In our HUNTER section, we're featuring new recruit and outstanding man mountain - Robert "Sunshine" Hayslip. The towering lock forward for Arkansas State finished off last season with the pack being rated one of ASU's best ball contesters at the line-out. His stupendous performance last season earned him the call-up into the National Under-20 squad of 2010.

The 20 year old South Carolina native is known on the team as “Sunshine” for his signature goldilocks long blonde hair (which he recently cut). His soft spoken nature and gracefulness amongst peers, compliments the underestimation he gets for the intensity he showcases every game day.

Talking to Robert about his U-20 call up, here is what Sunshine had to say:

Were you expecting to get called up to represent the U.S U-20's? What was your initial reaction?
No, I had no idea I would get called up to play for the U-20's, when Matt called me I thought it was to try out for the south so when he said usa u-20's i was pretty shocked.

What can you take from playing with the nations best at that level?
It was great to play for the team and really great to play with guys from LSU, SDSU and cal that we had competed against this year. The main thing I took from the camp and games was to play faster and more aggressive, to be constantly thinking about where on the field you will be most effective, whether that is supporting your backs or taking runs off the scrum.

Any personal goals and aspirations for the future in rugby?
My current goals for rugby are to win a national championship, and hopefully play for the south next year.

Congratulations Sunshine, we look forward to hearing more about you on the field.

From Left: Shaun Potgieter(Hon.Mention), Patrick Sullivan(Hon. Mention), Nardus Wessels (All American), David Caswell (Hon. Mention) Roland Evans (All American), Roan Farr (All American)

The season is over but cries of joy still fill whats left of camp, as the All American Selections rolled out the names of 3 of our very own :- Nardus Wessels (Captain), Roland Evans and Roan Farr. The three will be joining the All American campaign of 2010 in their tour of London, sometime in August. Not too far down on the list are the Honorable Mentions of the season and the names highlighted under Arkansas State are Shaun Potgieter, Patrick Sullivan and David Caswell who played a remarkable season for the pack.

The little town of Jonesboro will play host for the first time ever to 3 All Americans and 3 Honorable Mentions in one year. Coach Matt Huckaby echoed sentiments of pride in how far his boys have come and can only look forward to what they will bring to the table next season.

On behalf of the ASU Rugby Red Wolves Pack, I would like to extend a Big Congratulations to the boys for the hard work throughout the season and wish the All Americans the best of luck in carrying the Red Wolves flag in London.  

Ripples of of excitement hit the Red Wolves camp after a wave of joy filled the atmosphere, following the hard fought Elite 8 game against San Diego State. Arkansas State who were the underdogs going into Saturdays game, were well determined to defeat the Aztecs after echoes of encouragement were received from supporters and fans at the game and all those watching live online. 

The Red Wolves started off the half on the wrong foot letting the Aztecs draw first blood to take the drivers seat with a 5-0 lead. The tide changed shortly after when the pack tied their shoes laces together to beautifully orchestrate a driving maul that saw Shaun Potgieter score the equalizer. ASU carried on the momentum when a backline play setup Danie Swanepoel for a briliant try putting the Red Wolves at 10-5 going into the break.

An inspiring speech from Coach Matt Huckaby at the break might have sparked the squad to open the second half with a converted try bringing the lead to a 12 point deficit. However, another yellow card to the team let the foot off the gas for the Red Wolves who held the Aztecs with the longest goal line stance, before finally giving away 5 points. The game ended with the exchange of blows until the final whistle that saw ASU come out victorious over an extremely good opponent in San Diego State. Final score was 17-10.

" Its a good weekend for the team and we're looking forward to Stanford," were the simple sentiments of captain Nardus Wessels after Saturday's game. 

It looks like its going to be another Redwolves vs Aztecs game after Arkansas State defeated our sweet sixteen rivals St. Marys California in a closely contested match.  

The game against St. Mary saw a very impressive start from our boys as they hit the ground running, raking in 17 points that were answered by a 3 point penalty kick to SMC going into the break. However, a late yellow card to inside center Roland Evans gave an opportunity for SMC to capitalize on having an extra man and run in 2 tries that brought the game to 17-13. Clever footwork through the Gaels defence by Outside center saw ASU extend their lead by a try under the posts bringing the score to 22-13. But as the game approached the dying minutes, guns were blazing from both sides with ASU striving to hold their lead and the Gaels throwing the kitchen sink at the might of the Red Wolves defence.

A few goal line stances later, the Gaels finally bring the game to 22-18 with a nerve wrecking try in the corner. The Jonesboro ruggers had to pick up their guard and regain composure, inorder to send Dean Gericke in for his second try in what seemed to everyone as the final nail to the coffin. But in every ounce of effort they had left, the Gaels responded with a last minute consolation try that wasn’t enough to take the win from the ASU Red Wolves pack.

The final score of 29-23 gives Arkansas State an invitation to the Elite 8 against the San Diego State Aztecs who beat Bowling Green.