NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Norwich University men's rugby standout
Jeff Pappalardo (Boxford, Mass.) has been named a 2025 National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) All-American, earning national recognition as one of the top collegiate rugby players in the country.
Selected from a pool of nearly 20,000 players representing 632 collegiate programs nationwide, Pappalardo joins an elite class of 92 men honored across Divisions I, I-AA, II, and III. NCR All-Americans are recognized for their consistency, impact, and performance at the highest level of collegiate rugby competition.
Pappalardo delivered a strong and resilient fall 2025 season for the Cadets, finishing with seven tries while battling a shoulder injury during the second half of the campaign. His physicality, technical precision, and work rate remained constant throughout the season, anchoring Norwich's forward pack in both attacking and defensive set pieces.
He was named Man of the Match in Norwich's Halloween night contest against the University of Vermont and was later awarded the program's prestigious Ruggadillo Award, the highest team honor bestowed within Norwich Men's Rugby. The award recognizes the player who best embodies what it means to be a Norwich rugger, demonstrating commitment to teammates, selflessness on and off the pitch, and unwavering dedication to the program.
"Since joining the team in the spring of his freshmen year, Jeff immediately made an impact," assistant coach
Austin Manhey said. "His skill in the set pieces and tireless work rate on and off the pitch is what sets him apart."
Head coach
Bob Weggler also highlighted Pappalardo's technical excellence in the forwards.
"In all my years of coaching Jeff, he is one of the best lineout jumpers I have ever coached, not just in attack, but also in defense," Weggler said.
The All-American distinction adds to a growing list of individual accolades for the Cadets and underscores Norwich's continued presence on the national rugby stage.  Pappalardo's recognition reflects both his individual development and the strength of the program's forward play throughout the 2025 season.
