Notre Dame alum Nick Civetta ('11) has been named on to a travel squad of 38 players for the three-match November Tour kicking off this Friday, November 4 at "The Rugby Weekend Presented by AIG" in Chicago.
"This selection means everything to me," said Civetta, who started in every match for Notre Dame Rugby from 2007 to 2011 and was named to the USA Rugby All-American team during his junior and senior years. "I've been working towards this since the moment I walked onto the pitch for the first time at Notre Dame."
Civetta attributes the guidance of Notre Dame coach Neil MacDonald being many of the reasons why he is where he is today. MacDonald also serves as his personal trainer and sports psychologist. Civetta also noted the encouragement that former Notre Dame coach Sean O'Leary gave him from the early years of his career in order to push him to play at the most elite level.
"My journey to get here has been longer and more circuitous than I had hoped. I couldn't have done it without the support of my family and friends," said Civetta.
Civetta currently plays for the Newcastle Falcons, an English rugby union team in Newcastle, England, but is looking forward to showcasing his talents while representing USA Rugby.
"My goal has always been to take it one match at a time. My goal has always been to get my first cap. My goal on Friday is to show my quality on the pitch and make a strong case for continued selection."
Broadcast details for the matches in Europe are to be confirmed, with this Friday's match at "The Rugby Weekend Presented by AIG" to be broadcast live on The Rugby Channel at 7 p.m. CT.