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The Holy War has a funny way of cropping up from time to time, and in its latest form, it'll be on a national stage in one of the most physical venues.
The Boston College men's rugby team is currently in Philadelphia, gearing up for its nationally-televised match at the Collegiate Rugby Championships. It's the highest profile college rugby competition available in the United States, nationally televised by NBC. Just to be invited is an extremely huge honor.
But as if that wasn't enough, there's the added incentive of their opponent on Saturday - Notre Dame.
It will be the third fixture of the day for the Eagles, who open up with two-time defending champion California at 9 AM before playing Virginia Tech at 11 AM. The Fighting Irish will play the same two teams at opposite times, with a match against the Hokies at 9 AM before playing Cal at 11 AM. The two teams will play at 1 PM before meeting again at approximately 3:32 PM.
The winner of the event will be awarded the Pete Dawkins Cup. Each match lasts seven minutes each way with two minute intervals for pool, knock-out matches. Sevens rugby, which the competition consists of, utilizes the same pitch as the more traditional 15-player rugby. It typically features higher scoring and athleticism, and it is set to join the Summer Olympics in 2016. The USA Sevens College Rugby Championship will feature many athletes who will go onto represent the United States in the '16 games.
The Eagles are drawn into Pool A with Cal, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech, but the CRC will feature some unknown names competing alongside some of the more recognizable college brands. Kutztown, for example, is drawn into Pool B opposite Air Force, Navy, and Temple, while LIFE is drawn into Pool C with Alabama, Clemson, and Indiana. The last four titles were won by two teams, both of which are competing (Cal and Dartmouth). Featured competition will be on the pitch at PPL Park in Philadelphia, the home of the MLS' Philadelphia Union.
The game at 3:30 for the Eagles against Notre Dame will be televised nationally on NBC.
Good luck to BC, and as always - BEAT NOTRE DAME! GO EAGLES!