Greenwich High School boys rugby team hosted rival Xavier in competitive matchup at Cardinal Stadium

By David Fierro on March 30, 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

**06878 Photography by Antonio Montiero:** Greenwich High School’s Varsity A boys rugby team played host to arch rival Xavier High School in its season-opener on March 21, 2026, at Cardinal Stadium. GHS played well in a 33-26 loss.

Article written by Antonio Monteiro

Greenwich High School’s boys’ varsity A rugby team kicked off its 2026 season with a hard-fought home match against Xavier High School, one of its main rivals, on March 21^st at Cardinal Stadium. Despite producing a strong effort, Greenwich was edged by Xavier, 33-26, in an exciting and highly-competitive matchup – one that set a promising tone for the season ahead for the Cardinals.

The game began with Greenwich on the offensive, as Elliot Korsun broke Xavier’s defensive line and opened the scoring with an early try. Santi Flynn successfully converted, putting Greenwich ahead, 7–0. However, Xavier quickly took control of the first half. Averill scored the first try for the visitors, followed by tries from Milacci, Heyman, and Hennigan.

**06878 Photography by Antonio Monteiro**: Greenwich High School’s boys Varsity A rugby team in action vs. Xavier.

Lafferty was on target with the boot, converting three of Xavier’s tries. In the final moments of the first half, Greenwich fought back with a well-worked blind side move seeing Ruben Meier cross the line for a try just before the break, bringing the halftime score to 26–12 in favor of Xavier, which hails from Manhattan.

Xavier came out strong after the break and quickly extended its lead with a try and ensuing conversion kick, bringing the score to 33–12. Despite the early setback, the Cardinals responded with renewed determination and significantly improved their play.

**06878 Photography by Antonio Monteiro:** The Cardinals Varsity A boys rugby team played well in a home game vs. Xavier.

The forwards, especially senior captains Dylan Staton (lock) and Julen Guazo-Badiola (No. 8), played exceptionally well, securing front-foot ball and providing strong support both in attack and on defense. This allowed the backs to spread the ball wide and launch more effective attacks.

Greenwich capitalized on its improved play in the second half with tries from Staton and Max Seifer. Flynn converted one of those tries, cutting Xavier’s advantage to 33-26. Additionally, Jack Kelly, a standout football player who switched codes to rugby, impressed with his defensive performance.

06878 Photography by Antonio Monteiro: It was a physical matchup between rugby rivals Greenwich and Xavier at GHS.

Kelly’s tough tackling and strong defensive presence provided a boost to the Cardinals’ efforts, as they continued to pressure Xavier. Despite their efforts, the gap from the first half proved too large to overcome, and Xavier’s defense held firm, securing the win.

Greenwich back/captain Fred Shaw said after the game: “At halftime, the team discussion was focused on their defensive discipline, which improved our overall play in the second half.”

**Photo by Antonio Monteiro/06878 Photography**: In boys rugby action, Greenwich High’s Varsity A squad took on visiting Xavier at Cardinal Stadium and was defeated, 33-26, in a tight, hard-fought match.

Cardinals forward/captain Dylan Stanton added: “Xavier is a good team and capitalized on our defensive penalties in the first half. In the second half, we played well but could not find a breakthrough in the last 10 minutes.”

**06878 Photography by Antonio Monteiro**: It was a great match between Greenwich and Xavier at Cardinal Stadium.

“GHS coach Jamie Everett said he has a “a positive outlook despite the loss. The team’s performance in the second half showed significant improvement.”

Here are more photos of Greenwich’s season-opening rugby game versus Xavier High School.