Men’s Rugby suffered a huge blow Saturday, losing their one and only pre-season match against the Moscow Mules 52-21. Moscow came to play, scoring early and seeing their first two tries in the first five minutes alone.

The Cougs were slow to respond as Moscow scored again before the clock hit 15 minutes. 

Brian Leung was the first-half hero, scoring twice before half, which saw a ten point deficit entering the ten minute cooling period.

“Somebody had to score it,” Leung said.

Moscow rained hellfire in the second, scoring four tries while making all of their conversions to get eight points alone on extra point opportunities. 

Nolan Howard scored the one and only try in the second.

“They’re more experienced…we’re going to get better,” said Jordan Tew, a back for the team.

Head coach Danny Auerbach has two weeks to digest the defeat and be prepared to face Oregon State.

Cougar Rugby’s regular season home opener will be Saturday Sep. 27 against OSU.