Brian Sussingham '17 Competes Internationally In Costa Rica

BEVERLY, Mass. – On February 18-19, Endicott men's rugby senior Brian Sussingham (Yonkers, N.Y.) took his love for the sport to South America, where he competed with the New England Olympic Development Team (Northeast Academy) in Costa Rica. Sussingham is the first men's rugby student-athlete in program history to earn an honor such as this one.

Sussingham, who will wrap up his prolific career this spring, has been a a four-year member of the Endicott men's rugby program. As part of his trip to South America, Sussingham participated in the The Rainforest 7's where he competed against teams from Canada, Panama, and Costa Rica among other national sides.  

The Costa Rica Rugby Federation (FCRC) organized the seventh edition of the Rainforest Rugby 7's tournament which was played on February 18-19 at the Liceo Franco Costarricense in Concepción de Tres Ríos. 

At the Rainforest Rugby 7's Tournament, Sussingham scored his first international try while the team went undefeated in pool play after having practiced with the side for the last few months.

HOW IT HAPPENED

During a game earlier this fall, a selector for the organization noticed Sussingham on the pitch for his excellent play, and later asked him to try out for the Olympic Development Team. From there on out, Sussingham earned his spot on the team for his hard work, resiliency, and dedication to the sport he loves.

"After a game this fall with Endicott, the referee stopped me to ask if I would be interested in a tryout with an Olympic Development Team," said Sussingham. "The next three Sundays I tried out for the team in Malden, Mass., where they were looking to select 12 guys to travel for the New York 7's. I didn't make the cut for that tournament, but they asked me to continue training with the program. I trained a few more weeks with them and got the call that I had been selected to travel to Costa Rica to represent the U.S. in the Rainforest 7's, where we would be playing the Costa Rican National Team, Panamanian National Team, and clubs from Canada and the U.K.

Endicott men's rugby head coach Dave Kenkel was just as excited as Sussingham for the opportunity.

"Brian has been a quiet leader for the program for a few years," said Kenkel. "It is awesome to see him rewarded for his hard work."

WHAT IT MEANS

"It's been a real honor to represent Endicott on the tour," said Sussingham. "The first day I trained with the team in Malden, Mass., it was hard to find anyone who had heard of the school, or that we even had a rugby team. Everyone in the development program was either from a D1 program or a top men's club in the Northeast, so when they heard there was a kid invited on tour from a school as small and new to rugby as Endicott, they were definitely a little wary."

Sussingham continued.

"The end result is to get the Endicott brand out there for these coaches to see, which will hopefully open some doors for players coming through the program down the road," said Sussingham. "We have a lot of young talent that I can see making it to this level in the near future."

WHAT HE LEARNED

"Being exposed to top-tier rugby and learning the different schemes/tactics they use has definitely elevated my knowledge of the game,' said Sussingham. "In just the one week I spent training and competing with the team, I learned tons of valuable information that I plan to bring back to our Endicott side. The primary goal is to bring back a 7's national championship to Endicott this season."

Sussingham elaborated on his experiences with the Northeast Academy.

"I'll continue to train with the Northeast Academy, as well, when it doesn't conflict with the Endicott schedule," said Sussingham. "It's obviously a long shot, but I plan to continue gaining exposure through future tours with them, and possibly getting selected to represent the U.S. National side someday."

HIS LEGACY

"As a fifth-year MBA student, I've really gotten the chance to squeeze out every bit of education and rugby Endicott could offer," stated Sussingham. "Overall, I'd like to leave Endicott being able to say that I was part of the first team to bring a 7's national title to the program. I strongly believe we have the team and coaching staff to get it done this spring. It's also been reassuring to see how much the school has backed the program, and worked hard to get the right people in to help it succeed.

WHY THE ENDICOTT MEN'S RUGBY PROGRAM HAS EVOLVED INTO A POWERHOUSE IN THE NEW ENGLAND REGION

"The reason behind this has been the change in attitude, which stems from our coaching staff. Coach Kenkel and Coach Cormier have brought a great atmosphere to the team, motivating everyone to really buy into the program. Along with their knowledgeable background of the game, they have been great role models both on and off the field," said Sussingham. "We also have plenty of veteran leadership this year, which has helped to solidify our team."

Sussingham continued.

"Rugby is such a great game in the way there is literally a position for anyone. No matter your height, weight, speed, or strength. I've always said, I would take a player who could pass, was a smart decision maker with the ball, and wasn't afraid to make a tackle, over the fastest or strongest guy on the pitch," said Sussingham. "I feel like Endicott has been getting more and more of these guys with the rugby IQ to take this program to the next level."

SUSSINGHAM'S IMPACT ON ENDICOTT'S SUCCESS

"I've been playing for eight or so years now, and I love seeing new guys join the team and test out rugby for the first time," said Sussingham. "It's usually the same story, 'my friend told me I had to check out a practice and if I didn't love it I could quit'. It's honestly an addicting sport to be around, and I hope to see it grow in the U.S. soon enough."

Sussingham explained his thoughts on the topic further.

"Through the years I've been lucky enough to have some pretty outstanding coaches. In high school, my head coach played professionally in Ireland for Ulster, and my assistant coach who was from Australia now plays for the USA Eagles 15's side. I was exposed to many different coaches throughout my college career, and was able to take away something from each one along the way."

"My goal as a veteran on the team has been to act as somewhat of a mentor to the new guys, passing along any rugby knowledge I think would be helpful to them, while pushing the other veterans to get better each day. One staple to the rugby community is to always be accepting and inclusive. I have been proud of the way the team looks out for one another and it has truly become a tight knit family."

WHAT'S NEXT

Sussingham and the Endicott men's rugby team will return to action this spring as they begin 7's play in early April. 

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