The Boise State men’s rugby club team is three games into its fall schedule, and the team’s 2-1 record is showing early signs of a promising season. The Broncos, who were ranked no. 6 in the country in the latest National Collegiate Rugby Division II coaches poll, kicked off their 2025 fall season with an 80-10 win over Idaho State on Sept. 13. This win was followed by another on Sept. 20, this one over Montana State. The Broncos’ loss to the Oregon State Beavers on Oct. 4 was a tough defeat, albeit a commendable effort by the team when considering that the Beavers were ranked no. 13 in the country in the most recent Division I-AA coaches poll.
Head Coach Kyle Curry notes the talented underclassmen and dynamism of the team as the Broncos’ strengths this year.
“In years past, this team has been more of a ‘we’re going to try to punch you in the mouth’ kind of team.” Curry said. “With this team, we’re a little bit faster, we’re a little bit more skillful and able to do a lot more things offensively that we weren’t able to do in years past.”
The Broncos’ backline is one of the youngest backline groups in several years. Only two out of seven backline starters are upper classmen; the rest are freshman or sophomore.
Curry notes Nathan Moss, Lucas Kirk and Jack Connor as some of the standout freshmen that have found themselves in the starting lineup.
“We have a lot of amazing freshmen this year,” Curry said. “It’s exciting to see we have a very young team excelling at a high level.”
Curry, who has held the head coaching position since fall 2024, is a Boise State alumnus. He was the president of the rugby team for four years, and experienced firsthand the camaraderie and brotherhood that comes with playing.
“I got to experience a lot of amazing experiences through rugby, from traveling to the East Coast, to down south, to playing bowl games,” Curry said. “It means a lot that I get to give back to my alma mater.”
When asked which players he’s expecting to make big impacts this season, Curry mentioned first-year head team captain and senior Parker Mallot as one of them, citing his leadership qualities.
“He brings a big aspect of leadership to the team,” Curry said. “The team respects him dearly.”
Curry also has high praise for seniors Jack Demora and Spencer Enochian, calling those two in particular, “studs.”
“[They] excel and are extremely dynamic in the game,” Curry said. “They add a spark to both our offense and defense.”
Aside from consistent raw talent on the pitch, one of the main factors attributed to Boise State rugby’s history of success isthe culture of brotherhood and camaraderie within the team. Senior James Hodges explained that through rugby, he has met who he expects to be lifelong friends.
“These are the guys that are going to be at my wedding,” Hodges said. “I love my teammates. The team culture is everything to me.”
Captain Parker Mallot highlighted the dedication of this year’s squad.
“Everyone is bringing great energy and working hard,” Mallot said. “Every practice we have a lot of guys coming out and flying around. Everyone is committed.”
This team culture helped push the Broncos to National Collegiate Rugby Championships in 2022 and 2023. As the Broncos continue their fall season and look forward to their Oct. 18 clash with the Idaho Vandals, another NCR Championship is in the team’s sight.
