Wheeling, W. Va. - The last time that the Wheeling University Men's Rugby team (5-0) brought 7's Rugby to Bishop Schmitt Field was back during the 2022 7's season. On Saturday, the sport is making its return after a three-year hiatus as the team brings back its Nail City 7's Tournament. The Cardinals will be playing host to 12 different schools across the day-long event, and look to bring home their second 7's Tournament Championship of the season.
Last time out, the Cardinals headed down to Atlanta, Georgia to play in the Peach Cup 7's Qualifier for the Collegiate Rugby Championships (CRC) National 7's Tournament. It wouldn't be an easy day for the Cardinals, who had to face a Notre Dame team that they played in the Quarterfinals of the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) playoffs during 15's season. However, the Cardinals were up to the challenge, holding the Fighting Irish to five points in a 41-5 victory. The Cardinal defense was strong throughout the day, holding the opposition to single tries throughout the effort. Wheeling would pick up three more wins over Alabama, Belmont Abbey, and Tennessee, and would face Indiana in the tournament Championship. The Cardinal offense continued its strong play, securing a 38-7 victory to claim their first 7's Tournament title of the season.
After bursting onto the scene during last year's 7's season, Shadreck Mandaza got his 2025 7's season started with a bang. The sophomore led the team with 11 tries throughout the day, while also being the team's leader in the kicking game, going 10-15 on conversion kicks. His biggest effort of the day came in the final pool play game, when he totaled 24 of the team's 43 points. In that game, Mandaza would finish with four tries and one conversion kick, solidifying the team's spot in the tournament championship match. In that championship match, Mandaza would keep the success going, adding one more try and two more conversion kicks to add nine points. Mandaza will continue to play a key role throughout 7's season, using his speed and explosiveness to lead the way.
Finishing right behind him was Panashe Mugorgodi, who kept his success from 15's season right on going in 7's. He would total six tries across the five games, including a multi-try effort in the championship match. In the championship match, Mugorgodi would be the Cardinals leading scorer, finishing with two tries and 10 points in the effort. Mugorgodi finished the 15's season with eight tries and 40 total points, coming back from injury to lead the Cardinals in the postseason. Rounding out the day for the Cardinals was Ayoub Jalli, who finished fourth in the team with 23 points, but was the team's second leading kicker. The senior would finish 4-7 on conversion kicks on the day, and added three tries. Jalli missed the 2024 7's season and looks to be a big part of the Caridnal's success in 2025.
The 2025 Nail City 7's tournament will feature 14 different teams from across 12 schools coming to Bishop Schmitt Field. All games will be played in the main stadium at Bishop Schmitt Field, with first games beginning at noon. Among the teams in competition will be Notre Dame University, Fredonja, Augusta, Geneva College, Franciscan, Slippery Rock, Otterbein College, Marian, Indiana Tech, Oberlin College, and Virginia Tech. The games will feature seven minute halves, separated by a two-minute halftime for the teams to regroup. Each team will be guaranteed four games on the day, with the four games determining who will make the tournament semifinal and championship matches. The Cardinals look to keep their success going and take home the title in their second tournament of the season.
Tournament Info
The 2025 Nail City 7's will be hosted at Bishop Schmitt Field with matches beginning at 12 PM. All stadium games will be streamed live on MEC.TV and will have in-game scoring coverage. The day will begin with Wheeling's B side against St. Bonaventure's B side at noon and will run through the championship game at 7 PM. Admission for the event is free and teams can bring their own team tents and align anywhere on the far side of the field.
The Details
The Nail City 7's are set to kick-off on Saturday, March 22nd, with the first match at noon. Watch all in-stadium games live by clicking HERE.
