout the season.

Mystic River Rugby Club - Season Summary

The Fall 2025 campaign was more than a strong set of results-it was a season that reasserted the identity, competitiveness, and upward trajectory of Mystic River Rugby Club.

Both squads showcased consistency, depth, and resilience throughout the regular season, combining for 14 wins from 16 matches and demonstrating dominance against top regional competition. Division 2 entered playoffs undefeated, while the ARP side delivered a commanding run straight into the championship match. Although both teams ultimately fell just five points short of lifting their respective titles, the overall quality, competitiveness, and direction of the program were undeniable.

But what defined this season went far beyond the scoreboard.

We saw a mystic group that played with a clear identity:

• Physicality and pressure in contact that set the tone against every opponent

• Speed and creativity in attack that allowed both squads to play expansive, exciting rugby

• Defensive resolve, especially in tight moments, that reflected our standards and conditioning

• Meaningful depth, enabling us to rotate players, integrate new talent, and maintain performance

Division 2 showed composure in close matches, maturity in key moments, and a sense of belief that carried them through the regular season without a single loss. Their playoff exit—decided by a narrow margin against the eventual New England champions (Portland)—served as both a marker of how far the team has come and a clear sign of what is possible.

The ARP program delivered one of its most complete campaigns in recent years. They proved capable of dominating at home, winning tough matches on the road, and executing at a level that consistently placed them among the top sides in the region. Their narrow loss in the ARP Final was a tough finish, but it also reinforced the strength of the squad and the credibility of the systems being built.

Across the club, the Fall season raised expectations. It caught the attention of players, coaches, and programs across the country. It signaled that Mystic is again building toward sustainable excellence-a club with purpose, ambition, and a culture that demands high performance.

Most importantly, the Fall reminded everyone what it means to be a Mystic. New players were embraced into the culture. Veterans set the tone. The coaching team of Josh Larson, Dougie Fife, and Foster DeWitt instilled alignment, professionalism, and clarity across both squads.

This was a season that re-established our competitive identity and previewed the standard Mystic intends to carry into 2025 and beyond.

Building a Stronger Mystic: Talent, Culture & Pathways

This Fall represented a step-change in the strength and depth of our club:

• High-performance athletes, including USA Eagles, joined the program and contributed immediately.

• Younger players earned serious consideration from MLR franchises, some already training with professional sides.

• First-year Mystics integrated seamlessly into our culture, becoming true contributors to the club's identity.

• Our momentum was built on the foundation of a standout Summer 7s campaign, where Mystic finished 4th in the nation, attracting new talent and raising the program's competitive ceiling.

A Club on the Rise - But Not One That Stands Still

While the Fall season made a strong statement, Mystic is not a club that pauses to celebrate. In today's landscape, standing still means becoming stagnant-and Mystic's ambition is far greater.

The Spring season introduces a critical new chapter: the launch of Division 1 competition, offering a direct pathway to a National D1 playoff run. With the talent, depth, and systems we now have in place, Mystic is positioned to compete at a national level and reclaim its place among the elite programs in the country.

At the same time, our connection to the evolving rugby ecosystem has never been stronger. With the Free Jacks and MLR clubs signing Mystic players, we are increasingly seen as a pathway program for professional rugby. Importantly, Mystic remains a home players are proud to return to after MLR seasons-reflecting the respect and reputation the club carries across the league.

We will continue to push forward: elevating standards, strengthening development pathways, and building a program that prepares athletes for both club success and professional opportunities.

Looking Ahead to Spring 2025

Mystic enters the new year with:

• A deeper and more competitive roster

• A proven coaching structure

• Greater national visibility

• Clearer pathways to elite performance

Our opportunities are clear:

Build on the momentum of the Fall, sharpen postseason execution, leverage our expanding MLR relationships, and continue raising the bar for what Mystic Rugby represents.

To Every Player Who Wore the Jersey This Fall

You made this club proud.

You strengthened the Mystic identity.

And you are always welcome back.

Whether you return in the Spring, come home after MLR commitments, or rejoin us in future seasons— once you are part of the Mystic family, the door is always open.

The Future Is Mystic

The work continues.

The expectations grow.

The opportunity is enormous.

Mystic is moving forward-and we're only just getting started.