May 6, 2013 – The University of Utah today announced the Men’s Rugby Club team is prohibited from play for the remainder of the calendar year after violating terms of a suspension issued in May of 2012.

University officials learned of the violations several weeks ago and have been working to determine the appropriate discipline.  Since then, the team’s coach has also resigned.

“The members of the team have taken responsibility for their mistakes and now must be held accountable,” said Barbara Snyder, Vice President for Student Affairs. “The rugby program has a rich history with a passionate following and I’m confident it will emerge stronger after this unfortunate chapter.”

University administrators will meet with team members and outline a Memorandum of Understanding which clearly defines expectations that must be followed in order for the program to continue.  Once the suspension is revoked this January, the team will then be on probationary status for two years.

Rugby at the University of Utah is a club sport managed through Campus Recreation Services not University Athletics.