Southwest Alumni On USA Rugby Team

For Immediate Release:

Minnesota Native Selected to represent USA Rugby Team in Dubai and South Africa

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota- Last week Nate Augspurger, born and raised in South Minneapolis,

was selected to represent the United States of America Rugby 7’s team in the United Arab Emirates and

South Africa legs of the 7’s World Series. Held yearly, this nine round tournament held around the globe

is a small hint of the excitement and athleticism that rugby 7’s will bring to the Olympics, when it returns

in 2016.

After studying at Southwest and playing for the Southside Rugby Club, Nate attended the

University of Minnesota where he quickly began to gain attention on the national stage. Leading his U of

M Men’s Rugby team to multiple appearances at the National Championship, Nate was the emotional

leader of the team, all while being a full time college student and working 20 hours per week.

Upon graduation, Nate moved to Chula Vista, California to train at the Olympic Training Facility

in the hopes of being offered a full-time contract as a member of USA Rugby. Last week, Nate came one

step closer to his dream when he was selected to join the roster of twelve players who would represent

team USA in the Dubai and South Africa leg of the 7’s World Series.

Nate was named to the starting roster for each of his team’s five games in Dubai. His vicious

tackling on defense and lightning fast ability on offense allowed Nate to represent his country and

Minnesota roots superbly.

This weekend, Nate will be competing in South Africa, once again wearing his country’s colors

with pride.

Walter Kaplan

President, U of M Rugby Alumni

Ph: 952.393.2823

WalterDKaplan@gmail.com

Nate Augspurger playing against Canada.

Photo Credit: Ian Muir