KINGSTON, Ontario - The Norwich University men's rugby team opened its 2026 spring 7s campaign on Sunday at the Royal Military College 7s Tournament, gaining valuable early-season experience while finishing the day with a decisive victory over Saint Lawrence College.

The Cadets began tournament play against host Royal Military College, where RMC surged to a 17-0 halftime advantage.  Norwich regrouped in the second half, with both sides producing 12 points through two tries and a conversion.  Co-captain Jake Peterson (Trumbull, Conn.) sparked the Cadets' offense with the team's first try of the tournament, while sophomore Brandon Smith (Charlotte, N.C.) added Norwich's second score.  Junior Joe Whiteside (Killingworth, Conn.) successfully converted the latter to round out the Cadets' scoring in a 29-12 setback.

Norwich responded with a strong start in its second match against Queen's University Blue.  Senior Sebastian Yates opened the scoring with a try in the corner before sophomore Tyreeque Green (Shirley, N.Y.) followed with another finish, converted by Whiteside, to give the Cadets an early 12-0 lead.  Queen's trimmed the deficit with an unconverted try late in the half to make it a one-score contest at the break.

In the second half, however, Norwich faced unforced errors and missed tackles, allowing the Gaels to mount a sustained rally.  Queen's capitalized with 24 unanswered points to secure a 29-12 decision.

Determined to finish the day on a positive note, Norwich delivered its most complete performance of the tournament in the finale against Saint Lawrence College.  The Cadets dominated the opening half, producing 28 unanswered points on four tries and four conversions.

Peterson crossed first to ignite the surge, followed by freshman James Fagley (Vernon, Vt.), who recorded his first collegiate 7s try.  Whiteside added another score before Peterson completed his brace in the half.  All four conversions were successfully kicked by Hubert Lepeu, highlighting Norwich's efficiency in finishing scoring opportunities.

Saint Lawrence mounted a response early in the second half with 12 consecutive points, but Green answered with a converted try, his second of the tournament, to help seal Norwich's 35-12 victory and the Cadets' first win of the spring 7s season.

All three of Norwich's opponents at the tournament hailed from Kingston, Ontario, providing the Cadets with a competitive international test to begin the campaign.

"The boys were glad to make the journey to the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario," said Head Coach Bob Weggler.  "It was such a valuable learning experience for the first-time 7s players, the team collectively, and the coaches included.  We now have a sevens base to work from."

Norwich will continue its spring schedule on Saturday, Mar. 28, traveling to Albany, N.Y., to compete in the Liberty 7s Tournament.