**HOUSTON SABERCATS JOIN SPORTS TEAMS IN LAUNCHING ‘TEXAS SPORT FOR HEALING FUND’ AND NATIONAL AUCTION TO SUPPORT HILL COUNTRY FLOOD RELIEF** _Thirty-Seven Organizations Unite to Aid Long-term Recovery Efforts for Communities Impacted by July Flooding_ **Houston, Texas (July 25, 2025) –** In response to the devastating flooding in Central Texas, 37 local and national professional sports organizations have joined efforts to launch the “Texas Sport for Healing Fund.” Starting today, fans can support relief efforts through a national online auction featuring over 150 pieces of rare sports memorabilia from more than 80 sports teams and players. This fund will support both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery for the communities directly impacted by the flooding. The auction will close on Friday, August 8 and all auction proceeds will support the Texas Sport for Healing Fund. The following organizations, including representatives from multiple professional sports leagues in Texas, have come together to provide the initial funding: Austin FC Austin Marathon Austin Spurs Bryson DeChambeau Foundation Cleburne Railroaders Circuit of The Americas Dallas Cowboys Dallas Mavericks Dallas Stars Dallas Trinity FC Dallas Wings Community Foundation El Paso Locomotive FC Faith Fight Finish Foundation FC Dallas Frisco RoughRiders Houston Astros Houston Dynamo Houston Dash Houston Rockets Houston SaberCats Houston Texans Hunt Sports Group The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Just Keep Livin’ Foundation LOVB Austin LOVB Houston Meredith and Scottie Scheffler NBA Foundation NBA Players Association Nolan Ryan Foundation PBR Austin Gamblers PBR Texas Rattlers Round Rock Express REV Entertainment San Antonio FC San Antonio Missions San Antonio Spurs Texas Legends Texas Rangers Texas Stars The US Tennis Association “At the Houston SaberCats, we say ‘we not me’, and in moments like this, it’s about more than words—it’s about showing up. So many families in and around Central Texas are facing unimaginable loss right now. No one should have to endure that alone. This fund is one small way to stand beside them and offer support as they begin to rebuild. We’re encouraging all of our fans to take part—whether by donating directly or bidding in the auction.” — Ramona Torres, Director of Partnerships & Experiential Marketing, Houston SaberCats This investment will better the lives of those affected by the flooding by providing long-term improvements such as access to mental health resources, community programming and the creation of safe places where young people can come together and heal from tragedy. Collectively, these teams have already contributed over $6.3 million to flood relief efforts to date, with funds going to support various organizations including the Texas Sport for Healing Fund. Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) is managing the fund in conjunction with San Antonio Area Foundation (SAF). A panel of representatives from the founding teams will work collaboratively with SAF, alongside Central Texas community partners and local organizations on the ground, to routinely evaluate and identify additional recipients as needs evolve. Fans who would like to join the Texas and national sports community by contributing to the fund are invited to donate here. **National Auction Live Now** Community members can take part in the multi-franchise auction to drive visibility and support to the cause, featuring sports memorabilia and merchandise donated by over 80 teams. Teams from across the country, spanning a wide range of professional leagues, have donated over 150 items to the auction such as game tickets, autographed sports equipment, jerseys, game balls and more to be added in the coming days, as a show of the national sports industry’s solidarity and support for the Texas community in this time of need. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Texas Sport for Healing Fund. **About Texas Sport for Healing** Members of the Texas national professional sports communities have joined efforts to form the “Texas Sport for Healing Fund.” The fund will provide long-term support for Texas communities directly impacted by tragedy throughout the state by investing in the needs of youth and families who have been most affected. Together, we are Texas Strong. **Media Contacts:** Ramona Torres Director of Partnerships & Experiential Marketing ramona.torres@houstonsabercats.com Oscar Herrera Director of Creative Media oscar.herrera@houstonsabercats.com

As of June 30, Michael Sheehan is no longer with the Houston SaberCats. We thank him for his hard work and contributions throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Please direct any inquiries to Alison Lenton. We’re also proud to announce that Alison has been named the new General Manager of the Houston SaberCats. A member of the organization since its inception, Alison has been instrumental in the team’s growth and development over the years. She now makes history as the first female General Manager in franchise history. We’re excited for what’s ahead under her leadership.

By Aaron Wilson It was the most successful season in the history of the Houston SaberCats rugby club. It was a hard-fought, valiant effort that ultimately came up short in the championship match against the New England Free Jacks as they earned an unprecedented three-peat victory to earn the Shield of Major League Rugby on Saturday afternoon. In a 28-22 loss at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the SaberCats pushed the Free Jacks to the limit. The SaberCats rallied back several times to keep the final outcome close throughout the match. Max Schumacher scored a late try in the 78th minute followed by a missed conversion from AJ Alatimu. However, it was not enough to finish a comeback attempt as the Free Jacks held on to earn the win. This was the first time in SaberCats franchise history they have reached the championship match. They won their first two playoff matches in franchise history to make it to the finals. Then, they traveled thousands of miles to compete with an ultra-successful Free Jacks side. The SaberCats delivered a game effort, but absorbed a frustrating defeat. > “I’m very disappointed,” veteran SaberCats coach Pote Human said after the match. “I really thought we did well to come here. We had a great season up to today. We had too many mistakes. They were better on the day.” A try from Paula Balekana, one of the top players in the league, secured the advantage for the Free Jacks in the second half in a key score. Although the SaberCats built a time of possession advantage of 51:98 to 48:02 and an edge in territory percentage of 53.64 to 46.36, pivotal moments and calls went against them. The Free Jacks, who train 37 miles in nearby Quincy, Massachusetts and had a strong home-field advantage in the MLR final, benefited from some calls that went their way. The two-time defending champs won their third title in a row as they scored three penalty goals, two more than the SaberCats. > “We fought back,” Human said. “The guys fought all the way. We had a few calls go against us, but that’s rugby.” Schumacher led the SaberCats with 10 points, including an early try to get the SaberCats going. He scored on a pair of tries, one more than former college football player Drake Davis. Schumacher, a former second overall pick from Cal-Berkeley, also led the SaberCats with 14 carries, two more than Marno Redelinghuys. Schumacher had a team-best 91 meters made, two more than Redelinghuys. Andre Warner contributed a team-high 39 passes. Pono Davis led the SaberCats with 14 tackles. The Free Jacks took control behind a consistent scoring punch from Balekana (10 points) and Dan Hollinshead (13 points). The difference was in the kicking game. Hollinshead opened the game’s scoring with a penalty goal, which was matched three minutes later by Alatimu. A try from Balekana off a slick open-field pass gave the Free Jacks a lead boosted by a Hollinshead conversion and another penalty goal. Schumacher answered with a try followed by an Alatimu conversion. Alatimu missed a penalty kick before halftime and the SaberCats trailed 13-10 midway through the match. The SaberCats have a bright future. They will return the majority of the roster, in all likelihood. Human is a strong leader and there is stability in the front office and ownership. The SaberCats made strides off the field, too, boosting their overall fan support with higher attendance and apparel sales along with new corporate partnerships. The outlook is a positive one, as much as losing this match hurts. > “I pray most of the guys will be back next year and we’ll try again,” Human said. “I really enjoy working with the guys and the coaching staff. I’m just proud of everybody.”

By Aaron Wilson Inside the SaberCats’ locker room, the culture is filled with camaraderie, leadership and a shared love for coffee shops. The SaberCats reached the Major League Rugby championship Saturday against the two-time defending champion New England Free Jacks, competing with them in a 2 p.m. ESPN2 match at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The SaberCats’ positive vibe includes significant support from a dedicated fan base that has traveled with them on playoff victories on the road for their win over the Utah Warriors. Several plan to attend the final match of the season against New England. The SaberCats would like nothing more than to earn the Shield, the Major League Rugby crown, for the city of Houston. > “Obviously, emotions are high,” SaberCats team captain Johan Momsen said. “We want to bring the Shield home to Houston.” The SaberCats reached the playoffs each of the past four seasons. This time, they won their first postseason matches in franchise history and advanced to the championship. > “It’s massive,” SaberCats team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “This is the first time really going up to the top, going for the championship game. It’s big for the city of Houston and our fans. They’ve been coming out to SaberCats Stadium for four years supporting us and packing the stadium. > “Just being able to give them something to watch, just us as a group being together, we’re a big family and enjoy spending time around each other. Just really embracing it.” The SaberCats are holding an official watch party for fans who can’t make it to Rhode Island. It’s being held at Platypus Brewery at 1 p.m. with DJ Uncle Tino, giveaways, including sunglasses and koozies, along with raffle grand prizes of a signed jersey and signed ball. > “We love our fans,” Den Hoedt said. “We’ve got some really, really great fans. They feed off of us. They tailgate. It’s’ fun. We’ve formed a bond with them. Rugby, we love dealing with our fans. It’s an even bigger family. > “So, we love having them with us, and I’m sure there will be quite a lot of them out there with us in Rhode Island. Yeah, it’s just great to have them there with us and just giving them another opportunity to support us.” **_“ Everything Earned.”_** That’s the motto of the SaberCats. > “You put in all this hard work throughout the year, but it sort of ties into everyone,” Den Hoedt said. “We’re all here. There’s a hell of a lot of effort that goes in from staff, players, behind the scenes people. Everyone’s putting in a hell a lot effort, all trying to achieve the same thing. > > “And we know that nothing’s given. We could have gone home two weeks ago, but we’ve just been really taking it week for week and really giving it our all.” When the SaberCats aren’t playing rugby, they’re hanging out together off the field and enjoying the friendships of a close-knit, winning squad. Between enjoying the coffee shops and restaurants of Houston, playing cards, Scrabble and taking in volleyball, the SaberCats are a team that turns activities into a fun pastime and an occasion to bond. As a team captain, Den Hoedt has provided leadership all season. Whether it’s leading through words or deeds, the SaberCats have had an outstanding culture all season. “The coaches do a really good job of laying out what they want from you as a leader and they’ve certainly picked some great leaders in the past,” Den Hoedt said. “I believe to have a successful team, you’ve got to have a good family culture. That’s been kind of the cornerstone of where we’ve built from that. > “We knew if we can get the team enjoying each other’s company and spending time outside of training that we would be likely to work harder and show up for one another.” And that approach has paid dividends within the team concept with authenticity. > “It’s one of those things you can’t fake it, or it will show very quickly,” Den Hoedt said. “In rugby, in particular and In Houston, everybody is brothers and wants to show up and help each other out and play for one another. We’ve got that kind of mentality.”

By Aaron Wilson The trend is upward. The collective stock is rising. The Houston SaberCats have upgraded their standard of play, overcoming the adversity of key injuries to reach a significant milestone. Having qualified for the Major League Rugby championship against the two-time defending New England Free Jacks on Saturday afternoon at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the SaberCats have earned a pair of playoff victories and this prime opportunity with convincing wins over the Utah Warriors and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles. They’re approaching a peak, optimal style of play. > “We’re close to it,” SaberCats team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “I think there’s still room for improvement. We still let in three tries the past two games. So, there’s definitely room for improvement. I think we’re headed in the right direction, that’s for sure.” Led by AJ Alatimu’s game-high 13 points, the SaberCats dominated the top-seeded Warriors on the road in Utah last week. They held off a late charge from Los Angeles for the win. They’ve had breakaway tries stemming from sharp defense, including a Tautatalasi Tasi interception of a Warriors pass for the score as he ran the length of the field untouched. > “It’s an unreal feeling,” Alatimu said. “Really proud of the boys. We defended well. One more week. The job isn’t done.” Against the Warriors, former LSU football player Drake Davis led the team with 121 meters made with five more than Tasi. Andre Warner had 63 passes. And Emmanuel Albert led the team with 22 tackles, three more than Pono Davis. The way the SaberCats are performing has left Den Hoedt proud and somewhat subdued as he takes it all in. > “To be honest, I’m a little bit at a loss for words,” Den Hoedt said. “Obviously, it’s a massive achievement, something we worked extremely hard for. I’m super excited.” The opportunity to keep playing together, to continue this ride is extremely motivating. > “We’re just really embracing being together for one more,” team captain Johan Momsen said. “We could have gone home last week or the week before it, but we just get to spend more time together and enjoy and embrace this opportunity of going all the way. > > “Two more training sessions, and then it’s gametime. So, really embracing it all and enjoying the opportunity.”

By Aaron Wilson When the Houston SaberCats and the New England Free Jacks square off in the pitch Saturday afternoon, their talent, willpower and styles of play will intersect. With everything on the line, the Shield of Major League Rugby, it’s a championship proving ground. The better rugby team will emerge victorious. For the SaberCats, the Western Conference winners after beating the Utah Warriors in the conference finals, it’s a strategy built on opportunistic defense, physicality in the scrum and speed on the perimeter. Their leading scorer is fly half AJ Alatimu and their leading tackler is team captain Johan Momsen. For the Free Jacks, the two-time defending champions playing close to their headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts with a large partisan crowd anticipated for this title match at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, they have a strong all-around side led by top scorer Paula Balekana and leading tackler Joe Johnston. The commonality of the two squads will be on display Saturday at 2 p.m. on ESPN2. > “We play a similar style, so it’s going to be a big battle,” SaberCats team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “We know that they’re a really good side. We know we just need to be focusing on ourselves. If we can execute what we do well, I believe we can get the win.” The starting lineup for the SaberCats is set: Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Pita Anae-Ah Sue, Pono Davis, Justin Basson, Den Hoedt, Momsen, Emmanuel Albert, Marno Redelinghuys, Andre Warner, Alatimu, Drake Davis, Sam Hill, Tautatalasi Tasi, Rufus McLean and Max Schumacher, plus reserves Seth Smith, Wilton Rebolo, Michael Scott, Javon Camp-Villalovos, Keni Nasoqeqe, Louritz Van Der Schyff, Jay Renton and Dom Akina. The Free Jacks will go with Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Andrew Quattrin, Jone Koroiduadua, Piers Von Dadelszen, Sam Caird, Jed Melvin, Johnston, Wian Conradie, Cam Nordli-Kelemeti, Dan Hollinshead, Balekana, Le Roux Malan, Ben Lesage, Simon-Peter Toleafoa, Brock Webster, plus reserves Foster Hewitt, Kyle Ciquera, Kaleb Geiger, Josh Larsen, Ethan Fryer, Oscar Lennon, Wayne Van Der Bank and Harrison Boyle. > “I think it’s pretty obvious the last two or three years they have probably been the team to beat,” Den Hoedt said. “I think one thing they’ve done is retained a similar side for multiple years. They have a great kicking game, great set piece. So, we know we need to nullify those things in order to get the win.” The SaberCats have endured a lot over the past four years. They didn’t win their first playoff game until this year, losing in the opening round each of the previous three seasons. They have lost key players to season-ending injuries this season. Through it all, they’ve leaned on each other and veteran coach Pote Human to keep their spirits high and have maintained a standard of play and professionalism. > “We’ve had our ups and downs this season,” Momsen said. “We’ve had some terrible losses. We’ve had some really good wins, but we’ve learned through all of our setbacks. We’re prepared and we’re really just enjoying being here together.”

By Aaron Wilson The Houston SaberCats will travel thousands of miles again this week, criss-crossing the nation one more time. The SaberCats didn’t travel this far just to come this far. Representing the Western Conference division after dispatching the top-seeded Utah Warriors on the road on the West Coast, the SaberCats are not satisfied merely with being a part of the Major League Rugby championship against the New England Free Jacks. They head into a Saturday afternoon match at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island not just happy to be there on the East Coast. They’re in it to win it all and achieve their goal of claiming the Shield. Simply put, the job is not finished for the SaberCats after winning the first two playoff matches in franchise history. > “It’s 100 percent the mentality,” SaberCats team captain Nathan “Moose” Den Hoedt said. “It’s one thing to make it, but, at the end of the day, you don’t want to just be there to be there. You want to go there, and you want to win it. If you’re going to go to > > the championship game, you want it to be something special. And that means winning it. So, that’s what we’re going there to do.” The SaberCats’ up-and-down season has included losing key players to season-ending injuries and some upset defeats along the way. Now, they’re well-positioned to win a championship against a formidable opponent. In order to do so, they need to defeat a popular two-time defending champion playing in its home territory roughly 37 miles from their headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts. > “Obviously, emotions are high, but we still haven’t really won anything yet,” SaberCats assistant coach Vic Meyer said. “It’s back to neutral and trying to bring the Shield back home to Houston.” AJ Alatimu, who scored a team-high 13 points against the Warriors, echoed that sentiment. > “It’s an unreal feeling, really proud of the boys, but the job isn’t done,” he said. The Free Jacks are the heavy favorites despite a narrow one-point victory over the Chicago Hounds to qualify for their third consecutive championship final. And they have a significant home-field advantage due to the geography of the match and the strong support of their fans. > “I guess it takes the pressure off,” SaberCats team captain Johan Momsen said. “At the end of the day, every game is won or lost. We’ve been really good. We’ve just focused on what we do best and going to the championship game. I think we’re going to stick to our guns and do what we do best.” Among the top performers for the Free Jacks: hooker Andrew Quattrin and wing Paula Balekana. > “I think it’s pretty obvious the last two or three years, they’ve probably been the team to beat,” Den Hoedt said. “They’re retained a similar squad for multiple years. They have a great kicking game, a great set piece. So, we need to nullify those things in order to get the win.” The SaberCats are in uncharted waters. They’re on the cusp of a championship. They’d love nothing more than to finish the fight. > “It’s massive,” Momsen said. “Four years in a row making the playoffs, but this is the first time really going up to the top, going for the championship game. It’s big for the city of Houston, and our fans coming out for four years supporting us and packing the stadium. > > “Just being able to give them something to watch, it’s special. As a group, we’re a big family and we enjoy spending time around each other. This is our final one, so just really embracing it all.”

By Aaron Wilson The kicks were true and accurate. The stride frequency was on point. The results were exactly what the Houston SaberCats needed. AJ Alatimu delivered a commanding performance in the Western Conference finals victory last Saturday over the Utah Warriors. Scoring a game-high 13 points, Alatimu boosted the SaberCats into the Major League Rugby championship match Saturday against the defending champion New England Free Jacks at Centreville Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. > “It was a team effort,” Alatimu said. “All credit to our forwards for turning up and being dominant. They gave me some good balls to play off of. > “We still have a lot to work on, in general. The kicking was probably all right, but it’s got to be better. Especially this week against a quality team.” Between his conversions in the kicking game and a try he contributed, Alatimu got the job done. He is the leading scorer for the Western Conference second seed and finals winner with 91 points for the season. He ranks third in passes with 208, second with 20 turnovers. Saddened by a key teammate’s season-ending injury, Alatimu is carrying it forward for him. > “I was very sad he had to miss the rest of the season,” Alatimu said. “It gave me an opportunity to step up. We had a slow start to the season, but we’re peaking at the right time.” The SaberCats endured three years of losing in the opening round of the playoffs. They broke through in a major way this year by winning the first two playoff matches in franchise history. They can win the Shield on Saturday, if they can beat the Free Jacks for the first time in the history of the franchise. > “They’re just a really quality team all-around,” Alatimu said. “They have good passing, good forwards and they’re well-coached. We have to focus and keep focusing on us and what we do better and how we play best. We do what we’ve been doing the last few games and we’ll have a chance.” ‘Everything Earned.’ That’s the motto of the SaberCats. They’re one win away from being something else: champions. > “It’s pretty exciting,” Alatimu said. “It hasn’t really kicked in yet. We’re in the final. When we see everyone, it will really kick in. It’s really exciting to see the franchise make its first final. I hope we get the job done.” Playing for veteran coach Pote Human has been emotionally significant for Alatimu and his teammates. > “He’s such a big part of this team and this organization,” Alatimu said. “If you ask anyone on this team, they’ll all say good things about him. We want to get the job done as a thank you to him for being the person that he is.” Alatimu, 32, a native of Apia, Samoa, previously played for the Perth Spirit, Brisbane City, Western Force and participated in the 2019 Rugby World Cup for Samoa. Nicknamed ‘Apple Juice,’ Alatimu grew up in Manurewa, New Zealand. This is his third year with the SaberCats, his fourth overall in Major League Rugby. > “I was born and raised in Samoa, but we moved to New Zealand when I was really young,” Alatimu said. “I didn’t start playing rugby until the end of high school. I couldn’t crack it at the time. I moved to Australia. My wife is from there. I signed by first pro contract. I wound up in Seattle, then I was traded to Houston. Funny story, I ended up in Seattle after one of my teammates couldn’t go for family reasons. I sent in my highlights and they signed me. > “It was really hard for me at first with the trade. It was way too hard to come here at first, but it is what it is. We fell short last year against Dallas, but it’s been a really good journey. My family, we love being in Houston. We’re part of something special.”

By Aaron Wilson For Tautalatasi Tasi, professional sports is a family affair. The SaberCats’ veteran hails from a family of professional athletes. His younger brother, Laki Tasi, is a 6-foot-6, 348-pound lineman for the Las Vegas Raiders. The massive 21-year-old joined the Raiders under the NFL International Pathway program after playing rugby in Australia in the Queensland Premier Rugby Union. Their older brother, Lama Tasi, played professional rugby for the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos. Their cousin, Raymond Faitala-Mariner played pro rugby for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Tautalatasi Tasi and his family are of Samoan descent. It’s an athletic family. > “It’s awesome,” Tautalatasi Tasi said. “Our older brother started it off. He played professionally, and we tried to follow in his footsteps. I came along, and now it’s Laki’s turn. He’s got a lot of learning to do. We don’t know football much in Australia. For him to dive into the deep end, I think he’s going to go a long way. And I think they’re patient enough to take their time with his development.” Tautalatasi Tasi, 30, joined the SaberCats last season. He previously played for the Toronto Arrows, the Melbourne Rebels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He played junior rugby for the Goodna Eagles before being signed by the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup. Smaller in stature at 5-foot-10 and much lighter in weight, Tautalatasi Tasi has manufactured a strong season for the SaberCats. He scored a try in a Western Conference playoff final victory over the Utah Warriors to help the SaberCats advance to the Major League Rugby championship this week against the defending champion New England Free Jacks. > “I’m very happy here,” Tautalatasi Tasi said. “I think last year I was probably a bit quiet, but this year I’ve tried to express myself more. I lost a few kilos in the offseason, so it’s helped me this season to move better.” Tasi was off to the races on his try against Utah. His not-so little brother is on his own path as he learns on the job in Las Vegas. > “I was just a big kid, out of breath after 10 minutes on the field,” Tasi told Las Vegas reporters. “I was just trying to find my footing, whether I was going to take this serious or not. I started to realize last year, but I’m still young and any time is the perfect time. > > “I told myself I have to look up what the NFL is all about. I was just more into work, rugby and training. Once I looked it up, I was like, ‘Damn, this is really big.'” Laki Tasi was signed by the Raiders after training at the IMG Academy in Florida. Now, he’s in the NFL. > “It’s pretty much just staying forward on the ground,” Tasi said. “You have to stay low, low movements. That’s what we get in rugby. You have to hit low, tackle low, run lower and it’s just the same if you’re a defensive or offensive player. I’m glad there’s some similarities.” When Tautalatasi Tasi got the call from former director Heyneke Meyer recruiting him to join the SaberCats, the Australia native didn’t hesitate to join the Major League Rugby squad. It’s been an extremely strong fit so far. > “Phenomenal guy, unbelievable,” SaberCats coach Pote Human said “You can see why everyone thinks so highly of him.” He has added a speedy dimension to the SaberCats’ roster. > “I bring experience and aggression,” Tasi said. “That hard-charging style to the club.”

By Aaron Wilson History in the making. An unprecedented milestone. A convincing victory built on defense and athleticism. Strong leadership at every level. **_Houston SaberCats 33, Utah Warriors 19._** The SaberCats propelled themselves into the Major League Rugby championship finals against the New England Free Jacks next Saturday in Rhode Island at Centreville Bank Stadium. While the job isn’t finished, the Shield is attainable for the SaberCats after defeating Utah. One more win is what the SaberCats need to be champions for the first time in franchise history. They’ve already become the most successful team in SaberCats history by winning their first two playoff matches over the past week. > “The defense was phenomenal, that’s what wins championships,” veteran coach Pote Human said. “The job is not done. I’m really proud of the guys. That’s what SaberCats rugby stands for. I’m very happy with the guys. They’ve worked very hard. We’ve got one to go.” Andre Warner opened the game’s scoring for the SaberCats, followed by an A.J. Alatimu conversion kick to grab the momentum immediately. Racing to a 21-5 halftime advantage that proved to be enough of a lead to win the match, Alatimu followed that kick with a try of his own that set the stage for another conversion kick. The speed of the SaberCats kept showing up as Tautalatasi Tasi accelerated away from pursuit for an open-field try with Alatimu tacking on another conversion. The SaberCats are victorious. “Honestly, it’s a great achievement,” team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “To win the Western Conference final, it’s a big achievement. It’s something we don’t take lightly. > “Now, we need to take the opportunity to win the championship. It’s a great feeling. We spoke about this at the beginning of the season. We’ve got one game to go now. One big game to win.” In the second half, after Alatimu missed a penalty kick, Drake Davis raced ahead of the pack for a try of his own in the 54th minute. Alatimu, who scored a game-high 13 points, added another conversion kick. Seth Smith, a Fulshear graduate and a former all-state wrestler and football player, scored a try nine minutes later. Although the Warriors, the top seed in the Western Conference who fell to 1-3 against Houston this season, scored a pair of late tries, the SaberCats held on for the win to advance to the finals. > “I actually think Utah came out very strong,” Den Hoedt said. “We did a good job of weathering the storm and that won us the game, I believe. “We kept turning up for each other, working hard. We gave up a couple of easy tries, but that’s something we can work on.” The open field excellence of Davis and Tasi was impressive. > “Absolutely, we have some incredible athletes,” Den Hoedt said. “Drake is absolutely rapid. He’s pretty hard to catch in open space. All those tries came from great defense, on the back of our defensive effort.” > > The SaberCats are on the cusp of winning it all. In order to do so, to even be in this position, it all goes back to their strong culture and camaraderie. > “Absolutely,” Den Hoedt said. “That’s kind of the cornerstone of everything we do. Our foundation is our culture. We worked really hard on that. > > “It’s been a culmination of the past few years. We’ve had relatively the same core group of guys. Culture is a massive thing for us.” After winning the Western Conference division a year ago and having the top seed and the best record in the league with a 14-2 mark, the SaberCats lost in the playoffs for the third consecutive year. This year, it’s a different story altogether. The SaberCats are winners in the postseason with two consecutive playoff victories. The leadership of Human has been pivotal to the growth of the franchise. > “Making him proud, absolutely,” Den Hoedt said. “He said earlier he feels as though we’re his sons and he treats us like that. He’s a father figure. > “He’s an unbelievable leader. He puts in an incredible amount of effort and certainly does much more than required.”

By Aaron Wilson The Houston SaberCats don’t skip leg day, or any day in the weight room whatsoever. The playoff squad attributes a lot of its collective success to paying the price in the gym and the power of proper sports science. Working smart, not just working hard under the direction of the strength and conditioning staff. It’s about athletic performance, but also about improving durability and staying power during a grueling season. Lift smart. Lift heavy. Stretching. Conditioning. Plyometrics. Explosiveness. Load management. Cryotherapy and sauna sessions. Sprinting. Proper nutrition. It’s all about building a bigger, stronger and faster team. > “If we don’t pitch up with physicality, we lose our games,” veteran Johan Momsen said. “That’s what makes us win our games is our physicality. If we come to a game and we’re ready and we dominate physically, there’s no stopping us.” Going big in the weight room is part of the SaberCats’ culture. > “We’re strong boys,” Momsen said. “Everybody’s fit.” The SaberCats are also literally a big team. Whether it’s team captain Nathan Den Hoedt, Momsen, Javon Camp-Villalovos, Michael Scott, Emmanuel Albert, Drake Davis, Pita Anae-Ah Sue, Justin Basson, Pono Davis, Val Lee-Lo, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, LaRome White, Keni Nasoqeqe, Seth Smith or Marno Redelinghuys, this is a large group. > “Definitely, a lot of big guys,” said Albert, a former football player like both Drake Davis and Pono Davis, White and Smith. “Our coach likes to go big. That’s our job to go out there and be physical and put the backs in the right area.” The SaberCats travel to play the Utah Warriors on Saturday night in Utah in a Western Conference playoff final. The SaberCats are two wins away from earning the Shield of Major League Rugby. > “It’s not going to be easy in Utah, that’s for sure,” Tautalatasi Tasi said. “But we’ll definitely get ready for them and we’ll do well.”

By Aaron Wilson One more time. One more match. One more road warrior performance. That’s what the Houston SaberCats are looking for as they try to go somewhere they’ve never been before: the Major League Rugby championship. The SaberCats have set their ambitions on reaching the title game and winning the Shield. To realize their dream and to earn the opportunity of going for it all, they have to get past the top-seeded Utah Warriors on the road Saturday night during a Western Conference division finals showdown. The SaberCats went 2-1 against the conference champions during the regular season. > “Really good team,” Johan Momsen said. “We’re just going to have to dominate.” Now, it’s all on the line Saturday night at 8 p.m. in an ESPN2 nationally televised rivalry matchup. > “They’re a great team,” Seth Smith said. “They can play very well. We just need to hone in our skills and just keep getting better.” The SaberCats are coming off an unprecedented playoff victory over Rugby Football Club Los Angeles on Monday night in Houston. That marked the first playoff win in franchise history. Pita Anae-Ah Suh scored a pair of tries to lead the SaberCats to the semifinal playoff win. That boosted the SaberCats into this pivotal match. > “New task against a quality team,” team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “We’re looking forward to the matchup. It’s going to be awesome fun. We haven’t achieved anything yet. We’re gonna go for the Shield. We’ll just focus on Utah. The job isn’t finished.” The winner of Houston vs. Utah will face the winner of the Eastern Conference final between the New England Free Jacks and the Chicago Hounds . > “It’s always a great contest between us and Utah,” Rufus McLean said. “They’re a big, physical side. So, we’re just going to have to match that and be better than that. It should be a cracking game.” Emmanuel Albert has been with the SaberCats for four years. The SaberCats went 0-3 the previous three seasons in the playoffs. This team has built a different story arc under the leadership of veteran coach Pote Human. > “It feels really great,” Albert said. “It’s definitely the dream. Everybody has put blood, sweat and tears here the last four years working hard for the team, for the boys, for the owners, for the coaches, especially coach Pote. He puts his heart on the line for us every day and we’re just trying to get it back for them in the city.” To do so, the SaberCats need to get past a high-scoring, tough Warriors squad. > “It’s not going to be easy in Utah, that’s for sure, but we’ll definitely be ready for them,” Tautalatasi Tasi said. “We’ll fare well.”

By Aaron Wilson The Houston SaberCats are hosting a big party Saturday night. The SaberCats, in the Western Conference playoff final against the Utah Warriors on the road, are holding a watch party at Platypus Brewing that will include special giveaways. Scratch, the SaberCats mascot, will be in the house along with Uncle Tino, the DJ, and, possibly, a player or two. Uncle Tino will have a set at 7:30 p.m. and at halftime. The match starts at 8 p.m. Central and is being broadcast by ESPN 2. Giveaways include cowbells, koozies and towels. Raffle grand prizes include a signed ball, a Live Oak vodka bottle and T-shirts. Fan support has grown and grown for the second-seeded SaberCats. > “I think it’s really refreshing to see, even after such a long delay, we did see a good amount of fans come back out,” said Ramona Torres, the SaberCats’ corporate partnerships and brand manager, after the SaberCats defeated Rugby Football Club Los Angeles one day after bad weather postponed the match. “It’s heartwarming to see that they’re willing to stick by the team. That’s part of our playoff motto: ‘Everything Earned.’ > “It’s not just about the team. It’s how the fans have stayed alongside us this entire year. Last year was easy when you win almost every game. To come out this year, it hasn’t been as easy for the entire season. > > “It’s great to see they’re here for the rugby through the highs and the lows. You can clearly see the growth of the organization from the time it started to now. It’s huge.” Some of the SaberCats’ loyal fans are making the trip to Utah to cheer on their favorite team. > “A few fans, in different conversations, said they’ve already got their ticket or are buying their ticket,” Torres said. “I’ve heard a pretty good amount will go. I think that’s great. If you can’t make it, come to the watch party.” Platypus Brewing, owned by Sean Hanrahan, has been a great partner of the SaberCats. > “It’s just nice, not only to have a home base, but it’s been so much more,” Torres said. “They have been really good to me this year helping us to promote rugby. He even brewed a whole beer and branded it after us. It’s super cool. Rugby is an international sport. It’s huge in Australia. This brewery gives off the right vibe. It’s a perfect place to go and immerse ourselves more in the rugby world.”

By Aaron Wilson They didn’t know they were actually family. At least not at first. It took some comparison of common family surnames for Pono Davis and Dominic Akina to realize they are related. The two second cousins are now teaming up for the Houston SaberCats as they prepare for a Western Conference division finals playoff match on the road against the Utah Warriors. A prop, Davis grew up in Kailu-a’Kona, Hawai’i and played college football at SMU. A center who played college football at Western Oregon, Akina also was raised in Hawai’i in Hau’ula. How did they meet? Both were playing for the Raptors and were training in Colorado. > “We didn’t live near each other in Hawai’i’,” Akina said. “We actually found out when were out in Colorado training. I came in and I didn’t know who Pono was. We just started matching family names. It’s a fun family thing.” Akina earned his 50th Cap last season. He’s now in his fifth season of Major League Rugby and his third with the SaberCats. He’s athletic and has a versatile sports background. Akina has played all over the field for the SaberCats. > “I like both, honestly,” Akina said. “For me, I’ve got to get that contact going. For me, for the game, it’s a physical game. It’s hard. We’ve got to set the tone early. As forwards, we really pride ourselves on the physicality.” Akina has the size and speed of an NFL safety at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds. He has run the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds with an eye-catching 41-inch vertical leap. > “Individually, I like to bring that power and speed to the team,” Akina said. “I think that really helps. I finally got to start the game and having time inside and outside the backs really helped me develop my game as well.” And Akina, a former Western Oregon rugby and football player who played previously for the Austin Herd squad, is utilizing those tools. Noticed by the Herd at a Major League Rugby combine, Akina played rugby and football in college and high school. He was a three-time Rugby Club Most Valuable Player. Akina grew up in Hawaii before moving to Oregon and playing football, including safety, corner and linebacker, and track in high school. He has also played for the Williamette Sharks Rugby Club, which is affiliated with the International Rugby Institute in South Africa. Akina has a distinct style of play built around his skills having played the sport now for several years and continuing to develop as a rugby player. > “For me, I like to obviously learn new things from all of our experienced guys,” Akina said. “I take something from them and build on my game and just build and learn and soak it all in as we go this season.” The SaberCats are staying focused as they prepare for Los Angeles as the second seed in the Western Conference division. > “We just gotta be disciplined,” Akina said. “That’s what it is. We just gotta play our game and be disciplined. Everything’s gonna click.” Davis earned his 50th Cap this season. Davis converted from football to rugby. His first career start came during a bonus point win over the Seattle Seawolves. A former starting defensive tackle who earned an invitation to the Hula Bowl all-star game and was a three-time American Athletic Conference all-academic selection before playing professional football in The Spring League, Davis has adapted to the sport of rugby. A former 300-pounder, Davis has exercised and dieted down to increase his mobility. > “I like having a little more weight on me, but, in order to be able to run around this field, you have to be a little more agile and light on your feet,” Davis said. “You train all year to be on the starting roster.” To play in Major League Rugby, the premier North American professional league, shows Davis’ potential. > “That was my first time ever playing rugby, so it’s going pretty quickly,” Davis said. “I learned and ended up getting this opportunity to play at a higher level. It’s been quite a journey.” A former defensive tackle, a nose guard and three-technique who played 38 games for the SMU Mustangs after playing at Tyler Junior College and previously being named a Defensive Player of the Year and first-team offensive line and defensive line selection in high school, Davis was named to the Frisco Bowl all-time team. As a senior at SMU, he recorded 30 tackles, four for losses and two sacks. He had 22 tackles, two for losses and one forced fumble as a junior. The parallels between American football and rugby resonate with Davis whose understanding and knowledge of the game are growing quickly. > “Some of the similarities I’ve picked up on is the linemen are forwards, if you converted football players into rugby players, and the defensive linemen and offensive linemen are props, the front row and all the guys in the scrum competing for the ball,” Davis said. “You have guys on the outside that are like wide receivers in football. Then, you’ve got the nine, he’s like the quarterback. He’s the guy who sees the gap and pulls the ball. He’s like a quarterback who’s also the punter. He does everything.” Growing up in Hawaii, Davis was a versatile athlete. That has helped him pick up rugby. He played football, soccer, basketball, even ice hockey. > “I played everything,” Davis said. “Now, here comes rugby. Football players can do this. Look at Drake Davis. I was talking to him on the sidelines and I told him, ‘That’s how you show America how football players can play rugby. He had a great game. It’s definitely something we can look more into with more football guys involved in the sport.” Living and playing sports in Texas has been a comfortable feeling for Davis ever since his junior college days. “I don’t know what it was, but it’s like Texas has been calling to me,” Davis said. “I’ve been here ever since I left Hawai’i, and it’s just been awesome.”

By Aaron Wilson One day after lightning and driving rainstorms delayed their match, the Houston SaberCats made history Monday night against Rugby Football Club Los Angeles. For the first time in franchise history, the SaberCats earned a playoff victory. The SaberCats delivered a dramatic 27-21 comeback win in the semifinals that boosts them into the Western Conference finals Saturday night against the Utah Warriors on the road for an 8 p.m. ESPN2 match. The SaberCats had gone 0-3 in the playoffs in the previous three years, including a loss to the Dallas Jackals last year in the semifinals after a 14-2 regular season. Now, they advance to the next round as they chase the Major League Rugby Shield. > “It’s a great feeling,” Seth Smith said. “To do this in front of our fans, it’s a great feeling. I think it came down to who wanted it more, and we wanted it bad.” Down 14-12 at halftime, the SaberCats regained the lead in the second half and held on as Pita Anae-Ah Sue scored a pair of tries. The SaberCats set an ultra-physical tone throughout the match. A crisp pass from A.J. Alatimu across the field set up Rufus McLean for an early try that got the scoring barrage started for the SaberCats. > “We got things started,” McLean said. “A.J. gave it a great kick on the top. That was cool. That was completely A.J.’s imagination. He saw the space and I jumped in there. I was very aware they had a defender coming across, so I didn’t want to be tackled. > “We’ve been focusing on this game. We know it’s knock-out rugby, so every point counts. This was a massive game for us. I loved it, especially being at home in front of our fans.” After a Reece McDonald try and Christian Lealiifano conversion gave Los Angeles a two-point halftime edge, the SaberCats took back control in the second half. Alatimu scored on a penalty goal after MacDonald was flagged for tackling Max Schumacher. A raucous crowd filled up Houston SaberCats Stadium one day after inclement weather postponed the playoff match. > “We really appreciate all the support,” Johan Momsen said. “The game got pushed back. Fans made a plan and still came out. Hell of a game, came from behind in the second half. We could really feel the energy. The people that were here, thank you so much. Brilliant effort from the boys. Now, it’s on to Utah. > “I think the conditions definitely played in our favor. We put a lot of pressure on them. We scrummed well and we mauled well. I think that’s what won us the game.” Anae-Ah Sue led the SaberCats with 10 points, followed by seven for Alatimu and tries for Schumacher and McLean. Momsen had a team-high 26 tackles, three more than Marno Redelinghuys and 21 for Emmanuel Albert. Albert has been with the SaberCats for four seasons. That included enduring the pain and frustration of falling short in the postseason so many times previously. > “It’s always good to win a playoff game,” Albert said. “This is the first time, so it feels really good. It feels amazing, just to give back to the city and the owners of the team and the team in general.” The SaberCats, led by veteran coach Pote Human, are two wins away from claiming the championship mantle. > “That’s definitely the dream,” Albert said. “Everybody has put blood, sweat and tears into this for the last four years, working hard for the team, for the boys for coach especially. He puts his heart on the line for us every day.” Team captain Nathan Den Hoedt reflected on the history-making moment. > “Proud of the boys, we were resilient for the last two days,” he said. “It was a mental battle for the boys, so proud of them. To see how good the boys recovered and how the coaches handled the weather situation, we knew we were going to play and we were going to win.” > > It’s on to Utah for the SaberCats as they focus on their next goal. > > “New task, quality team,” Den Hoedt said. “We’re looking forward to the matchup.”

By Aaron Wilson For the Houston SaberCats, it’s time. Past time, really, as far as they’re concerned when it comes to the postseason. They are more than determined to earn a playoff victory Sunday night against Rugby Football Club Los Angeles. The second-seeded SaberCats (10-6) have gone 0-3 in the Major League Rugby playoffs over the past three seasons. Now, they’re hoping to change that narrative in a playoff semifinal at Houston SaberCats Stadium on Sunday night. > “The job isn’t finished,” Seth Smith said. “It’s all good making the playoffs, but the last three games is what really matters. For us, it’s about finishing the season strong. Fourth year in a row making the playoffs and not a single playoff win. We’re really here to change the narrative. Three years without a playoff win, that’s not good. We have a great group of guys. Our culture helps us grind out wins.” Last year, the SaberCats went 14-2 in the regular season and were the top seed before losing to the Dallas Jackals. It was a devastating loss. The SaberCats are hungry and eager to change their fortunes. > “This is it, this is the day, Sunday,” coach Pote Human said. “Please come and support us in this semifinal. We need your support. We need everybody’s support for this one.” This is a new edition of the SaberCats. They have overcome a significant amount of adversity already this season. They have lost some key players to injuries that are now out for the season. Their outstanding depth has been tested, and new leaders have stepped up. > “It’s all on the table,” Seimou Smith said. “It’s there for us to eat. We just have to do it, you know? We have to take care of the small things. We have to really nail down the details. I think we’re gonna give Los Angeles a hell of a match.” The two Western Conference division rivals split a pair of away games during the regular season. LA is coming off a 48-33 loss to the Western Conference champion Utah Warriors. The SaberCats earned a regular-season ending win over a winless RC Charlotte squad. > “We just gotta buy in,” said Drake Davis, who had a try last week. “If we play how the Cats can play, we’ll win every game.” In April, the SaberCats absorbed a loss to LA as Gonzalo Bertranou, Rory van Vugt, Will Leonard and Billy Meaks scored tries. > “It’s going to take everything,” Marno Redelinghuys said. “Getting 1 percent better and doing everything as good as you can. The small stuff is gonna matter in this type of game. I feel like the playoffs is for the hungry. The team that’s more hungry is probably going to walk away with the win.” Jay Renton said the SaberCats are focused on the present, not a painful past. > “I think we’re just worrying about ourselves,” he said. “We can’t worry too much about outside. I think that we know our capabilities. I think we know how good we are and fundamentals and stuff like that. If we bring it back to basics and control what we can control, then we’ll definitely be in with a good shot.”

**Skechers Partners with Houston SaberCats Ahead of Western Conference Semifinal Appearance** _HOUSTON, TX_ — The Houston SaberCats are proud to announce a new partnership with Skechers, the global lifestyle and performance footwear brand, just in time for their Western Conference Semifinal showdown this Sunday at SaberCats Stadium. In May, Skechers delivered new boots and tennis shoes to SaberCats players and staff, outfitting the team with top-tier comfort and style as they prepared for their postseason run. As part of the partnership, the SaberCats’ kit will debut the Skechers logo prominently on the back of the players’ shorts. The relationship between Skechers and the SaberCats is continuing to grow, with plans underway to build on this strong foundation through future collaboration and activations. As the SaberCats make their fourth consecutive playoff appearance, they’ll do so with support from Skechers—a brand known for performance, comfort, and bold style, perfectly aligning with the grit and resilience the team has shown all season. “We’re thrilled to welcome Skechers into the SaberCats family,” said SaberCats President, Mike Sheehan. “Our athletes know the value of performance from head to toe, and Skechers brings a level of innovation and energy that matches our playoff drive.” The Houston SaberCats will face off against RFC Los Angeles this Sunday June 15th, in front of a home crowd at SaberCats Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM. Tickets start at just $30 and gates open at 6:30 PM. **About Skechers**** **Skechers U.S.A., Inc. is a Fortune 500® company based in Southern California. The company designs, develops, and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children. Known for comfort-driven innovation and style, Skechers products are available in over 180 countries and territories worldwide. **About the Houston SaberCats**** **Founded in 2017, the Houston SaberCats are a professional rugby team competing in Major League Rugby (MLR). The SaberCats play their home matches at SaberCats Stadium and are committed to growing the game of rugby through excellence on the field and deep community engagement. **About Major League Rugby** Major League Rugby (MLR) is the premier professional rugby league in North America, delivering high-intensity competition and fostering a passionate fan community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. MLR matches are broadcast on ESPN networks and streamed via ESPN+, with additional content available on The Rugby Network—MLR’s digital platform offering access to select MLR matches, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, collegiate rugby, and international rugby coverage. The league’s 11 teams include Anthem RC, Chicago Hounds, Houston SaberCats, Miami Sharks, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby LA, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves, and Utah Warriors. For more information, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby and follow @USMLR on Twitter and Instagram.

By Aaron Wilson When it comes to delivering the ball to his teammates, Jay Renton is one of the best performers in Major League Rugby. The Houston SaberCats’ scrumhalf ranks second on the team with 452 passes behind Andre Warner’s 483 passes. Working hard at accuracy and precision, the New Zealand native has operated in a much more significant role this season for the second seed in the Western Conference division. > “There’s a lot of skills involved, and, back home, just working on my core skills,” Renton said. “Trying to nail my craft. Obviously, you’ve got to be on your toes with the other two halfbacks as well. Just trying to keep on top of the stuff I do well and my abilities here.” Renton, 27, played sparingly last season. Back for his second season for the SaberCats, Renton has played 627 minutes in 14 appearances with five points on one try and two assists with 237 meters made. He had 34 passes last week in a loss to the Chicago Hounds. > “It’s taken a lot of time to get it right,” Renton said. “You can tell sometimes when I’m being lazy with the pass because it goes low or it goes high. The team is pretty quick to let me know if it’s a bad pass. So, just making sure I’m doing the best for my team.” The SaberCats are back in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. They host Los Angeles on Sunday. > “We’re just worrying about ourselves,” Renton said. “We can’t worry too much about what’s outside of our control. I think we know our capabilities. I think we know how good we are and our fundamentals and stuff like that. I think if we bring it back to basics and just worry about us and control what we can control, then we’ll definitely be in it with a good shot.” Previously with the Southland Stags, Renton has impressed his teammates with his handiwork. > “He’s bringing a lot of energy on the field,” Johan Momsen said. “As soon as he’s on the field, you can feel the tempo lift.”

By Aaron Wilson It’s a special time for Houston SaberCats veteran Marno Redelinghuys. He’s a new father. Specifically, a girl dad after his wife gave birth to their first child last week. > “My wife went into labor this past Wednesday,” Redelinghuys said. “I’m a girl dad. Very happy about it. I took a little bit of time off to be with family. I was lucky. It’s a big week. I’m looking forward to it.” The daughter’s name is Klara Jane. Redelinghuys returned for the SaberCats’ final two regular-season matches. Now, he’s prepping for the playoffs for the second-seeded Western Conference division runner-ups. The SaberCats, back in the postseason for the fourth consecutive year, went 0-3 in their last three playoff games. They host Los Angeles next Sunday night at Houston SaberCats Stadium. Tickets are still available. > “It’s going to take everything,” Redelinghuys said. “Getting that 1 percent better and doing all of the small stuff as good as you can, it’s gonna matter in these type of games. I feel like the playoffs is just for the hungry. The team that’s more hungry is probably going to walk away with the win.” The SaberCats won their final match of the regular season at home in front of a sold-out crowd. > “It’s amazing,” Redelinghuys said. “If you look at this crowd here, it’s just massive energy towards the team. It lifts the guys’ spirit. I look forward to this playoff and hopefully these guys can be here to support us and enjoy.” Growing up in South Africa, Redelinghuys didn’t necessarily envision how his rugby career would unfold. The twisting journey from Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom to North-West University to Stellenbosch University, the Varsity Cup, Western Province and the Currie Cup and Rugby Challenge all set the stage for where Redelinghuys is today. Redelinghuys, 32, earned his 50th Cap in Major League Rugby last year. Known as “Marries,” the 6-foot-5, 255-pound back row-lock is in his fourth season with the SaberCats and his sixth season overall in Major League Rugby. “It’s a massive privilege,” Redelinghuys said. “Being in the league for this long, it’s always an honor. And it’s a big honor to play in a SaberCats jersey.” The former Hoërskool Schoonspruit student first began playing rugby with the Leopards in his native South Africa. > “Rugby is a strange game,” Redelinghuys said. “It takes you to a lot of places. You meet a lot of people along the way. Unexpected opportunities always arise. I’ve played in multiple championship games. > > “I’ve been lucky enough to win two championships. I haven’t gotten a taste of a Major League Rugby shield yet. I’m very hungry and eager to get that accomplishment done.” Living in Houston has been a joy for Redelinghuys, who has adapted to the American lifestyle. Whether it’s the cuisine, the friendly atmosphere or music scene, Redelinghuys is soaking it all up. > “People always ask me that question about Houston,” Redelinghuys said. “Something that’s really stood out to me about this place is the cowboy lifestyle. I feel like I almost fit right in. We’re all trying to be a part of the vibe. Houston is a great city. I think people underestimate the city. It’s very diverse. The food is always great. There’s a lot of great culture, too.” The goal has always been crystal-clear: winning a championship. Redelinghuys is enjoying the hunt for the shield. > “At the end of the day, we’re an entire squad of players and all the coaches, staff and management,” Redelinghuys said. “Everybody buys in and is really committed to win this championship. It’s a very positive vibe at work.”

By Aaron Wilson Once it was over, a fun and brief celebration could begin for the Houston SaberCats. They put an exclamation point on another winning regular season, heading into the playoffs with a 10-6 record and earned the second seed in the Western Conference division. They earned the right to host a home playoff game next Sunday night against Rugby Football Club Los Angeles as they finished with three more points overall. The SaberCats’ 26-14 victory over a winless Anthem RC squad positioned Houston for what it wanted: another game in front of the fans after a sold-out Fan Appreciation night. > “I feel like we played really well, but there’s always room for improvement,” said Drake Davis, a former LSU football player who showed off some explosive open-field moves on a try to open the game’s scoring. “The boys are all-in. We just need a good practice week and take it all one game at a time. We just gotta buy-in. All the boys gotta buy-in. If we play how the SaberCats can play, we’ll win every game.” Louritz van der Schyff broke a second-half tie four minutes after Connor Robinson had tied the score for Anthem RC. The SaberCats finished off their opponent with late tries from Jay Renton and Emmanuel Albert. A.J. Alatimu scored on a conversion after Albert’s try. Alatimu led the SaberCats with six points. Sam Hill had a team-high 15 carries, one more than van der Schyff, who had a game-high 132 meters made. Andre Warner led the team with 42 passes. And Albert had a game-high 23 tackles, three more than Johan Momsen. > “It’s great, but this wasn’t our best performance,” Momsen said. “Lot of work to do, but we wrestled it out. So, we’re gonna be proud of that.” Davis’ first-half score was one to remember. > “It’s just coming from all the boys backing me, all the support off the back end,” Davis said. “It was fun.” To be back in front of their fans next week is significant for the SaberCats. > “We love our fans,” Momsen said. “We’re glad we could get it done for them to come out here at least one more time. We can’t do it without them.” Marno Redelinghuys was back from paternity leave. His wife gave birth to a daughter, their first child. > “Girl dad, very happy about it,” Redelinghuys said. “New dad and playoffs. It’s amazing. You look at the crowd here, it’s just massive energy. That lifts the guys’ spirit. I look forward to the playoffs and hopefully these guys can be here to support us and enjoy it all.” Seimou Smith has seen a lot of growth from the SaberCats, who are in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. > “Feels good,” he said. “We played physical. I think we brought SaberCats rugby. Obviously, we wanted to play a bit better in the second half. Overall, we played aggressive defensively. We got a little loose, it got a bit away from us, but we tightened up at the end. It was nice to get a home win in front of this huge crowd. They deserved it. I wanted it more for them than I wanted it for myself.”

By Aaron Wilson There are high stakes and high expectations for the Houston SaberCats for a Sunday night regular-season finale. Let’s start with why a Sunday match at Houston SaberCats Stadium is so important. Should the SaberCats (9-6) defeat winless Anthem RC (0-15) on Sunday, they have a chance to improve their seeding in the Major League Rugby playoffs. The SaberCats can finish with the second seed and earn a home playoff match if they win and the Western Conference division leading Utah Warriors defeat Los Angeles this weekend. The Warriors (10-5) have 53 total points, three more than Rugby Football Club Los Angeles and four more points than the SaberCats. That’s the situation for the SaberCats’ Fan Appreciation Night. > “We definitely have a point to prove,” Seth Smith said. “We have a big point to prove. We want to give the fans some exciting rugby. They’ve been coming out here all year, tailgating hours before the matches. For all the fans who come out and support us, we need to finish strong. Hopefully, this isn’t the last home game of the year.” The SaberCats won the Western Conference division last year and finished 14-2 and the top seed, but lost in the opening round of the playoffs to the Dallas Jackals. They are 0-3 in the playoffs over the past three years. > “We talk about how the job isn’t finished,” Smith said. “It’s all good making the playoffs again, but what really matters is finishing the season right way. We’ve made the playoffs the past four years and, out of the last three, not a single playoff win. We’re really here to change the narrative. > “Three years without a single playoff win, 0-3 in the playoffs, that’s not any good. We lost more games this year and there’s better competition. That forces us to be better. We have a great group of guys. That culture helps us grind out and everybody comes together.” The SaberCats are coming of a close road loss to the Chicago Hounds. They need this one. > “If we can finish second, we will have that home playoff game,” team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “That would be a big deal. We need to take care of business.” All season, the SaberCats have bounced back. They’re a resilient bunch. > “We have definitely prided ourselves on that,” Den Hoedt said. “We like to win all the games, but you learn a lot about the team and each other from those losses more so than a win. It’s very important that we bounce back. We don’t have time to idle. We have to finish strong.”

By Aaron Wilson For Seth Smith, his personal rugby journey began at the age of 11. The youngest player in the Major League Rugby history, Smith is a former all-state wrestler and fullback from Fulshear High School. Smith launched his rugby career through the Houston SaberCats’ Player Pathway as he competed for the West Houston Rugby Club, the SaberCats’ U18 group and SaberCats Academy to gain experience. Smith is the first player to successfully graduate from the Player Pathway program for the SaberCats. Two years ago, he was named to the USA traveling roster for players 18 and under. Now, Smith is the latest SaberCats’ Player of the Month for his all-around contributions to a playoff-qualifying squad. > “It’s a really good feeling, especially for the second time. “All the hard work is paying off and I’m getting to perform really good.” Smith has made strides in his overall game, including on throw-ins with his placement and strategy. With increased opportunities, Smith is capitalizing. > “The main difference from this year to last year is a lot more playing time,” Smith said. “I’m a lot more confident in myself. I get great support from the players on our teams and coaches backing me. Throw-ins are a big emphasis for me, getting those throws down and nailing them. The coaching staff is trusting me to play more. That is attributable to my success this year and becoming a better player. Being the Player of the Month is through more confidence and the support of the coaches and my teammates.” Smith has provided strength, mobility and skill for the defending Western Conference division champions. The Richmond native played in his first match in a win over the Utah Warriors last year. He was 18 years old, eight months and seven days old as he made his debut for the hometown SaberCats. > “I was a three-sport athlete until my senior year of high school,” Smith said. “That’s when I concentrated just on rugby. Everything translated, the conditioning, the contact of football.” At 5-foot-8, 240 pounds, Smith has made a strong transition to the highest level of professional rugby in North America. His varied sports background translates to rugby quite well. The blonde-haired Texas native is nicknamed Viking. > “They go hand in hand,” Smith said of his background in contact sports. ‘Wrestling and football very directly translates. It’s hands-on contact. It’s man on man.”

By Aaron Wilson It’s a race to the finish for the Houston SaberCats. They absorbed a setback Wednesday night, falling to the Chicago Hounds in a tightly-contested defensive match. The SaberCats fell behind in another slow start, played in rainy conditions in Chicago. Pita Anae-Ah Sue had a try for the SaberCats and a conversion in the first half by A.J. Alatimu. Alatimu added a try in the second half, but the Hounds kept their narrow edge with a penalty goal from Chris Hilsenbeck to beat the banged-up SaberCats. > “It was a very scrappy sort of game,” team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “It was raining here in Chicago and it was very wet, a lot of kicking involved. We just weren’t desperate enough at times. It was disappointing. We’re looking to improve in general. We got caught a little flat. It was unfortunate.” The 15-12 defeat impacts the SaberCats’ opportunity to earn homefield advantage in the playoffs, but they still have a chance to earn the second seed in the Western Conference division. The SaberCats are 9-6 overall with 49 points, two less than RFC Los Angeles, who’s 8-1-6 and have 50 points, and the Utah Warriors, who are 10-5 and have 53 points to lead the Western Conference. The SaberCats have a home match against Anthem RC on Sunday. They are winless at 0-15. > “Obviously, we were trying to get that win,” Den Hoedt said. “It would have been nice to finish first, but we still have a chance to finish second. We’ve just got to take care of our job. Obviously, this game was a very important one. If we can finish second, that would be good for the playoffs. We’ve got to win the game.” Alatimu (seven points) and Anae-Ah Sue (five points) scored all of the SaberCats’ points. Max Schumacher led the SaberCats with 14 carries, followed by nine for Anae-Ah Sue. Schumacher led the squad with 55 meters made, followed by 40 for Marno Redelinghuys as he returned to action. Jay Renton led the team with 34 passes. And Johan Momsen led the team with 14 tackles, three more than Redelinghuys. > “We just lacked a lot of energy to begin the game,” Den Hoedt said. “We were flat. That’s not really the way we like to start the game. It’s definitely something we need to work on and improve coming from this game for the weekend.”

By Aaron Wilson For the Houston SaberCats, qualifying for the playoffs isn’t being taken for granted. It hasn’t been easy shifting into the role of the hunted after earning the top seed in the Major League Rugby playoffs a year ago. The SaberCats don’t fly under the radar. At all. They get every opponent’s best shot. Nonetheless, the 9-5 SaberCats have already punched their ticket to the postseason for the fourth consecutive year and winning season. Now, they’re determined to finish strong as they prepare for a Wednesday night road match against the Chicago Hounds. The SaberCats still have an opportunity to earn home-field advantage in the playoffs should they win their final two matches of the regular season. > “It feels great to be a playoff squad again,” veteran prop LaRome White said. “It’s cool seeing the boys come back and we’re close to the same result as last year. Going to the playoffs is always a big deal because the last two teams in the divisions don’t make it. > > “We’ve had another good season. It’s another good showing, but the job isn’t done. Even though we get to go to the playoffs again, we’ve got to make it to the championship. We’re going for the Shield.” The elusive Shield of Major League Rugby is difficult to achieve. It’s the stated goal of the SaberCats, and it’s been their singular focus for years as they’ve built a consistent winning culture. The SaberCats, who will hold a watch party for fans at Platypus Brewing for this match, host Anthem RC on Sunday at 7 p.m. for the final home regular-season match of the season. > “We’re absolutely very aare that we’ve got two tough games coming up,” team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “It’s very important.” > > The SaberCats are hopeful of getting back some key players for injuries heading into the playoffs. > > “We have quite a few guys injured, but getting them back for the playoffs is huge,” White said. ‘We’ve taken some injuries, but we have so much depth it doesn’t matter. The next guy steps up and is just as good.” Depth has certainly been tested, but the SaberCats built their roster for moments like this one. Should the SaberCats earn home-field advantage in the playoffs they can enjoy the support they receive at their home stadium for ‘Experience it Live’ moments. > “It’s a big focus trying to get that No. 1 spot,” White said. “The crowd makes a huge difference. We get teams that aren’t used to playing in the weather we train in. A lot of teams aren’t used to the humidity and heat. This is where we live. We use the city of Houston to our advantage.”

By Aaron Wilson Inside the Houston SaberCats’ locker room, veteran coach Pote Human delivered a strong message after a narrow loss to the Seattle Seawolves. Human told the defending Western Conference division champions that it’s time to finish strong for the stretch run heading into the playoffs. > “That was the message from Pote after the game,” prop Pono Davis said. “He saw the effort. He just wants us to enjoy our bye week and get ready for our last two games and be prepared.” The SaberCats are 9-5 with two remaining games in the regular season and making a push for another postseason appearance. They return from a bye week and have a Wednesday night match on the road against the Chicago Hounds. The leadership of Human is instrumental for the SaberCats. This marks his fourth season in Houston. Human is running the show for a talented squad that has endured and overcome injuries and some inconsistent performances and are now poised to compete for the Major League Rugby shield. > “I just want to treat them like my own kids because this is my family,” Human said. “My family is back in South Africa, and this is my family. I look after these guys. I’m a player’s coach. I know what they need and what they want, and I want to make them happy.” Winning certain breeds happiness. It’s an ultra-successful approach as Human, a former Super Rugby Bulls coach as well as Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup, takes on the challenge of chasing the Major League Rugby shield that has eluded the SaberCats in the past. This marks the SaberCats’ ‘ fourth consecutive winning seasons under the leadership of Human and have fans enjoy the ‘Experience it Live,’ atmosphere at their home games. > “He’s like the grandpa of the team,” Dom Akina said. “He really takes care of us. The culture is very strong in the team. All the boys, we’re all connected to each other.” The growth of the franchise has been on full display throughout the past three seasons. > “For us, it’s not about the coach or one player, it’s everybody together,” Human said. “We have a family. That’s what we know, to play as one. These guys really enjoy each other’s company and play together.” From a culture standpoint, a close-knit team spends a lot of time together on and off the field. The players and organization is leaning on Human for this pivotal moment. > “It’s massive, honestly, to have a coach like that,” team captain Nathan Den Hoedt said. “There are highs and lows. We’ve experienced a lot. So, he makes a big difference. He keeps us very levelheaded. You can’t get too high or too low. It definitely helps the team having a coach with that much experience.” Being able to count on Human’s vast experience as a coach provides a significant boost to the team’s spirits and overall outlook. > “All the players love him,” Den Hoedt said. “He’s really good.”