National Small College Rugby Organization LLC: Latest News: The Salve Regina University rugby team returns home with a national championship.

Salve Regina University Athletic Director, Colin Sullivan, advised NSCRO that "we are scheduled to do our banner updates in the summer and will most likely recognize the team’s championship in a ceremony next fall when the students return.

The team returned home and was met by local TV stations at the airport. Additionally, the team received a Police escort through the city of Newport, RI upon their return to campus. Our President will also give recognition to the team, particularly the seniors, during this year’s commencement ceremony. Today I’m headed to our Board of Trustees meeting with our captains in tow to share the team’s accomplishments."

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Posted at http://www2.turnto10.com/sports/2012/may/02/salve-regina-rugby-team-captures-national-title-ar-1021452/

By: Joe Kayata | NBC 10  

NEWPORT, R.I.

The Salve Regina University rugby team returned home this week to a heroes' welcome after winning the National Small College Rugby Organization's National Championship in Colorado.

"Huge. I mean anything is achievable if you work hard at it. I just never in my lifetime thought this was going to happen for us," said Salve Regina rugby coach Mike Martin.

"It's very overwhelming. I can't even begin to describe it. It was just a one-of-a-kind experience that I don't think I'll ever experience again in my life," said Daniel Murphy, rugby player.

There are a number of local students on the team, including Martin who is a Newport native and is happy to bring back a national championship to Rhode Island.

"I think we are only little old Salve from little ol' Newport Rhode Island and I think that people look at us that way sometimes and we took it to them," Martin said.

"Pretty nice to get some publicity out here and let people know Salve is a great school and let it known that we can do these types of things," Murphy said.

This championship is special for East Greenwich-native Richard Casey, who is the club president and started the program five years ago.

"We are a five-year-old program and in that time frame, we had four years at Division III. And out of those four years, we made an appearance in the final four three times. This was the first time we have been able to bring it home," Casey said.

Casey fractured his collarbone in the championship game, but said it was well worth it.